Aromatherapy for Labor & Post Partum

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is an alternative healing modality which uses essential oils of plants and flowers to facilitate the body's physical, emotional and spiritual self-healing processes. It is an age-old spiritual art, whose history dates back more than 5,000 years. It has been used throughout the world as a catalyst to healing by the: Aborigines, Africans, Arabs, Aztecs, Chinese, Egyptians, English, French, Greeks, Incas, Italians, Japanese, Mayas, and Native American Indians.

It has been well documented that the sense of smell is over 10,000 times more sensitive than any of our other senses! Our bodies use our perception of smell and interpretation of fragrance to unlock the subconscious, to get in touch with the Higher Self in order to heal.

Hippocrates exclaimed in 500BC "the way to health is to have an aromatic bath and scented massage every day!"

These aromatic essential oils are still available to us today. And through their use, we can reawaken the sacredness that lies within each of us, to honor the self and take back personal power. Did you know that most essential oils are:

> anti-bacterial > anti-fungal

> anti-viral > anti-inflammatory

> anti-septic > wound healing

Labor and Birth

After nine months of wonder and anticipation, your first face-to-face meeting with your baby is an unforgettable experience. Amazingly, even with her blurry newborn vision, your baby recognized your face within hours of her birth. She came into the world with a keen sense of smell, a natural appetite and basic taste preferences. In these early weeks, most babies demonstrate instinctive reflexes such as sucking, grasping and startling in response to a noise or sudden movement. Nurturing your newborn is a full-time job. But don't forget to take a moment between photo shoots, feedings and diaper changes to record your thoughts and feelings about your baby's precious firsts.

There are even a few essential oils which can assist during the pregnancy process! These include:

Rose - A natural uterine relaxant that can help bring the uterine to homeostasis between contractions. It is also said to have a relaxant affect for the pelvic floor, helping the pelvis to open up, much like an opening rose bud. It is also the queen of the flowers and the most comforting and nurturing of all the essential oils. Subtle is key as rose can be overpowering.

Clary Sage – Uterine tonic which assists with effective contractions. It can be euphoric and wonderful for relieving anxiety as well. It is calming to the nervous system, relieves tension, brings on labor and helps with expelling afterbirth. I recommend to blend clary sage with other delivery enhancing essential oils such as geranium, rose or lavender. If the mom doesn’t like the aroma, the physical and emotional benefits could be negated.

Geranium-Rose – Enhances circulation and is good for labor management techniques which focus on breathing.

Jasmine – Dulls uterine pain, strengthens contractions, promotes birth and increases milk supply.

Lavender – Best to consider for delivery room atmosphere. Again, lavender is the oil of calm, is soothing and can impart a spirit of gentleness to the delivery room. Subtle again is key. Can be a wonderful oil to greet the newborn. A lavender spritzer would work best.

Neroli – Facilitates calm, relaxed breathing, especially in combination with small amounts of Frankincense. One drop only on a tissue or on the pillow works superbly.

Citruses – A combination of citruses, plus some frankincense makes an excellent delivery diffuser. Not only are the citruses naturally antibacterial, but they are anti-depressants, refreshing and provide for an overall sunny disposition. Spritzers work best for delivery diffusers.

Post-Birth

You’ve carried your baby inside you for nine-months, felt her movements, read to her, sang to her, rubbed her tummy as you felt her move and now she’s no longer inside you. For many women, this can translate to feelings of missing the internal baby or post-partum depression. Aromatherapy is especially effective in combating post-partum depression symptoms. Some beneficial oils can include:

Symptom Beneficial Oils

> Post-Partum Depression Bergamot, Blood Orange, Clary Sage, Cypress, Frankincense, Geranium, Lavender, Lime, Neroli, Chamomile Roman, Rose, Rosewood, Sandalwood, Vanilla

I recommend to use a personal perfume that you wear daily. Not only will you smell great, but you’ll be positively contributing to uplifting your emotions at the same time.

Another common symptom that can take place after the baby is born is sore nipples from nursing. There are a variety of fabulous products on the market. But if you decide you want to go the natural route, aromatherapy can help here as well.

Symptom Beneficial Oils

> Sore Nipples Calendula, Lavender, Rose, Chamomile Roman, Mandarin, Neroli

A blend in a good carrier such as hazelnut or grapeseed gently massaged on the nipples daily provides superb relief from dry, cracked nipples.

Newborns and Children

I personally do not recommend the use of essential oils on newborns or children under the age of two. There are some excellent vegetable-based plain massage carrier oils that you can use on your baby with great results. You can however, lightly diffuse a drop or two of Chamomile Roman in your baby’s room at night to help relieve colick or insomnia.

Oils to Avoid Entirely During All Phases of Pregnancy

Note: High-risk patients may wish to completely avoid essential oils during pregnancy.

Potential Toxic Essential Oils to be Avoided Entirely Ajowan, Bitter Almond, Basil Exotic, Birch Sweet, Boldo Leaf, Buchu, Calamus, Camphor, Cassia, Chervil, Deertongue, Hyssop, Mugwort, Pennyroyal, Rue, Santolina, Sassafras, Savine, Tansy, Thuja, Wormseed, Wormwood

Important Safety Considerations:

> Do your homework - understand what you are using and how to use it

> Keep your doctor informed!

> Avoid using essential oils neat on the skin

> Make sure essential oils dilutions for pregnancy are half of normal

> Test for sensitivity/allergies. Place one drop of the blend on the inside of the wrist or bottom of the feet

> Use photosensitive oils with caution (bergamot/citrus), do not expose to sun-light for 12 hours after application

> If essential oils get into the eyes, mucus membranes, or irritate the skin, dilute with vegetable oil

> Do not use on children under the age of two

> Keep all essential oils out of reach of young children

> Do not take orally/internally

> Use only pure, therapeutic-grade essential oils from plants, preferably organic

> Avoid mucous membrane areas during massage

This article was written by Victoria Linssen RA, as a patient education resource for The Center For True Harmony Wellness and Medicine. Edited and revised by Sherry VanGoethem, Dr.Christine Brass-Jones OBGYN, and Dr. Denise Quance Grobe N.D. If you have any questions or comments contact the office at (480) 539-6646 or through email at info@trueharmonywellness.com