Introduction to Aromatherapy for Pregnancy, Birth &
Post Partum
In 2019, I attended a course at Aromaflex Academy (Nelson): Aromatherapy for Midwives & Birthworkers. The course covered the stages of pregnancy, through to labour, birth and the post-partum period as well as the use of essential oils in childbirth, methodology and safety, to name a few. Aromatherapy is extremely beneficial in times of change, difficulty and can be used for mental/emotional changes, as well as physical ailments. Aromatherapy and the use of essential oils complements all stages of life and periods of change in profound ways. I stock and use a range of essential oils and essential oil blends for use in pregnancy, labour, birth and post-partum. I never attend a birth without them!
What is Aromatherapy? Aromatherapy is both a science and an art whereby essential oils, derived from plants, are used for their therapeutic properties. Essential oils are extracted from various parts of the plant which are used in perfumery companies and in aromatherapy.
Made up of highly concentrated and volatile substances, aromatherapy is the balance of chemical constituents within each essential oil, giving them them their own unique properties. It is therefore the study of the interaction of the essential oils within the human body which deems them safe to use for medicinal purposes, or to understand their toxicity when misused.
Aromatherapy when used during pregnancy, labour, birth and the postpartum period, can help support both physiological and psychological concerns e.g. lower back discomfort, to feelings of stress and anxiety.
Listen & watch (youtube) to what Rebecca Dekker (PhD) - of Evidence Based Birth has to say regarding Aromatherapy During Labour for Pain Relief here
If you are susceptible to miscarriage, then only use under the guidance of a professional Aromatherapist. It is important to be cautious with the use of essential oils - many are contraindicated in pregnancy as the baby could absorb too much from the mother.
Why use Aromatherapy (essential oils)?
It is relaxing and can assist with feelings of built up tension and discomfort, especially in the later stages of pregnancy when there can be pain in the lower back.
It is uplifting. Especially beneficial for the first and last trimesters, where you may suffer fatigue and feelings of weariness.
Wellbeing - Essential oils are incredibly therapeutic and regular massage induces physical and mental/emotional relaxation, helping in preparation for childbirth.
Skin - Certain essential oils improves skin tone and elasticity (stretch marks).
Improves circulation - varicose veins, fluid retention (swollen ankles & legs).
General Rules for Use -
Fruits and flowers can be used during pregnancy
Always use diluted in oil (carrier oil) - e.g. sweet almond oil, jojoba, apricot, rosehip, avocado oil. Dilution is 1/4 to 1/3 dilution of essential oils in carrier oil
Therapeutic plant oils are used to support natural body process for optimum health and wellbeing. The information here is NOT meant as recommendation for any medical condition. Please note: If you are in any doubt about the safety of aromatherapy or essential oils and their use in pregnancy, labour, birth or the postpartum period, contact a professional registered aromatherapist here or ask the provider from which you are purchasing these oils before personal use.
ESSENTIAL OILS FOR USE IN PREGNANCY
** For Massage - Mix a maximum of 5 drops essential oil for every 10mls (approx 2 teaspoons) of carrier oil and massage onto the body. If you have sensitive skin, use 3 drops essential oil for every 10mls of carrier oil.
Nausea/Morning Sickness: Mandarin, Peppermint, Ginger OR Lemon: Use 1-2 drops on a tissue (inhalation) to help with feelings of nausea
Stretch Marks: Lavender, Mandarin, Roman Chamomile: Use diluted with carrier oil for massage of the hips, abdomen and breasts. * Note: Lavender True is contraindicated for use with history of miscarriage or IVF history
Tension/Anxiety: Ylang Ylang, Rosewood, Lavender, Rose (use diluted with carrier oil) *Note: Lavender True is contraindicated for use with history of miscarriage or IVF history.
