AROMATHERAPY

Aromatherapy is the practice of using essential oils to affect the body in some way.  During labor and birth essential oils (EO) can be used to relieve pain and anxiety, to augment a slow labor or to slow a fast labor.  Following are a few articles that describe aromatherapy as well as some references to books.  I recently discovered Iris Oils.  Joy Black has created several oil blends for laboring women. 

The Iris Oils Essential Blends Birthing Kit is Aromatherapy for Labor & Delivery and it’s mother-made.
These four blends are made from therapeutic grade, 100% natural massage and essential oils for an empowering and beautiful birth.
 Let’s face it. Having a baby can be an unpredictable journey. Iris Oils is the perfect resource to reach for.  $25 plus shipping and handling http://myirisoils.com  

 

Aromatherapy

From http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/494120_11

Aromatherapy is "the science of using highly concentrated essential oils or essences distilled from plants in order to utilize their therapeutic properties."[64] For the purposes of this article, we focus on the use of essential oils to reduce anxiety and pain in labor. Aromatherapy for these purposes has not been studied with properly controlled trials. This modality is included here because its use in maternity care is increasing, and experts state that "Essential oils are as potent as pharmacological drugs and are equally open to misuse or abuse, whether intentional or not," and, "… until more clinical research trials have been undertaken it would be prudent for midwives to work cautiously with essential oils, using the lowest possible dose and on the least number of occasions."[64]

Effectiveness of Aromatherapy in Reducing Pain and Suffering During Labor

One large, uncontrolled prospective study[65] reported on the use and effectiveness of aromatherapy in a large referral maternity unit in the United Kingdom over an 8-year period between 1990 and 1998. During this time, 8058 women received aromatherapy during labor under the supervision of midwives trained in aromatherapy. It was used for a variety of purposes: to reduce fear, anxiety, and pain; to reduce nausea or vomiting; to enhance women's sense of well-being; and to improve contractions.

Meticulous records were kept regarding the oils used, the mode and timing of administration, and reasons for use. Mothers and midwives reported on the effectiveness of the oils in accomplishing the purpose for which it was given.

Sixty-one percent of the women received aromatherapy (lavender, rose, or frankincense) to relieve anxiety and fear. Fifty percent of both mothers and midwives found it helpful, and 13% found it unhelpful. Rose oil was rated helpful by most (71%), followed by lavender (50%). Lavender and frankincense were used for pain by 537 women, of whom 54% found lavender helpful and 64% found frankincense helpful.

Essential oils have a range of possible adverse effects on the woman, as well as on others in the room, because they are volatile and produce vapors that are inhaled by everyone in the vicinity. One percent (n = 100) of women in the study[65] reported undesired effects associated with the use of aromatherapy; all were minor (nausea, rash, headache, or rapid labor). It is not clear whether they were caused by essential oils, other factors, or by labor itself.

In conclusion, aromatherapy is inexpensive and popular with laboring women and midwives. One large uncontrolled study reported that the majority of users found it helpful in reducing pain and anxiety. On the basis of these findings, and its increasing popularity, this modality merits further scientific study to establish its rightful place in maternity care.

 

Aromatherapy for Labor and Childbirth

by Françoise Rapp

With all the access we have to information about pregnancy--from websites, to books, to childbirth classes--labor itself remains a mystery in many ways. What we do know is that labor is likely the hardest work a woman will endure in her lifetime. It also holds all the beauty, magic and infinite power of life itself.

But it is the unknown that causes most expectant mothers to be scared and apprehensive as the due date nears. More and more women are turning to aromatherapy during their labor to help them cope with the emotional issues facing them.

Resources usually divide labor neatly into three phases, but it's important to recognize that each childbirth experience is unique. Depending on your emotional needs, consider incorporating no more than two of the following aromatic blends into your childbirth plan.

First Stage: Early Phase
During the early phase of labor, contractions begin. While the intensity varies from woman to woman, you will begin to see a pattern in frequency emerging. You should take it easy, relax, take a bath, or even a nap if possible.

You may be feeling a little apprehensive, and the following aromatic blend can help you relax your mind and release your fears.

In a 10-ml bottle, pour the following essential oils and then add organic vegetable oil to fill:
4 drops Lavender
2 drops Neroli

Massage your temples, forehead, chest and solar plexus. Take deep breaths.

