Essential oils for labour

[MrsScotland]

Hi

I'd love some recommendations for oil mixes for labour - actual brands or links please as I don't' really know where to start!

I have an ancient diffuser but I'm tempted to get a budget new one if anyone has any suggestions?

My pregnancy yoga instructor said that it might be better just to have the oil on a cloth to sniff, in case I get nauseated by the smell and then can't get rid of it!

Oh bless you, just take the drugs.

And keep them topped up !

As much as I like essential oils, if you are feeling sick they won't help the situation.

I'm not against drugs, just trying to make my environment nice for me. Perhaps for use at home before going into hospital.

I used the essential oils provided by the hospital. I threw up almost immediately on having the first sniff!
Might be nice to use at home though (and of course everyone has different labours!)

Nothing wrong with wanting a "nice" environment to give birth in but please don't be disappointed if its not. There were a lot of things I packed such as nice smelling things, warm socks, snacks etc but when it came down to it I would have swapped it all for drugs
As long as its clean and safe and you and baby are well then anything else is a bonus and before anyone says women should expect better than of course we should but as a lot of us know we don't always get it.

Disclaimer - we all have different experiences of course

Hi there it's a labour ward midwife with aromatherapy training. Our unit doesn't allow diffusers as some people are allergic to oils and smells linger in the room and escape into the corridor (think hayfever sufferers). My favourite mix is 10 ml of grapeseed oil as a base plus a few drops of lavender, mandarin and black pepper oils in equal proportion. Most women find the smell very pleasant. It's good on a tissue clipped to the hospital gown or labour T-shirt. It's also good for back massage (even though I think TENS machine does a better job than massage- TENS machine doesn't get tired even after hours of effort!). I would say don't use clarysage unless you clear it with your midwife as clarysage has contraindications. It's also better to mix smells- you don't want memories of your labour flood your brain every time you walk past a lavender bush! Keep whatever oils you haven't used in labour in the fridge and add them to your bath. Always use 1 teaspoon of base oil plus a few drops of essential oils - they spread much better that way. Good luck. I absolutely love aromatherapy oils. Doctors are always making comments how lovely the room smells when they come in! Best to use organic. I hope it helps

That's fab, thanks so much. Great to know about the diffusers. Yoga instructor even suggested popping some oil on a panty liner and sticking it to the head of the bed - which I thought was hilarious but I can see how it would work!

My friend is giving me a tens machine, so that's definitely an option too!

I love that you are trained in aromatherapy, my hospital mentions it on a poster for the CMU but sadly the CMU is likely closing due to major staff shortages so it's looking really doubtful I'll get a pool birth.

I work on a traditional labour ward and women are pretty much allowed to bring whatever they want except open fire candles! (Electric ones are ok). Our job is to advise not to dictate. Unless it's an absolute health and safety risk. Sorry to hear CMU is closing. Have you looked into home birth?

I am one of the least woo people I know, and even I appreciated a bit of aromatherapy in labour, so boo to all you nay sayers.

I work on the delivery suite in theatres, and we have (or at least used to have) diffusers. They definitely did in my second labour, but not my first. Though I'm not sure I've seen/smelled any used recently.

I used the delivery suite supply, so can't comment on mixes. I really hate the smell of Clary sage, and love lavender, but didn't want to get sleepy. In the end I went for lemon which was nice, though it did initially make me nauseous.

It's a good idea to put some oil on some cotton wool and tape it to your top/gown or pillow. Not only is it more localised, so it's easy to get rid of the smell if you don't want it. But it's portable, so it moves with you if you want to move around the room. Should you need to be moved to theatre it can come with you then as well.

Thanks @Dyra - I am the same, not a believer in what I call 'hocus pocus' but I think aromatherapy is about making it pleasant, perhaps taking away some of the typical antiseptic hospital smells, and just trying to make a soothing calm environment! I was taken aback by the 'just take the drugs' comments - each to their own and if I need the drugs I'll take them!

Not very helpful! Op, I used the this works pillow spray during my practice hypnobirthing sessions so I associated it with being calm and relaxed. It’s a lovely smell.

I used it in both my labours and found it really calming. Good to delegate to your partner as well to give them a way to help. I did stop caring about it once I hit active labour though.

Lavender is good for starting labour apparently by softening the cervix, though can slow down active labour contractions. Good for if you get hyperstimulation in an induction.

Jasmine or rose are meant to speed up active labour, and clary sage is meant to bring on strong uterine contractions but smells awful to me.

If you get nauseous during labour peppermint is great.

If you just want the room to smell nice lemongrass is used in most spas.

The tisserand brand is the one I used.

Second that about inhaling it on a tissue in case you suddenly hate the smell in labour.

I used selection of different oils in a diffuser and for massage during my labor and I definitely think it helped. The massage oil in particular gives me very fond memories. I think Jasmine is the only one that has any studies behind it showing that it reduces pain, worth a shot even if you don't believe it in my view!

I used lavender to relax, rose tonhelonwith contractions ( I think it's strengthens them) and Jasmine to reduce pain. I also used to TENS machine and water alongside gas and air. Recommend them all.

Prior to going into labour I had a necklace with the aromatherapy oils to reduce stress too, I got it on amazon but it gave me headaches as I kept putting too much oil on it!