Urinary Tract Infections: Use in a sitz bath - Bergamont, Sandalwood, Roman Chamomile
Click here for printable Pregnancy Stretch Mark Prevention Blend
ESSENTIAL OILS FOR USE IN LABOUR AND BIRTH
Clary Sage: A tonic to strengthen contractions and aid in the birth of the baby. Assists with cramping and aching of muscles during labour - particularly the active phase of labour. Can help ease feelings of panic and anxiety - great for nerves (and for nervy birth support people too!). Use a hot towel in a bowl of warm water with x4 drops of Clary Sage and apply as a compress during contractions.
Jasmine: To help relieve pain in the early stages of labour and strengthen contractions. It can assist with stop-start labours and is thought to help with expulsion of placenta after the birth of the baby. Assists postnatally - see below.
Labour Blend: Use St John’s Wort and Calendula carrier oils. Use Jasmine and Clary Sage essential oils. This blend is for assisting the delivery of the baby - ‘womb tonics’. For use to encourage labour by strengthening contractions. Also assists with pain relief. Use as a massage oil from the time contractions begin. (Dilute essential oils in carrier oils).
For Birthing Pool: Use 20 drops of Clary Sage and 5 drops Jasmine essential oils into Birthing Pool/Bath.
ESSENTIAL OILS FOR USE IN THE POST-PARTUM PERIOD
After Birth Cramp Mix: Helps assist the uterus to contract back to its usual size. After pains/cramps are worse after each consecutive child - so worth having prepared for after the birth of your baby. Apply at least 4-6 times per day to the abdomen.
Jasmine and Lavender - 4 drops of each AND Sweet Marjoram 9 drops of each IN:
Carrier Oils: St John’s Wort (Hypericum) and Calendula - 10mls of each
Blend together to make a massage oil
How to use:
Calendula oil is effective for inflammation and bruising. St John’s Wort (Hypericum) is also anti-inflammatory and helps aid in healing tissue damage. Sweet Marjoram will help ease muscle aches (after pains) of the uterus and Lavender is extremely effective for uterine cramps as it helps to ‘deaden’ pain. Jasmine is a mild analgesic and is anti-inflammatory so will help ease muscular spasms and assists with contractions of the uterus (when it can be at its worst).
Sitz Bath Mix (Episiotomy/Perineum): Use a sitz bath after every trip to the toilet to speed up healing of the perineum.
Lavender and Cypress essential oils: Use 3 drops of Lavender and 3 drops of Cypress (see sitz bath here). Lavender will promote healing and help with pain and Cypress is an astringent and helps blood vessels close over.
Engorged Breasts: Great for when your milk ‘comes in’ around day 3-4 following birth. Use:
Lavender, Peppermint and Roman Chamomile - 2 drops of each essential oil with 15ml sweet almond oil. Massage the breasts carefully, avoiding the nipple area. Can be used as a compress using a warm facecloth and essential oils only.
Mastitis: Clary Sage, Roman Chamomile, Peppermint and Lavender - 3 drops of each essential oil with 20ml sweet almond oil for massage (avoid nipples). Or use as a compress: Roman Chamomile, Geranium, Rose and Lavender as a compress on the breast/s every few hours.
Lack of milk production: Drink Fennel Tea! Massage 15 drops of Fennel or Dill essential oil in 40ml sweet almond oil onto the breasts at least 4-6 times per day.
Cracked nipples: Use a blend of 1ml wheatgerm oil, 10ml sweet almond oil with 5 drops of Calendula oil. Massage onto cracked nipples as often as required.
Hemorrhoids: Use your choice of Cypress, Lemon, Myrhh or Geranium essential oil (10 drops) in a carrier oil and rub carefully onto area.
Post Natal Depression: Use one drop of Jasmine on a cotton pad or tissue inside your pillowslip at night (or when resting). Soothing Bath: Use 6 drops of Jasmine, Ylang Ylang or Clary Sage in bathwater and relax.
Disclaimer: The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only. The purpose of this website is to promote broad consumer understanding and knowledge of various holistic health & Birth support topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
Bibliography for Information: With thanks and gratitude to both - Absolute Essential Therapeutic Plant Oils & Aromaflex Academy