Nursing oil or lactation oil: effect and application
The nursing oil can help stimulate your milk production when you are breastfeeding. Here you will learn how best to use the oil.
The nursing oil
Since nursing oil is usually produced on the basis of almond oil, it is also well tolerated by babies in low concentrations. In a composition of anise, fennel, coriander, rose, cumin, lavender and carrot seeds, the nursing oil can stimulate the blood circulation of the breast tissue and thus promote milk production. In small doses, these ingredients also stimulate your baby’s digestion.
Go to application
You can use the nursing oil up to three times a day and massage into the breast for about 10-15 minutes. 4-10 drops are enough. As a rule, a warm feeling spreads in the chest. You should make sure that you leave out the nipples when massaging so that your baby does not absorb too much of the oil later when breastfeeding. Breastfeeding oils are already available from a price of six euros.
Oils in the context of aromatherapy
The effect of oils in aromatherapy has not been scientifically proven, but many women and midwives swear by their effects. Real essential oils are used. Their use can provide relaxation especially for insecure and stressed mothers and thus indirectly increase the milk flow. Essential oils can be used as part of bath products (it’s best to ask your midwife for suitable mixtures and products). Most often, however, they are used as an oil additive in an aroma lamp. No matter which application you choose, you should make sure that you only use the oils when your newborn is not around. Smells that are too strong can irritate his sense of smell. The following oils are recommended for pregnant women and mothers:
- For the “nest feeling”: Tonka, benzoin, mimosa, cocoa, broom
- For a cheerful mood: tangerine, honey, jasmine, sandalwood, daffodil, petit grain, coriander, vanilla, clementine, rose geranium
- For a relaxed feeling: neroli, cedar, vanilla, lemon balm
Aromatherapies for newborns
After birth, in addition to the breastfeeding oil described above, only the scents of myrtle, Roman chamomile and rose are initially suitable. They also have a calming effect on your baby. Other essential oils are not suitable for your child in the first few weeks. Your baby’s sense of smell is still in the development phase and could be overused and irritated by other essential oils. You should also refrain from strong perfumes and perfumed washing lotions during this time so that your child gets used to your natural “mother smell”.
Aromatherapies after the neonatal period
After the end of the neonatal period, you can also use other oils for your fragrance lamp. The following oils are suitable in small doses (maximum 2 to 3 drops) in the context of fragrance mixtures:
- To fall asleep: lavender extra, Swiss stone pine, fennel, orange
- To calm down: Roman chamomile, sandalwood, tangerine, honey
- For digestive control: fennel and caraway, anise, carrot seeds, coriander, cumin, rose
Before you buy essential oils, it is advisable to pay attention to the remaining ingredients and to consult with your midwife, pediatrician or lactation consultant.