Gentle Babies: Essential Oils and Natural Remedies for Pregnancy, Childbirth, Infants and Young Children

by Debra Raybern

Combining two decades of professional knowledge with tried-and-true techniques and first-hand testimonials, the author has compiled this insightful and easy to follow guide benefiting both experienced and first-time mothers. In addition, the book contains an introduction to therapeutic-grade essential oils and applications and provides safety information and a section on discerning the quality of essential oils. Every family taking proactive steps to better health should have this resource in their home library. "This is the first and only book we recommend specifically for mothers and expectant women. Every family needs this book." - Dr. David and Lee Stewart, authors of Safe Alternatives in Childbirth, Five Standards for Safe Childbearing, Healing Oils of the Bible and The Chemistry of Essential Oils Made Simple. "I recommend this book to everyone I know, especially those proactively supporting the health of their children and grandchildren. It is my hope that every household will own this book and every child may benefit from the information on the use of therapeutic-grade essential oils." - Jamie Hyatt, R.N., F.C.C.I., B.C.R.S., L.S.H.

Genres: Health, Parenting, Reference, Nonfiction

116 pages, Unknown Binding

First published January 1, 2010

Reviews

[Erin · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is clearly written by someone who sells Young Living essential oils, and those are the specific blends recommended throughout the book. That is fine. That is not the problem I have with this book. The problem I have is the overall lack of safety precautions. Actually, some of this advice is downright dangerous. Please do some research on safety before following the advice in this book.

[Melisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great resource for using essential oils during pregnancy, childbirth and with small children. I use this confidently as a reference with my Young Living oils.

[Christine Wachter · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is a terrible book full of very unsafe guidelines. I didn't realize when I bought it that it's basically a brochure for one specific MLM essential oil company and doesn't actually contain any research-based information. It recommends using particular essential oils on babies that are known to cause respiratory distress in young children, among many other things. I would not recommend it to anyone.

[Rosa DA · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book guides you in what oils you should use on pregnant women, mom, babies and kids to heal different ailments.

[Jen Austin · Rating 1 out of 5]

I’m looking for science related to essential oils not “use God’s plants”....

[Chelsey with a y · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. It was jam packed with information on using oils in pregnancy and on babies and children. A big section of this book was going through different ailments and common things babies and mothers can get and what oils to use and how to use them to support with those things. I’m so glad there is natural things I can use on myself and baby to help. There were a few things I wouldn’t do like using oils undiluted on a baby or a few oils I wouldn’t use on a baby or myself while pregnant but I just adjust those recipes to suit me and what I’m comfortable with.

[Jordan Carlson · Rating 3 out of 5]

[i need another half star! would rate this 3.5/5!]

This is a very handy reference for EOs and I was happy to acquaint myself with some natural remedies and recommendations for various needs during pregnancy/infancy/childhood/motherhood.

The distinct YL perspective was somewhat distasteful to me since I prefer a different brand, but that doesn't render this book less useful -just a little annoying! :) Also there were pieces of her theology implied that I am not entirely understanding/comfortable with.

[Leslie Wetzel-Moldenauer · Rating 1 out of 5]

I would not recommend this book. It is not up to date in regards to safety. Leave this one on the shelf.

[Kristen · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is just okay. A friend had leant it to me several years ago and I found it helpful at that time. I recently purchased a used copy because I wanted to review some of the remedies for winter illnesses since my kids seem to bring home every single pathogen from school these days. This book is sort of a quick and dirty reference for someone who does not wish to or does not have the time to read something more in depth about essential oils. While the author does include a brief list in the beginning of oils that are generally agreed upon as safe for children, she then goes on to include a myriad of recipes that include other oils that are a bit controversial for use with children. I'm not a new user, so I can easily filter through these things, and take the recipes and usage stories with a grain of salt. It's more like ideas of what to use than a useful guide for me. Having said that, there were a couple oil suggestions that I was curious about so decided to read more about, such as mountain savory and ravintsara. There seems to be a disconnect between the herbalism world and the aromatherapy world, and I think it would help to learn more about the plants themselves.
Also, as other reviewers stated, this book is really written for YL users. However, none of the KidScents blends or products are mentioned in this book.

[Trista · Rating 1 out of 5]

This entire book seems like YL propaganda targeted towards new mothers with incredibly unsafe advice. Please never use essential oils neat, especially on babies (as this book recommends). It also seems to blame any possible reactions from essential oils on anything except what reactions actually are- sensitivities or allergies to essential oils. Which yes, can happen even with YL oils. It has recommendations to ingest essential oils while pregnant, and even rub essential oils in your baby's mouth.

