The Essentials of Essential Oils for Labour
It has been a long known fact that there are many many therapeutic benefits in the use of essential oils. Smell is the most basic & primitive of all our senses, & the knowledge that smells can have a powerful effect on the mind has been known since ancient times.
Inhaling essential oils stimulates the olfactory system as well as the the limbic system in our brain, which of course is linked to emotions, heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, memory, stress & hormonal balance.
The result of stimulating this part of the brain is that aromatherapy may decrease anxiety & tension, which would then lead to a decreased perception of pain... in short, a BIG benefit for the birthing woman.
Aromatherapy is a traditional and historical practice of using essential oils from plants in order to enhance well-being. Essential oils are usually mixed with a carrier oil such as coconut, almond or jojoba oil. They can be massaged into the skin, given in a warm bath, diffused into the air using a diffuser, or inhaled from the bottle, cupping or a cloth. Aromatherapy is considered a complementary therapy.
Aromatherapy can be used to induce labour, as well as during labour to help manage pain, anxiety & fear. There has been much research showing the reduction in the perception of pain, an increase in mother being in a relaxed state, & shorter labours... all of which is going to enhance the birthing experience.
The beauty of using essential oils is that they help us cope with fear & bring emotional, physical & spiritual support throughout this most amazing life changing experience.
It is important to discuss with your care provider the use of oils, ensure you have no sensitivities to the oils, & to ensure that the oils are diluted either with a carrier cream if applying topically, or in water if using a diffuser. Start with 1 or 2 drops & you can always add a little more if required. Be mindful however, that after a short period of time, around 30 minutes, the olfactory receptors switch off, so even if you feel you are no longer smelling the fragrance, their effect will still be present. If your birthing environment is not well ventilated, it may be advisable to intermittently diffuse. Robert Tisserand, a world expert & researcher in aromatherapy suggests 30mins on & 60 mins off.
There is such a variety of oils that you can use during labor. You don’t need them all, & you may find some are more, or less, appealing to your sense of smell. The great thing is the versatility of essential oils. Some essential oils are used for their emotional effect on the body, while others provide great physical support.
Oils to Use in Labor:
1. Clary Sage: NOT TO BE USED BEFORE 37weeks.
- Promotes labour / enhances contractions
- Relieves muscle tension
- increases sense of well-being
- It provides pain relief
- calming effect
Mix well, and apply topically by massaging into the stomach, soles of the feet, ankles, or lower back. This is one of the best essential oils for labor, as it has had the most favourable outcome in inducing.
2. Lavender: Use in the final stages of third trimester to calm you & alleviate anxiety.
- Reduces anxiety
- Promotes relaxation
- Can reduce the length each stage of labour
- Eases muscle tension - legs, abdomen, back, uterus
- May strengthen surges
- Great for afterbirth pains
- Natural sedative
Mix 2 drops with carrier oil & massage into stomach, back soles of feet, or diffuse.
3. Peppermint: Can be used in a cool compress when feeling overheated.
- Provides pain relief
- Relaxes muscles
- Alleviates nausea
- Energy boosting
- Helps with posterior labour
- Supports focus
Use peppermint with caution towards the end of pregnancy & not excessively in labour as it has been known to decrease milk supply in some women.
4. Geranium Oil: Has anti-inflammatory & anti-bacterial effects & good postpartum.
- Provides pain relief
- Relaxes taut muscles
- Alleviates nausea
- Re-energises you
- Calms & soothes
5. Jasmine Oil: Use only for inducing labour & during labour... do not use in pregnancy.
- Provides pain relief throughout labour
- Works fast & effectively - cease use once labour establishes
- Can be used postpartum
- Strengthens contractions while providing comfort
- Shorten labour due to pain relief & contraction enhancement
6. Orange: Use in a diffuser when tired, or a drop into the palms & cup.
- Uplifting
- Energising
- Refreshing
Mix with Peppermint for immediate energy boost & mood lift.
7. Ylang Ylang: Another powerhouse essential oil for labour.
- Supports an emotional positive outlook
- Calming & uplifting
- Reduces feelings of stress
- Increases calmness & relaxation
- Lowers blood pressure
- Calms breathing
- Maintains equilibrium
8. Frankincense: The King of essential oils.
- Intense calming properties
- Relaxes muscles
- Pain relieving
- Prevents tearing of perineum (once in transition)
- Immune boosting
- Anti-depressant properties
Essential oils will soothe, energise, calm, relax, & keep you focused throughout your labour.
A couple of things to note... ensure oils when being applied in labour are diluted with a good carrier oil. Before use, discuss with your care provider the oils that you choose to use in labour to determine that this treatment will work effectively should you have a medical history. And remember the application of oils that promote labour must not be used prior to the 37 week mark.
Did you use Essential Oils during your labour? If this is your first labour, what essential oils will you choose?
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