Aromatherapy during labour and birth

[Pielette]

Hi ladies,

I would like to use a selection of aromatherapy oils during labour and birth to help stimulate contractions and relax me. However, I don't know an awful lot about aromatherapy. I've done my research and know the oils I want to get, but I don't know what the best way to use them would be. Should I use an oil burner? Or can I put an oil on a cloth and inhale it? And do I need to mix it with a so-called carrier oil?

Does anyone know anything about aromatherapy and can give me any advice?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Moolia]

I was just googling this so I'm keen for answers too! Think I'm definitely going to use a massage oil with clary sage and lavender but I'm not sure about the oil burner - I don't think they would allow this at the hospital either.

 

[moomin_troll]

u can use clary sage and lavander oil either in burners or on cloth and just breathe it in. u only need to use a carrier oil if ur going to rub the oil onto ur skin.

i bought clary sage and almond oil to use during labour but didnt get the chance, so i cant say if it helps or not

 

[chickchock]

No expert at all but I spoke to an aromatherapist at the weekend and he said about using the oil with the sweet almond oil for massage, and for ambience u could put the oil on a saucer and balance on top of a radiator, if theyre on of course! Also put a few drops on a tissue to inhale from. He said reed sticks arent a good idea as u have to mix the essential oil with something else so what diffuses isnt pure essential oil anyway.
You can also buy electric diffusers kind of like oil burners without the open flame, but theyre about thirty quid so I decided not to get one as i'm not sure how much i'll be into aromatherapy after the birth.

 

[Pielette]

Thank you ladies! It was the carrier oil bit I was most confused with. I'm going to get some clary sage, lavender, jasmine, rose and chamomile. There were others that were recommended too but think I could end up going overboard if I get more!

 

[Pielette]

So sweet almond oil is a good idea as well then?

 

[chickchock]

So sweet almond oil is a good idea as well then?

Sorry meant to say, it is the carrier oil xx

 

[moomin_troll]

yeah sweet almond oil is the carrier

 

[Pielette]

Thanks for your help ladies!

 

[missmayhem]

would the baby bedtime oil by johnsons be any good


its baby oil with lavender???


as i'm debating giving this a go

 

[lauralookelly]

Im planning using Clary sage (i am addicted to the smell) during labour and at Stepping Hill hospital in Stockport they have electric oil burners for you to use, you cant take your own in as they need to have been tested and passed as safe. Not sure if all hospitals have these or not but i know they wont let you use your own, at least according to my midwife.

 

[missmayhem]

i wonder if you get them tested will they accept them? OH is a spark and tests things... BTW ladies legislation states mobile phone charges to not need to be tested.......

 

[lauralookelly]

Knowing the red tape involved in the NHS no i dont think they would allow you to test your own. I would like to think that all hospitals have the burners available for women to use but again i doubt this.

 

[missmayhem]

some hospitals don'e even have baths for you to use.,........ burners are pushing it!!!!


how effective is aromotherapy during labour? i've not really researched it

 

[moomin_troll]

if ur body is ready for labour then it can be very effective!

i had a radox clary sage bubble bath 3 hours before my contractions started, so i think it helped bring things on, its a shame i didnt get the chance to use it during

 

[missmayhem]

ohhh that is interesting to know!!!

 

[Pielette]

I've heard an awful lot of supporting anecdotal evidence in its favour, and even my NCT course leader said it was well worth giving it a go!

 

[moomin_troll]

i think why it works so well is because its so relaxing and the more relaxed ur body is during labour and birth the easier it is

 

[lauralookelly]

some hospitals don'e even have baths for you to use.,........ burners are pushing it!!!!


how effective is aromotherapy during labour? i've not really researched it

Aint that the truth.