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Welcome, mums-to-be!
Aromatherapy is the use of highly concentrated extracts from plants (including flowers, seeds, leaves, fruits, and roots), it takes a significant amount of plant matter to make a tiny amount of oil!
The extracts contain lots of different chemical compounds which all have a different perceived effect on our bodies, for example, relaxation, anti-nausea, anti-spasmodic or even pain relieving!
As they come directly from plants, they are never going to be able to be studied like pharmaceuticals as each 'batch' of the oils can be different and therefore they don't lend themselves to controlled clinical environments!
There are, however some studies (usually with much smaller populations than we are used to seeing with drug trials) that show positive effects, due to the small populations and inconsistent makeup of the oils, the majority of these conclude there is some effect but state 'more evidence is needed'.
And we already know that studies that could improve the overall well-being of women in pregnancy and labour but don't follow the standard medical model are unlikely to be pursued.....right?
Recently, I delved into a masterclass with a clinical aromatherapist (I will pop a link to her website below). I learned so much, and I will be sharing her amazing handout with my Virtual Doula clients, but I thought I would tell you about three unsung hero essential oils that can be your companions through pregnancy, labor, and the postpartum period.
Aromatherapy in labour is not a 'magic key' but it is a great tool in your birth toolkit!
A word about individualism and safety
The most important part of using an essential oil, especially during pregnancy and birth when your sense of smell is heightened is that you like the smell of the oil, and do not feel like you have to keep using an oil because it has 'great benefits'.
Essential oils come in 'groups' or 'families' so if you don't like one, you may like another with similar benefits!
Essential oils should never be used neat directly onto the skin, I will give you some ideas of safe ways use them later!
Check the information about a specific oil carefully as some need to be used in a weaker dilution than others, and some are contraindicated in pregnancy and birth.
Pregnancy: Embrace Bergamot
Bergamot (A citrus oil) Is like a hug from the Mediterranean sun, known for its calming and uplifting properties. During pregnancy, when emotions can soar, Bergamot reduces tension! Clinical evidence suggests that Bergamot may help reduce stress and anxiety levels, promoting a tranquil environment for you and your baby to flourish. (Watanabe et al., 20).
Being part of the citrus family it may also be useful in reducing nausea!
Aromatherapy for Labour: Envelop Yourself in Rose
As you embark on the exhilarating journey of labor, Rose stands ready to be your pillar of strength. With its soothing fragrance evocative of blossoming gardens, Rose has been associated with reducing perceived pain intensity during labor and anxiety offering you comfort during this intense phase. (Kheirkhah et al 2014)
Postpartum: Bask in Sweet Orange
After the whirlwind of childbirth, the Sweet Orange oil becomes your warm embrace in the postpartum period. Its invigorating citrus scent banishes fatigue and uplifts the spirits, gently coaxing your body and mind into a state of rejuvenation. Studies suggest that Sweet Orange may promote relaxation and feelings of happiness, vital elements in your postpartum recovery. (Rashidi-Fakariet al 2015)
Ways to use essential oils
Remember, these essential oils are most effective when used mindfully, diluted in carrier oils like sunflower, olive, or sweet almond oils. Additionally, diffusion or incorporation into baths and footbaths, using in a diffuser, or smelling on a tissue could be a good way to use them!
I was recommended to dilute essential oils to be used topically in pregnancy to a 1-2% solution, I use this dilution calculator:
Inhale. Exhale. Embrace the magic of aromatherapy in your pregnancy journey!
Remember, these essential oils are helpers on your journey but always consult wth a expert (like Meyu aromatherapy!) if you have any questions or concerns!
If you would like full access to the wisdom of around 13 essential oils to use in pregnancy, birth, and postpartum, check out my Virtual Doula packages where this resource is available!
Happy nurturing!
References
Eri Watanabe, Kenny Kuchta, Mari Kimura, Hans Wilhelm Rauwald, Tsutomu Kamei, Jiro Imanishi; Effects of Bergamot (Citrus bergamia (Risso) Wright & Arn.) Essential Oil Aromatherapy on Mood States, Parasympathetic Nervous System Activity, and Salivary Cortisol Levels in 41 Healthy Females. Forschende Komplementärmedizin / Research in Complementary Medicine 1 February 2015; 22 (1): 43–49.
Kheirkhah M, Vali Pour NS, Nisani L, Haghani H. Comparing the effects of aromatherapy with rose oils and warm foot bath on anxiety in the first stage of labor in nulliparous women. Iran Red Crescent Med J. 2014 Aug 17;16(9):e14455. doi: 10.5812/ircmj.14455. PMID: 25593713; PMCID: PMC4270653.
Rashidi-Fakari F, Tabatabaeichehr M, Mortazavi H. The effect of aromatherapy by essential oil of orange on anxiety during labor: A randomized clinical trial. Iran J Nurs Midwifery Res. 2015 Nov-Dec;20(6):661-4. doi: 10.4103/1735-9066.170001. PMID: 26793249; PMCID: PMC4700683.
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