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Childbirth

Share experiences and get support around labour, birth and recovery.

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Original poster

Lavender oil

24 replies

MrsTittleMouse · 01/09/2006 08:54

So, on the advice of MNers, I have bought lavender oil for the hospital bag. I know that it's good to add to salt baths afterwards, for when everything is... um... sore down there, but do you use it in labour too?

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Coolmama · 01/09/2006 09:45

I used very diluted tea tree oil in the bath post-birth, but quite honestly, I can't see how any oils etc would have made a difference in labour and if someone had waved a lavender-infused kleenex under my nose I would probably have wacked them across the room - charming, I know!

PeachyClairHasBadHair · 01/09/2006 10:04

Actually, my MW were trained in aromatherapy (NHS unit! Blimey!) And despite a 44 hour labour, I didn't need anything beyod rose and lavender oil (by diffuser and amssage) until the last hour. I've had three children, this was my middle one, and it was by far the most relaxed birth I have had despite also being by far the longest.

It wouldn't have occurred to me to put it on my birth plan despite Mum being heavily into aromatherapy but yep- it worked, although probably more with the fear of pain than the physical cause of *which any Doula will tell you is pretty important)

PeachyClairHasBadHair · 01/09/2006 10:05

(Oh but be careful with bath fragrances- some BF specialists I know believe that the fragrance masks the Muumt smell the baby is programmed to recognises and adversely affect feeding)

Original poster

MrsTittleMouse · 01/09/2006 10:17

Aaaah!
I'm planning to give birth in a MW-led birthing centre (with bean bags and birthing pool), so I imagine that they would be cool with aromatherapy. I need to buy some almond carrier oil then too...
I've actually bought a load of fragrance-free stuff for after LO is born already. Due to sensitive skin in family and an aversion to perfume during PG, but if it helps BF then all to the good.

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Original poster

MrsTittleMouse · 01/09/2006 10:19

PS about lavender-scented Kleenex.
I've already warned DH that I'm likely to be a grumpy shouty in-labour person.

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squishy · 03/09/2006 11:38

Peachyclair, do you know what 'make' of oils were used? I've heard that the quality of some varies quite significantly. I'm hoping for waterbirth, so can't put oil in the water, but burning some would be good I think!! Or maybe I should find a local aromatherapist?

3andnomore · 03/09/2006 23:59

Salt Baths???
I know in the past, and not the distant one, it was believed that salt, as well as sugar/glucose, would help with cell groth, etc...but I believe this theory is now be proven wrong....or is the salt for something else? Just out of interest...sorry, if barge into the conversation like this!
Lavender oil...I love it, and had no adverse effects using it in the bath and bf'ed all mine, so, didn't put my lot off anyway!
I have a book about Aromatherapy which gives you info about the different oils that you can use during pg, labour/Birth and after...if you are interested...I would be happy to type it up for you on here!

squishy · 04/09/2006 08:02

oooh, 3andnomore, I'd be thrilled if you could give me any info about what to use during labour and birth! Thanks.

And wouldn't the salt really sting? I suppose not unless really concentrated....

3andnomore · 04/09/2006 11:18

Squishy...I think it may still sting...not sure...never done it....!
Thoughtnof something that used to be done in Germany after childbirth, and it was still done when I trained as a nurse and had my stint in Postnatal ward, etc...around 15 years ago now...the ladys had to bath in Biological Washingpowder solution...as it as believed that the enzymes would help to heal...shuddering at the thought iof it!
Here from teh book...am no expert myself with this!
Morning Sickness :Rose, Cardamon (Room fraGRANCE bURNER), Ginger
Per-Birth: YlangYlang (Bathing, Roomfragrance Burner), Sandal wood, Rosewood,
Birth: Jasmine (Roomfragrance Burner), Lavender and Clary Sage (both as compress or for massage...to eaase pain)
Post Birth: Francincense (Bathing , Room fragrance burner), Lavender, Neroli, Bergamot ( Bathing and Massaging)
Depression: Geranium and Jasmine
Sleep disturbed : Lavender (a couple of drops on the pillow at night)

It would be to much I think now to write of all thsoe oils what exactly the physical and psychological conditions are that those oils are good for...but any of the oils you want to know more about...just ask!
The book I have is called Aromatherapy, a guide for homeuse, by Christine Westwood, it only costs £1.99 and really is a very good and easily to understand basic book! I mean, even I understood it, that says a lot!

Original poster

MrsTittleMouse · 04/09/2006 21:21

I thought that salt was used to prevent infection/promote healing.
Isn't that right any more? What do you bathe in after when everything is a bit raw?

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kate100 · 04/09/2006 21:34

DON'T sit in salt water, it will hurt like hell and cold possibly dissolve stitches.

