Using certain essential oils for labor can potentially enable you to have a smooth, easy, faster and more enjoyable birth experience. Are you ready to give them a try?
The Trick to Easier Labor
After 9 months of bearing your precious child, with much discomfort, pain and sacrifice, the time has now come to birth him/her into this world.
The uterine contractions that occur to push your baby down the birth canal are generally termed as “labor.” I believe that the term labor, meaning “hard, physical work,” is actually not a good way to describe it because it makes it seem like a daunting, impossible feat. It shouldn’t have to be!
Labor can be a beautiful, intimate and almost spiritual experience, when we go about it naturally, the way it is supposed to be. Surrounded by loving people, natural remedies and peace, labor can be something to actually look forward to!
Now today, I want to share with you a special trick for easier labor: essential oils!
How Do Essential Oils Help Make Labor Easier?
Essential oils are precious volatile oils extracted from plant resources that are rich in therapeutic, medicinal and healing values. They contain valuable compounds that can make labor much easier.
Some of the properties in essential oils that make them supportive to labor and delivery include:
- Emmenegogue properties: Some essential oils contain emmenegogue properties, meaning properties that they stimulate and increase menstrual flow. They encourage uterine contractions and shedding of the uterine walls.
- Analgesic: Essential oils have natural pain alleviating tendencies, thanks to their analgesic compounds. They can help make the pain of labor more manageable.
- Calming: If you’re not careful, labor can quickly turn into a downward spiral of panic, stress and anxiety. The sedative properties in essential oils can help calm and relax your mind, thereby allowing the body to open up and allow an easy delivery.
Research on Essential Oils for Labor
There are many studies that prove the positive effects of essential oils for labor, but below is a long term, well-recorded research that was carried out recently:
Over the period of 8 years, a maternal referral unit in the UK used essential oils with women undergoing labor. This was done so under the supervision of midwives trained in aromatherapy. Between the period of 1990 – 1998, the effects of essential oils were meticulously recorded for more than 8000 women.
It was found that more than 50% of the mothers found essential oils to be helpful for them. Aromatherapy was used in labor to reduce pain, alleviate anxiety, reduce nausea and vomiting, as well as to reduce fear in first time mothers. The oils used in the study were frankincense, lavender and rose. (1)
This shows that essential oils have great potential in making labor easier, especially when used under the care of a licensed professional or midwife.
Top 10 Essential Oils for Labor
Here are the top 10 essential oils for labor that are most popularly used around the world.
1. Lavender (where to get it)
2. Frankincense (where to get it)
3. Rose (where to get it)
4. Jasmine (where to get it)
5. Geranium (where to get it)
6. Clary Sage (where to get it)
7. Peppermint (where to get it)
8. Myrrh (where to get it)
9. Ginger (where to get it)
10. Helichrysum (where to get it)
Caution When Using Essential Oils for Labor
Before we look at some great ways to use essential oils for labor, here are some general pointers to keep in mind:
- Only use 100% pure, organic essential oils from trusted sources.
- Remember to do a patch test before using essential oils to know if you are allergic to any.
- Always use essential oils appropriately diluted in a suitable carrier oil.
- Do not ingest essential oils, unless under the care of a certified health professional.
- Always consult your doctor before using essential oils during pregnancy, labor and lactation.
How to Use Essential Oils for Labor
These are some great ways to incorporate essential oils into your labor period:
1. Inhalation:Simply sprinkle a few drops of essential oils such as lavender onto a piece of cloth or tissue. Inhale this as you labor. You can also use an aromatherapy inhaler like this one.
2. Reflexology massage: Mix 6 drops of essential oils such as geranium, frankincense and ginger into 2 tablespoons of coconut oil. Massage this gently into the bottom of your feet.
3. Soothing Bath: Pour 20 – 30 drops of essential oils such as ginger, jasmine and helichrysum, along with 1 cup of Epsom salts into a hot bath. Relax and soak in your bath for 15 – 30 minutes. Note: Do not do this if your water has already broken or are in active labor, as this risks the essential oils coming into contact with the baby.
Sources
(1) Burns E, Blamey C, Ersser S, Barnetson L, Lloyd A. An investigation into the use of aromatherapy in intrapartum midwifery practice. J Altern Comp Med 2000;6:141-7.
Share Your Story
What is your labor and delivery story? Share with us how essential oils made your labor easier!