First Stage: Active Phase
During the active phase, contractions become more intense and frequent. It is at this point that your doctors will likely tell you to go to the hospital. The key is to relax in order to gain enough strength for the delivery. A good birth coach is essential to help you with your breathing and relaxation exercises. Try the following aromatherapy blend to bring you peace and harmony.
In a 10-ml bottle, pour the following essential oils and then add organic vegetable oil to fill:
6 drops Lavender
1 drop Neroli
1 drop Rose

Massage your solar plexus, heart chakra, chest and neck. Inhale the blend deeply while resting.

First Stage: Transitional Phase
During this phase, contractions will come hard and fast, and symptoms might include shaking, shivering, and nausea. It is important that your birth coach provide you with all the emotional care and attention you need. Once you are done with this phase, you will be fully dilated and ready to begin pushing.

You may be feeling scared and exhausted. Inhale the following blend between the contractions to help you endure this phase, and give you an added boost of strength for the delivery.

In a 10-ml bottle, pour the following essential oils and then add organic vegetable oil to fill:
4 drops Lavender
4 drops Sage
4 drops Peppermint

Massage the lower back, with emphasis on the sacrum.

Second Stage
Now that your body has prepared itself for childbirth, you're likely feeling relieved that the end is finally in sight. And yet you still have a big job ahead of you. Pushing is an exhaustive process, and during this stage you will use all your reserved energy and strength. Many women feel the desire to give up, as the labor thus far has left them emotionally drained.

Inhale the following aromatic blend before you begin pushing to help you to gain the needed courage and emotional strength for this stage.

In a 10-ml bottle, pour the following essential oils and then add organic vegetable oil to fill:
4 drops Peppermint
4 drops Rosemary

Visit www.aromalchemy.com/aromatherapy/ouroils.html to learn more about the essential oils used in these blends.

Check out our Starters Kit for Pregnancy at www.aromalchemy.com/aromatherapy/starterskits.html.

In Good Health,
Françoise Rapp
www.aromalchemy.com

Permission is granted to reproduce this article by (c) Françoise Rapp, 2001. This article was originally published by Françoise Rapp in "The Arom'Alchemy Newsletter," a weekly ezine dedicated to healthy mind, body and soul through the use of aromatherapy. Join her for many aromatic moments to come by subscribing at www.aromalchemy.com/education

 

Creative Uses for Aromatherapy During Labor
by Nancy Eggleston

All women have a strong desire to experience birth in a safe, comfortable and relaxed environment. Whether you plan to be at home, at a birthing center or in a hospital, consider surrounding yourself with favorite comfy, soft and pampering items to add a sense of familiarity and control during labor and birth. Aromatherapy and the healing properties of herbs are wonderful gifts to bring with you to accomplish these goals. They are excellent tools for preparing your body and mind for the wonder of birth and for calming anxiety or stress during labor.

If you have never used aromatherapy before, begin slowly and test some of the many aromatic scents ahead of time. Become familiar so that you know what may be pleasing to you as opposed to what may bother you during labor. Remember, your senses may be heightened during labor. We suggest that you make a trip to a specialty store that stocks excellent quality essential oils, talk with someone knowledgeable, choose two or three you enjoy, and then follow some of the suggested recipes and craft ideas below.

First, it is important to note that many essential oils are safe and helpful during pregnancy and childbirth. Some are useful alternatives to drugs. Yet there are several that can be harmful, causing menstrual bleeding, contractions of the uterus and/or possible miscarriage. We have included, at the bottom of this page, a partial list of essential oils and herbs you will want to stay away from during pregnancy. As you move into labor, a few of these essential oils are suggested, as you will note below. Please be sure to check with your midwife, health care provider or doctor before using any herbs or essential oils during pregnancy or labor. Never ingest essential oils.

Some citrus oils (bergamot, grapefruit, orange and lemon) are fine to use during pregnancy. Their uplifting effects, as well as their ability to ease an unsettled stomach, cause them to be a soothing choice for aromatherapy. We suggest that you not use them directly on the skin, especially before exposure to direct sunlight as they can cause skin pigmentation. Simply add a drop or two to a diffuser filled with water, place nearby, breathe deeply and enjoy.