Sit in the lavender oil you've just bought worked a treat for me after both boys. I think teatree oil is also very good.

pookey · 04/09/2006 22:51

If you have stitches, particularly if they become infected, do not soak in the water for more than a few minutes, it will stop you healing well if the area is wet for too long, showering after using the toilet is good and make sure you dry off really well afterwards - airdry if poss! long baths were a mistake I made. Another advantage with a shower is that if you are extra sore you dont have to hoist your legs over the side of the bath - I couldnt physically do it at first!

3andnomore · 05/09/2006 09:10

When I had es, the mw adviced either to bath a short time in a lavender bath, i.e. lavender oil with a carrieroil and of course water, lol, or to mix some lavender oil and carrieroil together and dab it onto the stitches....as lavender is meant to promote wouldhealing, alhtough I have heard that Tea tree oil is good for woundhealing, too! But personally prefer the smell of lavender, lol!

PeachyClairHasBadHair · 05/09/2006 10:11

If you can afford an aromatherapist, then yes use one and get them to amke you a presonalised blend. If not, just look for pure oil- Neals Yard are good so I believe, though I've always ended up with holland and Barratt. Neals Yard Remedies

lavendar oil is said to have amazing healing powers

You might find this site interesting too Zita West

mazzystar · 05/09/2006 10:15

I used Lavender and Geranium oils in labour, just dabbed onto a tissue and sniffed it. It was comforting, though not exactly pain relieving, just gave me something to focus on.

mymama · 05/09/2006 12:55

I used lavender oil in bath to "induce" ds1. Had read that it was widely used in the good old days to bring on labour in maternity wards, so I tried it out and lo and behold he arrived the next night. coincidence - maybe??

squishy · 05/09/2006 17:42

Thanks so much for all the advice - am now wondering how I'm going to cope with Lavender, Jasmine, Clary Sage, Geranium etc!! But have had a good read and they all seem to have huge benefits! Perhaps will blend some lavender with geranium for a cool spritzer!!

3andnomore · 05/09/2006 20:08

lol @squishy!

babyboo1and2 · 05/09/2006 23:14

used lavender oil to aid recovery and it worked a treat - was told to drop it first in a few drops of milk then add it to bath water so it dissolved in bath water rather than just staying on surface of water

FirstAtForty · 10/09/2006 17:11

I used lavender oil before, during and after labour. Before - for putting on pillow to help sleep. Well it smelt nice. Didn't know it was supposed to bring on labour - certainly didn't for me as I was 2 weeks overdue and had to be induced!

I used it during labour |(after induction) when I had painful contractions, the midwife said I "didn't look like I could be in labour" yet and suggested I had a bath to relax me, so I did and put some lavender oil in the water. Neither the bath nor the oil were the LEAST bit soothing - the contractions were coming more painfully than ever, I was bleeding and in tears, so I pulled the bell for the midwife to come. She came in and said "having a nice bath?". "NOOOOOOOOO!!!!" I screamed "I'M NOT HAVING A NICE BATH". Must have looked like I was sufficiently distressed to be in labour as was examined and was 5cm. Was offered gas & air and pethidine which I can recommend MUCH more highly than the frigging lavender oil.

It was nice though to put some in the bath afterwards (with a bit of tea tree oil) to help with stitches, swelling etc. Also recommend Boots Tea Tree & Witch Hazel wipes to help clean ups 'down there' in the first days after labour.

But IMHO it's not an anaesthetic and no substitute for one!!!

hollyhobbie · 10/09/2006 18:00

I bought lots of different oils for use in labour, but then totally forgot about them!
I live in Germany and the midwives gave me some powdered oak extract (?) to bathe in, as that's meant to promote healing.
at biological washing powder!

LittleB · 11/09/2006 13:33

I forgot to use my lavendar oil in labour too, but used it loads after. I had trouble settling dd when we first came home from hospital and the midwife suggested a little lavendar oil, mixed with milk and added to the bath (the milk helps the oil mix with the water) to help us sleep - we shared baths then, and it was lovely. DD had dry skin and I'd had an episiotomy and it helped these heal too. I also used to put lavendar oil on a tissue near her moses basket, and put it in an oil burner.

ilovecaboose · 11/09/2006 14:47

My midwife told me to put a few drops of lavender oil on my sanitary towel to help the stiches heal.

It really eased the pain/uncomfortableness.

whiffy · 12/09/2006 14:03

Please don;t shoot me down for this, but when I asked my reiki/reflex therapist to make me up a tea tree/lavender oil preparation for use in the bath after the birth she refused, as apparantly lavender can pass through your milk and affect your baby's digestive system. Not sure whether she is right or wrong, but she recommended mandarin as a soothing option instead...I normally trust her advice as she has been 'doing' oils and aromatherapy for years and years...

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