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Step 1
Understand that not all essential oils can be used while breastfeeding. All the oils considered safe to use when pregnant can be safely used while breastfeeding. See Tips below for a list of safe oils.
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Step 2
Research the oil you would like to use. You may have situations with your health or your baby’s that, even though the oil is safe to use, it may not be safe for your current situation. It’s best to err on the side of caution so that no harm will come to you or your baby because some of the components of the essential oils can be passed through the milk.
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Step 3
Choose how you want to use the oils: bath, shower, massage or in a room with a diffuser, humidifier, room spray or water bowl. It’s best to start with a bath, shower or massage oil when the baby is under a year. Room spray or water bowls can be used once the baby is over 6 months, since the amount of oil released into the air is a small amount. Once the baby is over a year, diffusers and humidifiers can be used in the same room since a continuous amount of essential oil is always being released.
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Step 4
Use a safe dilution of essential oils. While breastfeeding you should use a dilution of 1 to 2%. To mix the correct dilution--for every ounce of base (lotion, oil, salts) you should use no more than 5 to 10 drops of essential oil. Start with 5 drops and work to 10 drops if more essential oil is desired.