Soothing and healing properties to choose from:

Geranium, rosemary, lavender and chamomile have pain relieving and relaxant effects.
Lavender is very balancing and calming. It is also very good for headaches.
Geranium supports circulation and breathing, and boasts antidepressant effects.
Neroli is a very good anti-depressant, but it also helps with anxiety, fear and apprehension.
Rose is considered a very feminine oil and is used as a uterine tonic which supports labor.
Jasmine is uplifting and yet balancing.
Bergamot is calming and relaxing.
Ylang Ylang is a strong scent - be certain that you find it pleasing ahead of time. I happen to love it, but may not have during labor. If you do enjoy this scent, it is a good choice for helping to lower blood pressure. It can be soothing and relaxing.

Aromatherapy uses many different methods to introduce the healing and calming properties of plant scents into your body or mind and awareness. Some essential oils, diluted with natural oils such as jojoba or almond, can be applied to the skin as a massage to reduce aches and pains and promote relaxation. (Use olive oil if you have nut allergies.) Many women choose to anoint chakra centers for relaxation, concentration and emotional strength. Here is a wonderful article with recipes and instructions.

Some women prefer not to be touched, massaged or rubbed in any way during labor. They also may not enjoy the lingering effect of an oil or scent directly on their skin. The suggestions below are especially wonderful for those of us who prefer a very light scent that can be easily removed from the room. Choose just a couple favorite scents and try to stick with those. It's easy to get excited and blend too many. The aroma is wonderful now, but later, during labor, less is better.

 

  • Make a spritzer by combining one or two drops of an essential oil listed above and four ounces of water. Pour into a clean, small spray bottle and shake well. Store in the refrigerator until labor day. You can adjust the amount of oil later if you find that you want a drop or two more.

     

    • If you are allowed to bathe during labor, spritz into the water for a soothing and relaxing soak.

       

    • Spritz on a pretty handkerchief and pamper yourself - how special is that?! You can hold it, twist it, wipe yourself with it, and share with your birthing partner when you've had enough.

       

    • Spray into the birthing room gently to soften and freshen the air around you.

       

    • Spritz on your feet for a clean, fresh feeling. Peppermint is a good choice for your feet as it is cooling and refreshing. Your feet are far enough away from your nose that the smell may be ignored if it bothers you later. Chances are, the scent will be gone quickly.

     

  • Choose a soft, pure cotton handkerchief or washcloth. Fold it over, sew up three sides and fill halfway with a mixture of rice and one tablespoon of dried lavender. Sew up the third side. Place in the freezer or in an air-tight plastic bag and set in an ice chest. This can be placed over your eyes for relaxation. (See Aromatherapy for Labor & Childbirth for chakra centers and place over each one during labor stages.) Other herbs to choose from are: dried orange or grapefruit peel, dried and crumbled rose petals, dried chamomile or raspberry leaves. Make several of these and keep a few ready to microwave in case you feel chilled.

     

  • Fill a new, soft, cotton tube sock with approximately 1/2 cup of rice and one or two tablespoons of dried lavender so that the amount fits neatly into the palm of your hand like a round ball. (Lavender is antiseptic and it is very soothing for aching backs and limbs.) Cut, and sew up the open end. Your birth partner can use this to rub the small of your back if you have back labor. This item can also be made by sewing about a half inch above the filled rice, then tying a knot at the top of the sock. Hold the sock in the palm of your hand, with the knotted end coming up between your thumb and first finger. It makes a nice "handle."

     

  • Fill a square piece of muslin fabric with a mixture of rolled oats and lavender or other dried herb. Pull corners up and tie tightly with a ribbon or string. Rub gently on your tummy, legs, back or neck. The oats are calming and soothing, as are the dried herbs.

     

  • Fill a small bowl with hot water and a few drops of your choice of essential oils above. Set somewhere in the room where it can be enjoyed, yet easily removed.

     

  • Add a drop or two of essential oil to a very natural, unscented body lotion. Some bath shops carry these, or you can make your own easily using recipes from Janice Cox's Natural Beauty books. Keep handy and ask your birthing partner to rub on your feet, back or legs during labor.

Part of our femininity is the wisdom to know how to care for ourselves and connect with healing. The joy is in doing so. The love is in sharing what we have learned. We wish you a very joyful, loving and calm birth filled with wisdom and good health.

