aromatherapy during birth

[I AM A TROLLey -LOL-]

Hi all
My sister is due to give birth around the beginning of Feb and she has asked me to be her birth partner. I practice massage and reiki, so will be using these to help her during labour. I was wondering whether i could add to the massage by using aromatherapy oils and if so which do you recommend? Is it safe?
Thanks for your help,
Brigid
xxx

 

[K_M]

Hi

I used a blend of clary sage and jasmine for abdominal and lower back massage during labour. Both are great to use as they are toning to the uterus and help strengthen contractions (this is a good thing!). They are also deeply feminine oils and this is a time when women really do reach their primal inner selves - making the combination extremely potent and profound. I also had frankincense, lavender and lemongrass in my aromastream. She could also use 4 drops of clary sage (diluted in a tablespoon of milk) in the bath when labour starts to help keep things going nice and strong.

Additionally, my lovely husband put drops of ginger and/or lemon onto a tissue when I was feeling nauseous for me to inhale. He did the same with frankincense if I was feeling a little panicky or emotionally overloaded. Frankincense is a beautiful oil for labour because it has an affinity with the chest and lungs - making it ideal for supporting breathing techniques. It also encourages the individual to look forward to new beginnings - helpful when you feel stuck in labour hell!

One thing I will say is be prepared for your sister to find all aromas too much in labour. There are many women who report a real aversion to specific aromas during labour - even if they loved them beforehand. She may also decide she cant bear anyone to be near her or touch her. I clearly remember telling my lovely husband where to stick the frankincense during one particularly harsh contraction!! I would therefore take along some unadulterated base oil just in case.

Remember that you still need to work at 1% blend strength (thats 2 drops of essential oil per 10 mls of base oil).

Can I also suggest taking arnica tablets once the contractions start? It amazed me how much I ached after my first labour - like I had run a marathon! With my second, I took arnica from the outset and it made a huge difference.

I'm sure others have plenty of ideas for you

All the best!

Kate

 

[HelpMee]

I've got to agree with litsea cubea, sense of smell and touch goes ALL over the place during labour (and pregnancy for that matter). Just because a foot rub 10min ago felt great does not mean it will feel great in 5min time, NOTHING is by the rules, anything can happen and it is OK, you need to be flexible in what you think needs to be done, you have to be guided by the mother, and there will be "get away", "rub my shoulders", "leave me alone", "could you rub my feet please?"all in in a matter of minutes.

 

[Karma of the Poodle]

Hi Kate and Cola
Thanks for your advice.
I love frankincense too Kate, so I hope she'll think that ones a good idea.
I know that she might not want any inout from me on the day, she might decide that having my hands all over her back is the last thing in the world she feels like! But i would like to be prepared to offer whatever she feels like. Taking plain oil is a very good idea kate, I wouldn't have thought of that.
Thanks again,
Brigid

 

[orlenda]

I've had quite a bit of experience blending for women in labour (as an Aromatherapist & Midwife). Clary Sage and Jasmine are highly recommended - as uterine tonic and parturant oils. Work out a blend together when she gets to 37+ weeks as prefences do change with the hormones throughout pregnancy! I find most women find Clary very acceptable in late pregnancy and labour even if they dislike it at other times. Jasmine is often a love it or hate it smell and it is SO important that she loves the smell or else it WILL end up in the bin! Rose can be a good alternative - it's very in tune with womens emotions. I have often used Bergamot and or Patchouli (or similar) in a labour blend for their uplifting, chill out qualities 'cos labouring women can get pretty fed up! Mix the blend at 1% - 1 drop to 5ml base oil - it's strong enough for pregnant women's sense of smell and is preferential for the baby to be subject to a lower dilution. Essential oils are not recommended in a birthing pool (basically risking undiluted oils getting in babies eyes) but are fine in a warm bath during 1st stage labour. I agree with the arnica recommendation - good in late 1st stage and 2nd when she feels exhausted and then afterwards to reduce bruising ascosiated with delivery. I also recommend Rescue Remedy - add to the water that you're both sipping throughout! - Helps you both cope feel more in control. Can't think of anything else, but any questions get back to me.

Vetiveria