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Aromatherapy for labour

4 replies

Mummyk1982 · 15/02/2014 14:58

Hi all,
Am planning on trying everything possible before accepting any drug related pain relief (including gas & air). Now my home waterbirth is out of the question due to pph risk, I'm keen to remain as calm and relaxed as possible despite being in the hospital. I'm allowed to labour in water, and I'll be using my hypnobirth techniques, but I'm also interested in what aromatherapy can offer. Was looking at the Neals Yard calm or relax blend and it seems to have most if the recommended oils for labour in it. Wondered if anyone else had experience with it or aromatherapy generally in labour?
Thanks in advance :-)

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Rockchick1984 · 15/02/2014 15:44

I used this last time and have bought another bottle to use this time - no idea if it helped but it's the 3 main essential oils that aid labour (clary sage, lavender and jasmine) and I only used gas and air, hoping for drug free water birth this time around!

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Mummyk1982 · 16/02/2014 08:06

Thanks Rockchick. My only reservation is the Clary Sage content- was going to buy some but midwife seemed to suggest it wasn't always a good idea and when I read more a lot of info suggests it can slow labour right down, even stop it some times!! Anyone else found this with clary sage?

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Rockchick1984 · 16/02/2014 08:13

Really? I was told the opposite - it can hugely speed up contractions and you have to be careful not to use too much if blending your own as it can overstimulate the uterus!

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Mummyk1982 · 16/02/2014 08:16

Yep, I thought the same too! But midwife was quite nervous about it- said it can be too potent and strengthen things too much, or have total opposite effect!!