This book preys on new mothers who are looking for natural solutions, offers poor advice most of the time, and ignores that there are safeties behind using essential oils and the potential to have negative reactions (just like with anything in life). You will do much better to find a more trusted source for your natural solutions, as this book doesn't even list references to the claims it is making. If you're going to claim "thousands have done this and it's fine" then at least cite legitimate sources backing that claim up.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you've ever been curious about using oils but didn't know how to use them with your young children or during pregnancy, this book is for you!

I don't have kids and I'm no where close to having them but I have family and friends with kids and I want to be able to support them in the best way possible when they come to me with questions about using essential oils and other Young Living products.

I do suggest, if you haven't already, that you get the 10th anniversary edition as this one does not have some of the newer products and oil blends YL has to offer.

I borrowed this copy from the library but I will be buying a copy of the 10th anniversary edition to keep on hand as a reference for myself and to share with others.

[Anna Joch · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book for those who new to essential oil's world and willing to give a try, especially focus on mom and baby. Read all pages from beginning, you'll learn how suppose to deal with essential oil, how to do a treatment, etc. It explains also some common illness that can be helped by essential oil.

[Corina Markovich · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love/hate? I use YL oils and love them but this book felt very preachy towards YL. Not that it advertised any differently lol so I kinda can’t be mad. That said, I did really enjoy the different topics covered and all of the recipes. I know it’ll come in handy! 3 ⭐️’s for the valuable info I’ll use going forward.

[Emilie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great source of information for first time moms and also for moms of littles looking to expand their knowledge of naturally caring for their children. My only critique is the format is not well suited to millennial readers and there were a lot of typos.

[Allison · Rating 3 out of 5]

Be warned: strictly for Young Living oil users.

I prefer a different brand and I bought this for the remedies thinking I could substitute. But it would be impossible. It’s more than oils, it’s all young Living products.

[Mandy]

Such great information on how to use essential oils during and after pregnancy. I've used this book multiple times when I've needed a remedy for one of my children or myself. This is a must have for any parent who uses essential oils in their home!

[Amanda Amis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book! Yes, it very much is promoting YL but if you do your research and understand what sets YL apart from others you’ll understand why! Highly recommend this book! There are a few typos, granted, but the information is very helpful!

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book for parents (and grandparents) of new little ones on the use of Young Living Essential Oils. I highly recommend it.

[Alayna Dafforn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is very helpful for those who are new to oils, especially pregnant or with young children. This will be a lifesaver when my little one comes in December!

[Carissa Beard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great information in this book. Formatting was distracting, and I felt the organization of the information could be improved, but overall, definitely worth my time to read.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book hands down was one the best to help me feel more confident using oils safely. Debra does a terrific job sharing recipes and ideas that mothers can use without being pushy. My favourite reoccurring theme throughout her book that it is ultimately up to each individual to do their own research when using oils. No one is responsible for what and how to use oils except for you. I could keep going on, but I will recommend every oily mother to read this book!

[Carlie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This books is a great way to get introduced to Essential Oils for your family.

[Megan Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this book very easy to read and follow

[Miriam Joy Shoemaker]

A great resource for uses of essential oils from YL. I earmarked and highlighted many tools for present and future use.

[Suzanne Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Use this CONSTANTLY! Absolutely love and recommend.

[Anna Watkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Go to resource for EOs and babies

[Mrs. Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've used YL EOs for about a year now and love them. Now that I'm pregnant, I wanted to know what would be safe to use throughout pregnancy and with a baby. This book has great information, and uses for oils. I only wish it had an easy-to-reference list of oils to use sparingly/not at all during pregnancy.

[Noelani · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book for its useful information and for supporting my decision to wait until my baby is older to start using oils. It was emphasized in the book that if I'm vaccinating my baby, then essential oils aren't recommended as it could cause a detoxifying effect. I don't want that. I want the vaccines to stay in!
I was leaning towards waiting anyway until my baby's lungs and other organs were a bit more developed before introducing aroma and topical therapy. The book also mentions in so many words to listen to my gut, and my gut says wait.
With that being said, I am awaiting the day until she's older and our family is ready to use the oils!!

[Linda]

Although this book contains some good information, I'm skeptical of a book that states that all oils are safe for pregnancy when I've read so much literature to the contrary. The grammatical errors are a major distraction from the material - not to mention this is the fifth edition, so perhaps the editing should be much better. Also, nothing on the cover indicated that religion would be such a large part of the book. It doesn't necessarily matter to me but I thought it was strange for an informative health guide.

[Chelsey Buttrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book as far as knowing how to use oil's for pregnancy childbirth kids and babies. There is an extra spot in the back with the notes pages you can write down the blends and stuff that work for your family.it's a great book for those that are beginning in their oil journey or those that are pregnant and seeking which Young living oils they can use.