As a mother of four and dōTERRA Wellness Advocate, Eeleah keeps her family healthy by integrating essential oils into the daily life. In this interview she tells us about how she uses essential oils and gives us an insight into motherhood, birth, breast feeding, and life with newborn twins.
*Please note the article contains advertisement on essential oils. The interviewer did not receive any funds. Please consult your medical doctor before using essential oils. For the proper application and use, consult an expert on essential oils.
“Breast feeding is hard. You would think that third time through I would “know what I’m doing” and have no issues. But the truth is, babies have to learn, too and each baby is different. It takes so much perseverance.”
Anja: Eeleah, which oils help create a homey environment?
Eeleah: I really love to follow my intuition. When I’m fatigued, I use peppermint and wild orange. When stressed, I lean towards floral oils and blends. I also love using oils topically to help with mood management. The more you get in the habit of diffusing and smelling oils for different moods and needs, the more your intuition develops. Tree oils are beautiful at creating a sense of calm.
Letting go of your expectations and teaming up with your husband
Anja: Your youngest-ones, the twins, are just five months old. How do you cope with sleep, energy, breast feeding in every day life? I guess it’s not only with oils?
Eeleah: Haha, no. Life is a bit crazy! We have two older children, as well so routine is our lifesaver! I have the support of my husband who is home full time until March, so we tag team every feed and he is a huge help with all the demands. The first three months were very challenging physically and emotionally. But we did it together and also we are glad it’s over! Every stage has its challenges and rewards. I can’t get enough of baby smiles. We supplement with formula as I don’t have enough milk supply for both babies – this was a huge learning curve and a sort of letting go of my expectations. But it’s worked out for the better as my husband is able to be a part of every feeding. Communicating our needs and receiving support from our community family, and church has also been essential
To be a mother also means to ask for help and struggle with breast feeding
Anja: Describe the help you had after the twins were born. Is this something you recommend to new mothers?
Eeleah: My husband is home on extended pat-leave since we don’t have family who lives close by. I also tap into my community for support. We are so thankful for friends-like-family to come bring meals, clean up the house a bit, take the older girls out. Every small thing helps. With my other two pregnancies, I didn’t ask for enough help and struggled. Asking for help isn’t easy but it is necessary.
“I found my twin delivery to be the hardest, the longest recovery, and the most physically challenging.”
Post-partum depression is a real thing and having the right kind of support to alleviate pressures makes a huge difference. I had a doula during my labour, which was also helpful. I used midwives for my first deliveries, but with this being a twin delivery, it was quite a difference experience in the hospital. I’ve learned that there’s no use in appearing like you have life all together. Being vulnerable and asking for specific help, is worth it. People want to help. Accept it. Ask for it.
Four children, three birth experiences
Anja: How were your three birth experiences?
Eeleah: All three pregnancies were different! The first delivery was drug-free with a midwife in a hospital. The second was a home birth, and the third was a twin-birth in the operating room with induction and epidural. So many different experiences! It helps me understand and empathize with others. I found my home birth to be the fastest recovery and the most relaxing. I found my twin delivery to be the hardest, the longest recovery, and the most physically challenging. Emotionally, all three pregnancies had their challenges, but I would say my twin pregnancy was the hardest because of the shock of discovering we were having twins! I was also on bedrest through the whole summer. In the end, I’m thankful for four healthy children and thankful my body was able to carry all to full term. I know not everyone has that as a blessing.
“Every stage has its challenges and rewards. I can’t get enough of baby smiles.”
Anja: Is there an oil that gives you a little boost when your energy is too low but you have to get up and feed the babies. Would you also recommend it to other mothers?
Eeleah: Apart from napping at least once a day while they nap, definitely I rely on the right quality supplements, nutrition and oils for energy. As far as oils are concerned, I enjoy citrus oils a lot! Floral and citrus oils are nice combos as well – I like a blend called Adaptiv and also lavender and wild orange mixed. Spicy too like cinnamon, ginger and cassia! Something to awake the senses! Everyone has different “noses” and will like different things. That’s the beauty of oils.
The truth about breast feeding
Anja: As an experienced mother do you say that breast feeding always easy? What is your experience with it?
Eeleah: Breast feeding is hard. I struggled with all four kids. This recent experience was the hardest. You would think that third time through I would “know what I’m doing” and have no issues. But the truth is, babies have to learn, too and each baby is different. It takes so much perseverance. I had incredible pain that I had to endure and figure out. If it wasn’t for the support of several lactation consultants for each baby, I don’t think I would have stuck it out.
“I learn patience, to slow down and take in the tiny moments, because they pass. As they say, the nights are long but the years are short.”
I find breast feeding to be harder than pregnancy and delivery. Support, care, advice – these are needed for most and not everyone gets that. Latch issues, feeling emotionally and physically draining, nipple pain, vasospasms, mastitis, blocked ducts, late onset milk supply – you name it, and I’ve almost endured it. Again, I’m able to empathize with other mamas who go through it and offer support. I have received, so I love to give back.
Children remind us of the most important things in life
Anja: What do you learn from your children?
Eeleah: I learn patience. I learn to slow down and take in the tiny moments, because they pass. As they say, the nights are long but the years are short. Everyday routines and the monotony of feedings and sleeping and housework can be exhausting. Finding moments for myself to be me, work on my business, read a book, be creative, connect with people can help to recharge and refocus me. Children remind us what is most important in life and to slow down and treasure it.
“Lavender is extremely versatile for skin, mood, sleep, stress and hair.”
Anja: Are essential oils safe for children?
Eeleah: Yes. With guidelines, support and with the right brand. Over 85% of oils on the market have been adulterated with synthetics and/or chemicals. This is a huge problem because it makes for adverse reactions and confusion in our body’s many systems and cells. There are also specific dilution guidelines to follow with for babies and children. But with the right brand, the right guidance and support, using oils with kids and pregnancy is such a joy!
Oil blends for mood, skin and sleep
Anja: Which oils do you use to support your children?
Eeleah: I love to use immune support blends like OnGuard or Stronger daily for topical support. I also love a blend called Easy Air for my older girls to break up mucous. Lime and tea tree are also great oils to help with congestion as well. We have a tummy tamer oil we use for tummy aches. My girls have their own kids collection of oil blends they use for skin, sleep and mood. I love adding oils to their bath for a detox along with epson salts and baking soda. I make my own cough rub and diffuse in their room as well; it is helpful. Every home needs a diffuser.
Anja: Is there an “evergreen oil” everyone should have, summer and winter?
Eeleah: Lavender for sure it is extremely versatile for skin, mood, sleep, stress andhair. Lemon for cleaning and mood. Frankincense for cellular support, immune support, and minor skin issues. It is very hard to nail it down to just one!
“I’ve learned that there’s no use in appearing like you have life all together. Being vulnerable and asking for specific help, is worth it. People want to help. Accept it. Ask for it.”
Thank you for the interview.
Follow Eeleah on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oilsandpoise/