Aromatherapy for Labor and Childbirth

Essential oils are increasing in popularity with midwives, and some hospitals even have a stock of their own. Giving birth is extremely hard work but it is a wonderful, rewarding experience. Essential oils can stimulate the uterus to contract, facilitating the birth, and enable the mother to relax, thus affording pain relief.

Essential oils for labour

Bergamot, clary sage, frankincense, geranium, jasmine, lavender, mandarin, marjoram, neroli, palmarosa, peppermint, petitgrain, rose otto, and ylang ylang.

Aromatic formulae for labour

Note: Dilute it in 10 ml of carrier oil

The oils may be massaged into the back with the mother in a side-lying position or on all fours, or the mother's feet can be massaged. The oils may also be inhaled on a tissue or cotton-wool ball as an alternative to gas and air or used in a diffuser or vaporiser. Compresses are also excellent for pain relief.

Post-natal care

Essential oils are invaluable after childbirth not only for physical problems but also to prevent or banish stress, anxiety and post-natal depression.

Breastfeeding

Breast milk is, of course, the best possible start for your baby, providing antibodies to disease and reducing the risk of allergies. However, it is not always easy to breastfeed. Essential oils can usually provide the answer.

To promote the milk supply

Fennel, clary sage, jasmine and lemongrass can all help to promote lactation - an old-fashioned remedy is to chew fennel seeds. Drink fennel tea daily and massage the breasts three times a day after feeding time (not the nipples). Massage almond oil or wheatgerm oil into the nipples to prevent cracking. Ensure that you wash the breasts prior to a feed.

Aromatic formula for increasing milk supply

3 drops fennel
2 drops lemongrass
1 drop clary sage

Note: Dilute it in 20 ml of carrier oil

If you do have no desire to breastfeed or perhaps wish to give up, the following oils will help to stop lactation: cypress, geranium, lavender, peppermint and sage. Peppermint and sage are particularly useful. Try this blend:

Aromatic formula for decreasing milk supply

2 drops cypress
3 drops peppermint
2 drops sage

Note: Dilute it in 20 ml of carrier oil

Peppermint, sage and geranium compresses are also good.

Mastitis

This is a common, painful disorder of the breasts. A compress with two drops of Roman chamomile, one drop of geranium, one drop of lavender and one drop of peppermint will help to cool down the inflammation.

Healing the perineum

The perineum can become badly damaged during the birth process, particularly if you have torn badly or have had a forceps delivery. Aromatherapy sitz baths can increase the rate of healing, decrease the pain and fight off any infections. Compresses are also highly recommended.

Aromatic sitz bath for the perineum

If you have been unfortunate enough to have a Caesarean section, baths and compresses with three drops of lavender and three drops of tea tree will help the healing process.

Post-natal depression

Although a few women suffer no emotional imbalance at all, the majority suffer from the 'baby blues' a few days after the birth. There are many essential oils to strengthen the nervous system and uplift the despondency and despair.

Essential oils for the 'baby blues'

Bergamot, clary sage, frankincense, geranium, grapefruit, jasmine, mandarin, melissa, neroli and rose.

Choose one oil or a combination from the list above using a maximum of six drops in the bath. The new mother should also take some time out each week to indulge herself in an aromatherapy massage.

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