Aromatherapy during labour

[Milk_Monkey]

I've heard that aromatherapy can help during labour.

Can anyone reccomend any sites/books that can tell me what oils assist most, for what, and how best to use them?

[Funkychicken]

If you carry oils yourself you can make quite a few different blends. But if you are looking for some pre-mixed blends, visit your local health food store. They will carry blends and will most likely have someone who can assist you properly too.

There are many oils to avoid during pregnancy but once labour has begun, this will change.

A lovely blend is Lavender, Mandarin, Sandalwood and Ylang Ylang essential oils.

A great reference book is The Fragrant Pharmacy.

Another great book that I highly recommend is called Alternative Maternity. You can buy it online at

http://www.bookshops.com.au/book/3116/1828623

AND HERE (http://www.amazon.com/ALTERNATIVE-MATERNITY-HEALTH-S/dp/0356210774/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1204156768&sr=8-1)

If you plan on burning some oils during labour at hospital, you need to find out if they have an electric oil burner (many do) or organise one yourself as you cannot have a candle burning in the hospital.

It is a fascinating thing to explore, aromatherapy.

All the best. :thumbsup:

[abiishu]

Clary sage can be used to strengthen contractions in labour.

Lavender can be used to slow them down if you need a bit of a rest.

Hope that helps get you started!

[Teto]

I used a home made lotion for my growing belly, that was half stretch mark cream and half aromatherapy oil blend. I didn't get any stretch marks but that could have just been luck!

When I was trying to get myself to go into labour and prepare my perineum I used rose oil massage, evening primrose massage and clary sage baths.

I didn't get to use any during labour because it was fast and painful and I wasn't thinking straight!

The Fragrant Pharmacy is a good book.

[abibelsmum]

I went to a shop called Perfect Potion (http://www.perfectpotion.com.au/) and bought their birthing oil which mainly has lavender, jasmine and clary sage. It made the room smell lovely and also was a great lubricant while DH massaged my back.

[Milk_Monkey]

Thanks for all the suggestions, ill look into it :thumbsup:

[pickles]

I used aromatherapy for oth my births. I went to a clinical aromatherapist who specialised in pregnancy / birth. Lavender in high doses actually makes me want to pass out ( probably lowers my blood pressure ). So i wanted to find alternatives. For $60 I got an hour long consult and a whole heap of oils for before / during and after.

" Slow to progress oil"
" Emotional upheaveal"
" transition"
" Clove bud oil - muscle relaxant"
" Citrus facial spritzer"
" postnatal blend"
" Fennel oil" - to help bring the milk 'in'

She made sure that i liked the smell of theoils when combined and that they didnt make me dizzy / nauseated.

I dissolved the clove bud oil in some castile soap and used it in the bath. Worked a treat. my sister also accidently used 'slow to progress' oil and i went from 2 to fully dilated in 1.5 hours. ( first baby).


now when i open up the old bottles it takes me back to my 2 wonderful births.

Pickles
DD 02/03
DS 03/05