Using Essential oils during Labor and Childbirth
23.03.2018
Orange oil helps during childbirth
Artemis writes: I love learning about essential oils, and as part of my research for this new book, I was fascinated to read this scientific article. It’s natural that the process of childbirth (which some women liken to passing a football!) can cause some stress and anxiousness in some women. The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of Orange essential oil on women during labour.
100 women participated in this study, and various measures of stress or anxiousness (such as blood pressure, respiration and pulse rates) were assessed both 20 minutes before and 20 minutes after exposure to Orange oil. The Orange oil was placed onto a non-absorbable clean napkin that was attached to the woman’s clothing, 20cm from their chin.
And did it help? (Can you see me grinning!!!) Yes, of course it did!!!!
The scientists concluded that inhaling Orange essential oil is a noninvasive and effective method for use in childbirth units to help women experiencing this stressful stage of their life (ie. labour) in decreasing their anxiousness and tension.
Pretty awesome!!!
Original article: The effect of aromatherapy by essential oil of orange on anxiety during labor: A randomized clinical trial, by Rashidi-Fakari, F, Tabatabaeichehr, M, and Mortazavi, H.Iranian Journal of Nursing and Midwifery Research, 2015 Nov-Dec;20(6):661-4. doi: 10.4103/1735-9066.170001.
Frankincense oil on the Umbilical cord
Amy M. writes: When It comes to welcoming your very own gorgeous creation into this world, I have experienced both ways (natural and Caesarian), and I believe they both have their challenges and can both benefit from using essential oils.
When I found out that my second child needed to arrive via Caesarean I felt disappointed, as I didn’t want to be cut open and had all the oils ready for a ’natural’ birth…. however I wanted to use the oils the best I could to support a beautiful delivery.
After Indie arrived I put a drop of frankincense on the palms of her daddy, he then rubbed his hands together three times and stood over her new little precious body, lightly touching her skin and her umbilical cord and waved his hands just above interacting with her aura, creating positive space, helping her calm down in her new confronting environment while enhancing her sacred energy. We blessed her life, introduced her into this world, expressed our gratitude and gave her so much love…… it was a beautiful moment.
Essential oils in the Delivery room
Amy B. writes: I found that inhaling Peppermint and Rosemary in the delivery room helped me to focus and feel grounded during the birthing process. I also inhaled Clary Sage or Lavender as I was doing visualisations and affirmations, to help me connect with my baby, feel safe during the delivery, and remain healthy and balanced on all levels.
I really craved the emotional support of essential oils during the birth process, but I didn’t want too much contact with them physically because I was so focused on other things…so I just put a drop or two on a cotton bud and inhaled them from there. I completely went with my intuition and just used what felt right for me.
I used 1 – 2 drops of Lavender oil on the insides of my ankles, lower back and over my heart, and also on the cotton bud (inhaled) in order to connect to my heart centre and to my baby, as well as for focus and relaxation. And as the contractions got stronger, I’d inhale 1 – 2 drops of Clary Sage (and sometimes Jasmine) hourly – it helped me feel emotionally and mentally fortified.
My labours were all natural, with no difficulties, no tearing with a peaceful and content baby, Mum and Dad.
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