Essential Oils and Labour, any suggestions.

[mum2george]

Have packed some Lavendar Oil today in my hospital bag for my pillow after the birth as it will hopefully help me sleep and let me smell something nice instead of that usual hospital smell!

Its got me thinking, are there any essential oils that can help with labour and if so what ones and how do you use them?

I can't afford any fancy kits so was just thinking of getting a couple of bottles from the chemist.

Any suggestions?

clary sage i was told can help speed things up. just dilute in some carrier oil. i rubbed it in big smooth clockwise motions over my bump. it was mixed with other stuff too... def lavender and poss bergamot (but not sure !). clary sage is quite pricy per bottle though.

Thanks Indiasmum, will have a look at the clary sage.

some hospitals have midwives who are qualified aromatherapists and can make up an oil for your labour if you contact them in advance

Clary sage and rose worked really well for me.

found a massage blend for labour on ebay for about £6 including postage.

cgi.ebay.co.uk/Aromatherapy-Massage-Oil-for-Labour-Pregnancy-NEW_W0QQitemZ2801348 68340QQihZ018QQcategoryZ87170QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

ended up sniffing it as decided I didn't like being touched during labour!

another vote for Clary sage here. I put it in the bath. Also used it in the bath afterwards. Found it really helped me cope with that first few days exhaustion & baby feeding. Good luck xx

Not typically recommended for labour, but I had my mw rub ylang ylang massage oil into my lower back during contractions; was very soothing and calming. I have a tendency to feel a bit paranoid and tetchy during labour, and ylang ylang is helpful for those feelings. I also used a melissa, rose and chamomile blend called 'concentration synergy' in an oil burner to help me stay focused on the task at hand (I tend to have fairly long labours!).
This was my third labour, so I had a better idea of the areas I personally need help with..don't know how I compare with others

mum2george
Plese be careful using oils in labour, especially if you are not aware of side effects.

I am an Aromatherapist,dealing with pregnancy, birth and postnatally. If you want information, please email me on
[email protected]

And don't buy things off ebay, unless you are 100% sure it is correctly mixed.

HTH

I used a few drops of rose oil in my bath during early labour.

Burnt Jasmine in my oilburner (but not until due date)

And used Clary Sage (on a tissue stuffed down my top!) during labour. And my acupuncturist applied a drop in the crook of my arm to absorb it. (Again, you have to be careful about applying essential oil to the skin).

HTH

I've got a bottle of Natalia Organic Labour Massage Oil (Clary sage, fennel and bergamot) - unopened as my labour was only 30 mins so never got time to use it. I was planning to put it in Ebay when I got around to it - but you could have it for £4 inc postage if you want it.

I had fantastic success with lavender oil in the early stages for relaxation and then lemon essential oil when things got uncomfortable. I just dabed a few drops on some tissues and sniffed them while taking deep breaths. I was a very major sceptic to begin with and cannot believe it got me from 0-9cms. Then had a bit of gas and the shower. Amazing really. Enjoy the experience.