“Holistic” can mean different things to different people, but is generally defined as taking into account the whole person, including mental and social factors, rather than focusing only on the physical aspects. “Holistic” typically also means utilizing multiple methods, including natural forms of care. When it comes to supporting a healthy pregnancy, there are three key elements of a holistic approach: nutrition first and foremost, regular chiropractic care, and the use of essential oils and other natural supplements. Acupuncture can also be helpful in certain situations.
Nutrition
Nutrition is the foundation for a healthy pregnancy, mom and baby. It’s best to eat a healthy, whole-foods diet, including 80-100 grams of protein daily, and eliminating processed foods and ingredients as much as possible. Protein consumption is vital to maintaining appropriate cardiovascular and kidney function throughout pregnancy. If you only do one thing for your pregnancy, make sure to eat enough protein. Take a Probiotic Defense Formula daily, as well, and avoid sugar, especially the processed white sugar found in many foods. Many of these recommendations come from the Brewer Diet, which I highly recommend. You may also want to consult a nutritionist for an evaluation of your health and diet, and to discuss additional specific changes you could make for you and your baby to be in the best health. Remember: everything that goes into your mouth also feeds your baby.
There is substantial evidence that suggests a mother’s physical and mental wellness during pregnancy can affect not only the outcome of her pregnancy but her baby’s well-being, also. ~Stephanie Fritz, LM, CPM
Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care can help a mother maintain a healthy pregnancy and be more comfortable as her body changes, and is proven to ease delivery and shorten labor time by balancing the pelvis and preparing the pelvic floor. My senior thesis in chiropractic school was a pilot study on this topic, with telling results. Different chiropractors practice a variety of techniques, so it’s important to find one trained in the Webster Technique when seeking treatment during pregnancy. The pilot study I worked on evaluated the effects of weekly adjustments, but your chiropractor will determine how frequently you need to be adjusted based on your individual circumstances. The International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA) offers an online tool to help you find a chiropractor certified in the Webster Technique.
Some chiropractors also offer acupuncture, which isn’t always necessary for a healthy pregnancy, but can be particularly beneficial for fertility support, and when a baby is in a breech position as labor and delivery nears.
Essential Oils
Is it safe to use essential oils while pregnant? There is no one answer to this question, because every aromatherapist has his or her own opinion. It is unethical to conduct most kinds of research studies on pregnant women, so the vast majority of evidence is anecdotal in nature, rather than formally collected in a specific environment and compared to a “control” group. The essential oil brand we recommend is on the forefront of essential oil research and has made this statement: “There are no specific reasons or contraindications that we know of that pregnant or breastfeeding women should not use our essential oils and have not found any issues in this regard. We always recommend that pregnant women or people under a physician’s care consult their doctor before using new products.” [italics added] However, there is evidence that essential oil molecules can cross the placenta and reach the baby. I tend to take a more conservative approach to essential oil use during pregnancy, but I encourage everyone to research multiple sources and work with your care provider to decide what is appropriate for you and what you are comfortable with.
For the most part, essential oils are very safe and gentle, with few side effects. But first, let’s discuss a few safety guidelines. Essential oils and natural supplements are not regulated in the U.S., so make sure to research the brand you choose very well. Not all essential oils are equal, which is why I only use one particular brand. They are very picky about sourcing, and do the most third-party testing in the industry to ensure the essential oils are pure and safe, with no contaminants or synthetic residues.
When using high-quality, pure essential oils, skin sensitivity is the primary safety issue, but still keep them out of the eyes, ears, and nose. Dilute with carrier oil, not water. Oil and water don’t mix, so water will actually drive in an essential oil, rather than slowing its absorption into the skin. Follow all label directions: is a particular oil best used aromatically, topically, and/or internally? Does the label state the essential oil can be applied topically with no dilution (neat), should be diluted for young or sensitive skin, or should be diluted for all skin types to avoid adverse reactions? For pregnancy, I dilute more heavily than I would when not pregnant, which includes diluting essential oils I might use neat at other times.
There is some disagreement regarding which essential oils are safe during pregnancy and which are not. For this reason, it is important to do your own research, cross-reference sources, and understand why some may consider a particular essential oil unsafe in certain circumstances. For example, many sources cite Clary Sage as a uterine stimulant. Toward the end of pregnancy, it becomes less risky to use Clary Sage as the onset of natural labor nears.
Oils generally considered safe for pregnancy include Tangerine, Mandarin (Orange), Grapefruit, Geranium, Roman Chamomile, Rose, Jasmine, Ylang Ylang, and Lavender
Oils most often referred to as unsuitable for pregnancy are Wintergreen, Clary Sage, Rosemary, Cinnamon Bark, and Cassia. At times, I may use some of these oils in a blend during pregnancy, since the amount of the individual oils in each drop of the blend is reduced. And I further dilute the blend with carrier, so I am actually using only a tiny amount of each individual essential oil. But I generally reserve use of such blends for when I feel the situation presents an immediate and short-term need. I do not recommend using any of these essential oils on a regular basis, or individually, during pregnancy.
Some consider the following essential oils unsafe during pregnancy, but others disagree: Cypress, Fennel, Myrrh, and Oregano. Again, when considering any essential oil or supplement during pregnancy, it is important to do your own research, consider the source, and gain an understanding of the recommendations, then work with your care provider to determine whether it’s appropriate for you to use these specific essential oils.
In the next post, see my recommendations for specific ways to use nutrition, chiropractic/acupuncture care, essential oils and other natural supplements for a healthy pregnancy, birth, and baby!
Alicia Brooks is a mom of 6 boys and a Webster-trained chiropractor specializing in pregnancy. Certified for the Spinning Babies technique, she served as a doula for 7 years and a midwifery assistant for 2 years. She currently teaches Aromatherapy as well as Anatomy and Physiology for Obstetrics at Midwives College of Utah.
Written by Joan Cosas based on the Wellness Jumpstart presentation on January 23, 2016, as well as additional consultation with Alicia Brooks.