Essential Oils to stay clear of during pregnancy:
Basil, clary sage, cedarwood, cypress, fennel, jasmine, juniper, lemongrass, marjoram, myrrh, origanum, parsley, peppermint, rose, rosemary and thyme

Herbs not to be taken during pregnancy may include:
  • rue
  • golden seal
  • juniper
  • autumn rocus
  • mistletoe
  • bearberry
  • pennyroyal
  • poke root
  • southernwood
  • wormwood
  • mugwort
  • tansy
  • nutmeg
  • cotton root
  • male fern
  • thuja
  • calendula
  • beth root
  • feverfew
  • sage

Aromatherapy for labour and birth

From http://www.activebirthcentre.com/pb/pflaromaforlabourandbirth.shtml

Benefits of aromatherapy

The ancient art of aromatherapy - the use of essential oils of plants and herbs - is a safe, non-invasive, natural treatment for both body and mind. Many midwives and other birth professionals are now incorporating aromatherapy into their practice as a gentle and effective way of helping relax the labouring woman, ease pain and calm anxiety - either on its own or alongside conventional methods of pain relief.  If you are planning to have a completely natural labour you'll find aromatherapy an invaluable tool for helping to calm your mind, fortify your mood, soothe pain and alleviate discomfort - without any of the potential side-effects of pain relieving drugs.  Of course, however much you plan, no one can predict what your labour and birth will be like. However even if you opt to avail yourself of the full panoply of medical aids to labour - or if your labour is not straightforward - aromatherapy can still be helpful used alongside conventional procedures.  To get the most out of aromatherapy during labour it helps to familiarize yourself with the oils and their uses during pregnancy. That way you'll know how to use them to best effect during labour. In fact you'll probably find that if you've used oils before certain ones have an instantly calming or uplifting effect.  It's a good idea to assemble a kit of aromatherapy preparations ready for labour making sure that each bottle is labelled with your name. Keep them in a cool place that is easy to get at so you can start using them when you feel the first twinges of contractions and/or pop them into your labour bag when you go into hospital.

Benefits of aromatherapy during labour include:

Essential oils can be used in a variety of different ways during labour. They can be added to aromatic baths to help ease pain and enhance progress. For example during the early phases of labour a relaxing warm bath with a few drops of an essential oil such as lavender added is very comforting and can enable you get some sleep, if you go into labour during the night.

When labour becomes established and contractions become stronger a warm bath is a great pain reliever and (taken at the right stage) can help enhance the effectiveness of contractions.

Oils can also be added to warm water and used on a flannel or compress and applied to your lower back or abdomen to help alleviate pain or to wipe your face and neck during the tumultuous second stage when your body is working hard to push your baby out into the world to refresh and calm you.

They can also be inhaled from a tissue, used in a room spray and/or vapourised ina special vapouriser or burner and used to scent the delivery room.

If you're planning to do this check with the midwife if you are having a hospital birth as some labour wards have rules about the use of such devices.

But where the oils most come into their own is in a variety of different types of massage. Once your baby is born a compress placed on your abdomen can help your body to expel the placenta.

But don't do just one thing use your imagination and mix and match aromatherapy treatments : aromatic baths with compresses, massage, inhalations and changing position. This will help maximise the benefits of aromatherapy for both you and your baby.

"....for the baby, to come into the world into a sweetly scented room which is relaxed, welcoming and happy, must be the perfect way to be born."

Aromatherapy and massage for mother and baby, Allison England, Vermilion

Massage in labour

It's a natural human instinct to rub away a hurt or pain and this is especially true during labour. An aromatherapy massage given by your partner or a member of your birth team is a wonderful, way to help you relax and soothe the pain of contractions. The oils help reduce friction on the skin at the same time as having therapeutic benefits.  Almost any type of massage can be safely used during labour. You may, for instance, just want someone to place a comforting hand on your lower back or sacrum. Alternatively you may prefer a firmer more vigorous touch. Massage can be performed in virtually any position that you adopt during labour. Many women find having the abdomen, thighs or lower back massages is especially helpful. If you are a potential birth companion it's as well to acquaint yourself with a few simple massage techniques and find out how your partner likes to be massaged so that it is second nature by the time she goes into labour.  Not all women like to be touched when they are in labour so, when the time comes, play it by ear and respond to your your partner's mood.

Massage during labour can be performed in many different ways depending on how you feel at the time.

