Essential oils during labour

[pollywiggle]

I am planning on packing some essential oils in my hospital bag for labour (VBAC) and I’m a bit stuck on how to actually use them! (Although chances are essential oils will be the last thing on my mind when it comes to being in labour!)
Would be grateful for any advice on this.
Do people just sniff them on a tissue? I wondered about a diffuser, but this is maybe a bit much to have in the delivery suite?
Also, would lavender and something citrusy like mandarin be sufficient - I looked at rose but it’s very expensive and clary sage worries me as don’t want to induce labour due to having a VBAC.
Thank you in advance.

You can dilute them in a massage oil, I use sweet almond oil, you only need a few drops and get your birth partner to massage you with them.

You can put a few drops in a bath too.

I've bought a room/pillow spray with my favorite essential oils in to spray when I'm in labour.

TK Maxx is great for non expensive essential oils and sprays etc

I used clary sage for vbac. On tissue once I was ready to go into labour and also during labour. I don't think it'll ramp things up equivalent to induction!

Also used lavender on tissue during contractions and was good in car trip to hospital to help relax.

Good luck!

I used lavender and neroli on muslin squares during contractions. Worked a treat.

A MW stuck some on a cotton ball and taped it to my shirt. Did f all for the pain but was a distraction for a few moments.

Thank you very much all, this is so helpful!

Use on a tissue/hanky - then if halfway through you decide you can't stand the smell anymore at least your body isn't covered in it and it's easy to get rid of!

Lovely idea I had massage oil for mums etc ... never got to unpack my bag 💼.... but if it is a long labour I am sure you will be glad of it.

I gave my husband the instructions in advance and told him my plans ...