The date of birth is approaching and you may are excited? Or you are just happy that you have survived an exhausting pregnancy? Again, at the end of the pregnancy most have mixed feelings - all of sudden the nine long month are over and you find yourself waiting for the birth to start. On the same hand you feel anxious about the birth and you may feel uneasy about the time after with a newborn. Nevertheless joy and curiosity predominate most of the women's feelings. And as a personal experience you can put these feelings in the foreground; giving birth to a child is a miracle and the time after of getting to know each other is beautiful.
Preparing for labour
First I would like to focus on the perineum - you may ask yourself what is the perineum? The perineum is the bridge of muscle and tissue that lies between the vagina and the anus. Massage may help avoid tearing during childbirth. I suggest to use a carrier oil to massage the perineum as essential oils can be irritating to the mucous membranes. Starting around 34 weeks you can use a handful of plane sweet almond oil or jojoba oil directly on the perineum and massage it gently. You can also gently stretch the vagina: place your thumb or two fingers just inside the vagina and gently stretch the vagina wall towards the back. To avoid any infections always wash your hands immediately before carrying out the massage.
At 37 weeks of pregnancy you can start to drink raspberry leaf tea. It strengthens and tones the uterine muscles, making them more effective during labor.
Over due?
Around 40 percent of the pregnancies last over their estimated due dates. Essential oils can be help to stimulate uterine contractions. Please discuss the use of essential oils to support the induction of labour with your midwife or your obstetrician.
Jasmine (Jasminum officinalis)
Rosemary CT Cineol (Rosmarinus officinalis var cineoleaka)
Cinnamon bark (Cinnamomum zeylanicum)
Use 10ml of carrier oil like jojoba oil and use 1 drops of each oil. Apply the blend once to twice a day gently on you belly. I can also recommend acupuncture as an other alternative support for induction of labor. Ask you midwife if she is trained in acupuncture or if she can recommend you somebody.
During Labour
Essential oils can support you mentally and physically during your labor. A personal fragrance may help you feel more comfortable at the hospital and the individual properties of each essential oil can address various mental and physical complaints.
Rose otto (Rosa Damascena)
Uterine relaxant
Softens ligaments
Helps the pelvic bones to expand
Natural antiseptic
Slightly analgesic
Cardiac tonic
Neroli (Citrus aurantium)
Helps reliebe feelings of anxiety
Calming
Disinfectant
Franckincense (Boswellia carterii)
Helps respiration
Alleviates stress or anxiety
Can give a sense of comfort as it is also used in spiritual practices
Chamomile Roman (Anthemis nobilis)
Calming effect onthe nervous system
Can give a feeling of ease from the discomfort of contractions
Helps relieve aches and pains
Lavender (Lavender true)
Slightly analgesic
Calming
Antibiotic, antiseptic, disinfectant, anti-inflammatory properties
Helps healing open wounds
Good for headache, fainting and bringing around after shock
Jasmine (Jasminum officinale)
Antispasmodic
Analgesic
Strengthen and calming
Reduces anxiety and fear and elevates mood
Not every women likes the aroma of jasmine.
Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea)
Mild analgesic
Good for respiratory and muscular system
Uterine tonic
Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens)
Stimulates circulation
good for uterus and endometrium
Contractive effect, excellent fo after birth
Antidepressant
If a midwife is attempting your birth you may want to discuss the use of essential oils during your labor. Depending on your individual needs you can use a selection of the above mentioned essential oils in your delivery room.
Diffuser
Try 3 to 5 drops of essential oil in 100ml of water and let the diffusdre run for about an hour.
Massage
use 3 drops of essential oil in 10ml of carrier oil, like jojoba oil or sweet almond oil and apply it on your body wherever you need it. Your partner can massage your lower back during or after a contraction and it can help to relief pain.
Warm compresses
Can be easily used at home. Prepare a blend of the above mentioned essential oils and put up to 4 drops of the blend into a bowl of warm water, soak a piece of cotton in the bowl and then apply it on the body area you need it.
Do not use essential oils in you bathtub or on any mucous membranes.
As a preparation of birth I recommend to have different personal blend ready; One for relax and calm, one to stimulate and one that makes you feel peaceful and happy. Your blend will be personal depending on you preferences of fragrances.
When your labor starts don't forget
No matter what: You are a women - You are destined for it - You can do it!
Comments