Light, fingertip massage concentrating on your face, upper back and limbs between contractions is enormously soothing and comforting, as you rest and relax and your body prepares itself for the next tremendous wave of energy to surge through your uterus.

If you are coping with contractions but feel anxious a foot massage can be extremely soothing. Cold feet are often quite literally a problem during labour because all your energy is concentrated in your uterus. A comforting foot massage will both increase circulation and so help warm your feelt and may also help increase the effectivness of contractions by stimulating acupressure points on the sole and heel allowing chi (the body's vital energy) to flow more freely.

During contractions a firmer pressure is often appreciated to counteract the discomfort. Many women especially enjoy having the sacral area of the lower back massaged, especially if they are experiencing a "backache labour" in which contractions are felt mainly in the lower spine, from where the nerves supplying your uterus emerge. You are especially likely to have a backache labour if your baby is lying in a posterior position (with his back to your spine). And because the baby has further to turn this kind of labour often goes on longer. Massage of the sacral area of the lower back between contractions can be particularly soothing and relaxing and may also help make contractions more effective and even encourage the baby's head to turn. A back massage can be performed in almost any position where you are kneeling, leaning forward or standing.

Inner thigh massage can also be marvelously soothing, especially if, as often happens towards the end of the first stage of labour, the pain of contractions spreads down to your upper thighs. It can be done with you sitting comfortably upright on a chair, birth ball, the floor or a bed.

Perineal massage

During the last few weeks of pregnancy massage of the perineum, the area of tissue between your vagina and your anus, which stretches during birth to allow your baby to emerge, will increase the elasticity of the skin. In fact, a number of reputable research studies have shown that perineal massage carried out in the last six weeks or so of pregnancy can significantly reduce the risk of needing an episiotomy ( a cut made in the perineum to help enlarge the vaginal opening as the baby is born). (1)You can either do this yourself using a mirror to view the perineum or if you like it is a wonderful way for your partner to help you prepare for birth. A few drops of non-scented oil are used to massage the vagina and the perineum gently stretching it, and paying particular attention to any previous scars from an episiotomy or tear.

Healing the perineum

Despite all the preparation in the world you may not be able to avoid having an episiotomy or a natural tear. And even if you have managed to have a completely natural birth with no intervention your perineum may still feel a little tender and sore. The sooner the perineum heals the sooner you will be able to move and sit comfortably and start enjoying motherhood to the full. You can encourage perineal healing - whether you have had an episiotomy, sustained a tear or simply feel a bit bruised - by doing your pelvic floor exercises to help increase healing blood to the area and by taking regular healing herbal baths to enhance the natural healing proecess.  We've combined three of the world's most healing herbs to create a healing herbal bath that will help prevent infection, heal the skin and encourage new skin cells to grow: St John's Wort (hypericum), which is soothing, antiseptic and analgesic, marigold (calendula officianalis) widely recognized for its soothing healing properties for skin problems and inflammation and comfrey (symphytum officinale) the healing herb par excellence for easing the pain and swelling of bruises and helping to heal cuts, grazes and wounds of all kinds. The herbal bath can be added either to a conventional bath or bidet, Sitz bath (when the lower half of your body is immersed only) or simply to flush over the perineum if you are confined to bed.

If you've had a Caesarean a soothing herbal bath can also help relax you and encourage the incision wound to heal more rapidly. And the oils can also be used to help your baby's umbilicus to avoid becoming infected and heal quickly. Lavender oil is another great aid to perineal healing. Research carried out at Huntingdon's Hinchinbrooke Hospital has found that the use of lavender oil in the bath led to greater comfort of the perineum between the third and fifth days after delivery.

Reference

1. Labrecque M, Marcoux S, Pinault JJ et al 1994 Prevention of perineal trauma by perineal massage during pregnancy: a pilot study, Birth 21 (1):20-25

Mynaugh PA 1991. A randomized study of two methods of teaching perineal massage: effects on practice rates, episiotomy rates and perineal lacerations. Birth 18 (3): 153-9

Avery MD and Van Arsdale I, 1987 Perineal massage: effect on the incidence of episiotomy and laceration in a nulliparous population. J of Nurse-Midwifery 32(3): 181-184

2. Dale and Cornwell all cited in Complementary therapies for pregnancy and childbirth, Denise Tiran and Sue Mack, Bailliere Tindal

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