Aromatherapy massage to induce labour?

[DaphneMoon1]

I'm 40+1 today and had an appointment with the midwife this morning. Everything is fine, she has booked me in for a sweep next week and induction in a couple of weeks time.

She has also booked me in for an aromatherapy massage on Wednesday. She said this is a natural method of attempting to induce labour. I'm quite happy to give it a bash (I'll try anything!) but I just had never heard of this method of attempting to induce labour before. Quite sure it wasn't covered in the antenatal classes!

Any experiences of this? Has this worked for anyone??

Thanks

Hi Daphne,

I'm 40+2 with sweep booked for 2 days times. Is this your first? Massage sounds lovely and if it works is a slightly more pleasant way to go into labour than a sweep so I think you're on to a winner. Wish my midwife had suggested this.x

Hi expectantmum

Thanks for your response. Yup this is my first, so no idea what to expect really!

Yes I thought the massage sounded a bit too good to be true to be honest!! If it works that'll be amazing but I'm a wee bit sceptical of stuff like this. Still, anythings worth a shot!!

Hope you're not waiting too long x

There are definitely essential oils that can be used for bringing on labour - clary sage is one I think?

My midwife offered me a massage with essential oils when I was in labour to help with the pain. Bless her, I was in agony and asked for an epidural instead!

Meant to say I used clary sage in an oil burner the day I had my sweep. And sat on s birth thing ball for most of the day. I may have even done some nipple tweaking.

Went into labour that evening!

That's an interesting one! I've had a quick google but have failed to find much concrete evidence. This gives you some general information, and this study suggests that it could help relax you, which is no bad thing! I say enjoy it :)

Any sign Daphne?