Essential oils are often used in aromatherapy practice during pregnancy, and once baby is born - but...

1. Essential oils for childbirth - National Women's Health
Essential oils are often used in aromatherapy practice during pregnancy, and once baby is born - but
you can also use some essential oils during childbirth. However, you should consult with a midwife
who has experience in the use of essential oils, and take the advice of your health care practitioner,
for individual circumstances and complications.
The following essential oils are suggested for use in various stages of childbirth.
Essential oils for labor pain
Labor can be a long and drawn out process for some women. The therapeutic properties of several
essential oils may help ease some of the pains associated with labor in childbirth. These include:
lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
sweet marjoram (Origanum majorana)
peppermint (Mentha piperita).
The above essential oils are described as analgesic. In a study carried out at Ipswich Hospital in
England (Reed and Norfolk, 1993) it was shown that mothers who used a lavender bath made better
progress in labor. Five drops of lavender oil were added to the bath (Price and Price, Aromatherapy
for Health Professionals, 2002).
Essential oils for anxiety during labor
Calming essential oils may help stressed-out mothers to relax during childbirth. Calming oils
include:
Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile)
rose (Rosa damascena)
frankincense (Boswellia sacra)
lavender (Lavandula angustifolia).
Use essentials in a massage oil or lotion - or diffuse, if this option is available. Consult your midwife
and/or a certified aromatherapist experienced in this area for further advice.
Essential oils for labor
Some essential oils are described as uterotonic which means that they may help to stimulate
contractions. It is important not to use these types of essential oils prior to labor, even though the
risk may be minimal.

2. Studies have indicated that clove (Syzygium aromaticum) and lavender essential oils may increase
contractions during labor (Price and Price, Aromatherapy for Health Professionals, 2002). The
essential oils were added to a warm bath.
Aromatherapy for childbirth
Essential oils can act as a natural aid in helping moms-to-be get through childbirth. However, it is
important to understand how to use the essential oils and how much to use. This article is intended
for informational purposes only. Consult a qualified health care professional for more advice.
References:
Buckle, Jane, 2003, Clinical Aromatherapy: Essential Oils in Practice UK: Churchill Livingstone
Price, Shirley, Price, Len, 2002, Aromatherapy for Healthcare Professionals UK: Churchill
Livingstone
Author is a certified aromatherapist.
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