Essential Oils That Help Labor
These essential oils can be used to help breathing and calming for the mind of mother to be and also physically it helps to reduce the pain and cramps.
Using essential oils during this process helps to ease some of the discomforts of labor, give Mom’s the strength she needs to pursue the birth she desires, create a calm and serene atmosphere, and help to change the birthing rooms to more of a welcoming place, to name a few.
During early labor using lavender to calm the early jitters, both for Mom and her partner by diffusing in the room or using with a carrier oil for light massage.
As labor progresses, Jasmine is a wonderful oil to use. It helps to increase the intensity of the contractions but also acts as an analgesic, helping to take away some of the sensations of the contractions. This can be used on the lower abdomen or used with a carrier oil for massage.
If labor has slowed and needs a bit of a boost, Myrrh can pick things up. You can diffuse it in the room or put it on a cotton ball near the mother. So often the intensity of the contractions will pick up right away and the aroma of the oil can then become an irritant to her.
Black Pepper is a great oil for back labor. Clove or nutmeg can also be used for this same issue. Use care when using these oils as there can be skin sensitivity to them.
Rose Oil is euphoric, it works as a uterine relaxant and it helps ligaments to soften enabling the pelvic bones to expand more easily.
Clary Sage facilitates birth as a euphoric and an analgesic, as a tonic to the respiratory muscles, the uterine system and calms the lower spinal cord. Put 3-4 drops on the inner ankles to help speed labor up.
Bergamot is a refreshing, uplifting oil. It may help relieve anxiety, stress and tension. Diffuse it or apply to forehead or on temples.
Peppermint when inhaled can help reduce anxiety and hypertension. It can be cooling on the lower back. It can help to ease nausea.
Neroli works on the nervous system, allowing it to relax. It calms fear and anxiety, both of which will promote easy breathing, especially if mom is panting or about to hyperventilate.
Essential oil formulas that can help labor:
- 2 drops of clary sage
- 2 drops of jasmine
- 20 ml of grapeseed oil
In the early stages of labor, this blend can be massaged across the abdomen and lower back. Massage should be given at intervals, when a woman feels the need.
A fragrant blend can help soothe pain and promote calm breathing during the contractions.
- 2 drops of frankincense essential oil
- 1 drop of mandarin essential oil
- 1 drop of lemon essential oil
- 1 drop of grapefruit essential oil
Vaporize the blend with 10 ml of grapeseed oil. You can use it for a bath also.
Labor Cooling Compress Blend:
- 10 drops jasmine oil
- 5 drops Roman chamomile
- 5 drops geranium oil
- 20 drops lavender oil
Put the oils in a bowl of water; swish the water clockwise, and while the water is still agitated, place a wash cloth into the water, wring out slightly, and use to cool mom’s head and face.
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