14 Essential Oils for a Calm and Comfortable Birthing Experience

Labour and Aromatherapy are subjects that have been researched, and there are many clinical trials, so the list of essential oils that have an evidence base for use is a lot more than what we can use in pregnancy. There are many opportunities to use Aromatherapy in Labour,

And can be at home, at a birthing centre or hospital.

No matter what birth you are planning, there are still cautions with the essential oils and delivery as they are plant chemicals.

If you want specific advice for your birth plan. Seek out a qualified aromatherapist.

Here is a list of the essential oils with evidence of use in labour:

Bergamot Citrus bergamia

Clary sage Salvia sclarea

Eucalyptus Eucalyptus globulus

Frankincense Boswellia carterii

Geranium Pelargonium graveolens

Jasmine Jasminum grandiflorum or Jasminum sambac

Lavender Lavandula angustifolia

Lemon Citrus limonum

Mandarin Citrus reticulata

Neroli Citrus aurantium var. amara

Peppermint Mentha piperita

Roman chamomile Anthemis nobilis

Rose Rosa Damascena (caution)

Sweet orange Citrus Sinensis

(Conrads, 2019)

Cautions:

Clary sage: to be avoided with oxytocin infusion, i.e. induction risk of intense contractions, and avoid with epidural as it can affect BP. If doing a VBAC and at high risk of rupture, please seek advice from a qualified aromatherapist as there is a small risk factor.

Lavender: avoid with epidural as it can affect BP, and avoid if you have seasonal allergies

Eucalyptus: avoid use with barbiturates

Rose: risk of increased bleeding

Roman chamomile: Avoid it if you have seasonal allergies.

Frankincense: avoid if a history of psychosis

ALL Aromatherapy should be discontinued if babies or mothers are in distress and a medical emergency.

(Conrads, 2019) and (Tisserand, 2015)

Ratios for use in labour:

Massage oil dose 1%:

10mls carrier oil, cream, a balm to 3 drops essential oil.

Bath /compress 1%:

10 mils in Castille soap or carrier oil to 3 drops essential oil then add to water in a bath or to make a compress

Diffuse/burning

Only diffuse essential oils for a maximum of 60 minutes, then have a break for 60 minutes because our bodies become desensitised to the aromatic compounds and will stop being effective.

Most burners also only need 3-5 drops or less.

NB: if having a hospital birth open flames burners are not permitted.

Direct inhalation

Only inhale for 10 mins, a maximum of three times a day.

Here are some examples from the evidence for use in labour:

Anxiety: frankincense, bergamot or Jasmine direct inhalation & diffusion

Coping with contractions: Roman chamomile massage oil, direct inhalation of clary sage

Calming panic: lavender foot bath

Nausea relief: peppermint or direct lemon inhalation

References;

Conrads, P., 2019. Women's Health Aromatherapy: A Clinically Evidence-Based Guide For Nurses, Midwives, Doulas And Therapists. London, UK: singing dragon.

Denise Tiran,(2000), Clinical Aromatherapy for Pregnancy and Childbirth 2nd Edition, London: Churchill Livingstone

R.Tisserand and R.Young, (2015), Essential Oil Safety: A Guide for Health Care Professionals, London: Churchill Livingstone.

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