Top 6 Essential Oils for Labour and Childbirth

Here in our Botanical Apothecary, it is not uncommon to find healthy mama’s (and mama to be’s) to be pursuing our essential oil collection seeking advice and tips for using oils for a healthy pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care. As a Doula and Herbalist, I believe in the power and healing of these powerful botanical oils for pregnancy and childbirth. Here are my top six favorite essential oils to be used for a natural and nurturing labor & delivery.

1. Lavender: Widely known for its relaxing effects, lavender soothes away anxiety, nausea, cramps, and nervous tension. Also used for its anti-inflammatory properties, it is invaluable for swelling and soreness. Put 5 drops into a spray bottle for a comforting perineal sitz. Better yet, soak a washcloth in a bowl of warm lavender water and put the washcloth in a Ziploc in the freezer. Once frozen, use directly on the sore or inflamed area.
2. Clary Sage: Many midwives recommend Clary Sage essential oil as it is known to encourage labour and is used safely when the baby is considered to be “at term” (between 37-42 weeks). Because Clary Sage contains estrogenic properties, and estrogen stimulates the synthesis of enzymes involved in prostaglandin production, clary sage is recommended to help stimulate cervical ripening. I recommend mixing 3 drops within a tablespoon of carrier oil (like sweet almond oil or fractionated coconut oil) and putting it into a warm bath.
3. Jasmine: Normally used in perfuming for its exquisite beauty and for its reputation for being a powerful aphrodisiac, Jasmine essential oil brings feelings of love, joy, and tranquility. If you plan on bringing a diffuser or making a room spray for your birthing room, be sure to add Jasmine to ease stress, tension, and pain. It is important to use essential oils that you can enjoy and connect to, so I recommend exploring our essential oils and finding those that make you feel peaceful and comforted.
4. Peppermint: Known for its energizing and uplifting effects, it works wonders to get laboring mothers focused and empowered. Direct inhalation also helps to ease headaches, dizziness, and lightheadedness by promoting more oxygen supply to the brain. Peppermint is my go-to oil for dealing with waves of nausea. Diluted into a carrier oil for massage, it’s also great for helping painful back labor.
5. Geranium: You will find this oil in most therapeutic oil blends made for women. It is a popular circulatory stimulant, anti-inflammatory, and relaxant – especially for the uterine area. This oil is very calming and soothes anxiety, nervous agitation, and fatigue. Used in skin care for its contractive effect, it helps to pull together dilated tissues making it excellent for after birth. Mix geranium essential oil (2 drops) with Helichrysum essential oil (2 drops) in a sitz bath or sitz spray.
6. Frankincense: This oil is highly recommended by Dr. Young (founder of Young Living Essential Oils) for childbirth because of its many uses. Frankincense has immune stimulating, anti-infectious and anti-depressant properties. Commonly used for meditation, it can be used to bring a sense of grounding and calm. It is highly recommended for pain, especially back and abdominal labor. I suggest diluting frankincense into a carrier oil, like fractioned coconut oil or sweet almond oil (4 drops in one tablespoon) and keeping it in your “birth bag”. It plays an invaluable part in perineum care, applied to help promote skin elasticity and ease the burning feeling accompanied by the crowning of baby’s head.

If creating natural remedies like the ones found in this article is something you are interested in, come by our Botanical Apothecary and let us show you how simple and rewarding handcrafting can be. Also, stay tuned for future workshops featuring recipes for healthy pregnancies and babies.

References:

•Rose, J. (1999). 375 Essential Oils and Hydrosols. Frog, Ltd: Berkeley, California.
•http://yoursacredcalling.com/commonscentsmom/essential-oil-birth-stash/

DISCLAIMER

• Essential oils are highly concentrated, powerful liquids. Their potency must be respected and they can be toxic if used incorrectly.
• This information has been written with the assumption that only pure, therapeutic grade essential oils are used.
• It is fundamental that you consult your Midwife /Doctor/Certified Aromatherapist before using essential oils while pregnant/during childbirth.
• This information is for information purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, prescribe, or treat for any health condition.
• No medical claims are intended.
• Please consult your certified health professional for guidance on all health conditions.

Please exercise caution whenever using essential oils. Refer to our essential oil disclaimer to learn more.

Written by Lauren-Mary.