Aromatherapy for Birth- What Partners Should Know
So you might have taken a prenatal class (if you haven't please do!), maybe learned a few hands-on comfort measures, feeling a little more confident about what to expect and now your partner is talking about using essential oils for the birth and maybe you are feeling like you are back to square one?! So here's a few tips for partners on how to navigate the use of aromatherapy in the delivery room.
Aromatherapy by definition is a holistic modality that uses natural plant extracts to promote health and well-being. Sometimes it's referred to as just essential oils but Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils or plant extracts aromatically or through inhalation to improve the health of the mind + body. It may enhance both physical and emotional wellness.
Which sounds pretty great, especially during labour! And while it can be a wonderful comfort measure to use during early and active stages of labour there are some safety precautions and general best practices to be aware of before putting aromatherapy onto your list of birth preferences.
* It's important to use and source out high quality essential oils from a company you trust and with the abundance of products on the market sometimes that's not the easiest task. There is a lot of green-washing and false advertising out there so look for a product that is genuine and authentic meaning that it doesn't contain synthetics, fillers, additives, solvents etc, does the label list the Latin binomial? Often common names are used on product labels but it is very important to know exactly what species it is. For example there are 45 different species of Lavender with over 450 varieties so lavender isn't lavender.
* A little goes a long way! When it comes to essential oils and aromatherapy less is definitely more. A drop or two on a wash cloth, making a personal inhaler or even inhaling directly from the bottle are ways you can bring a subtle but wonderful aromatic experience to the delivery room. Remember it is common for a pregnant person to experience a heighten sense of smell which means even a subtle aroma can become overwhelming and you may need to remove it as quickly as it was introduced.
* Check in with your care provider and birthing facility on scent policies. Many hospitals do have a strict no scent policy and others are open to subtle uses. Same applies with your care provider, some are very open to the use of aromatherapy and even incorporate it into their practice while others may have their own sensitivities or allergies so best to discuss at the prenatal visits!
* Aromatherapy may be a great tool for relaxation and as a comfort measure in healthy, low risk normal pregnancies and births. If you or your partner are using it for specific concerns please consult your care provider and/or a certified aromatherapist to ensure best practice and contraindications.
* Aromatics offer a unique and personal experience. Aromas that are relaxing for one person may not be for another and may tap into deeply held emotions from past experiences through the sense of smell. It's always best to explore a few aromas (that are considered to be safe during pregnancy) to find what works best for you and your partner.
* Fragrances like perfume, cologne and other personal care products are often made from synthetic sources and may be overwhelming for a birthing person during labour. Partners will be supporting in an intimate space so often it is best to be as scent free as possible and introduce aromatics as needed or desired.
* Food and drink, aromatherapy isn't just limited to intentional use of essential oils! Being mindful of the aromas introduced to the birthing environment by way of foods or beverages is so important. Coffee is definitely a staple for this doula (and many partners) but coffee breath is NOT! Think to some of the food aversions or sensitivities your partner had throughout pregnancy and ensure you aren't bringing those to the birthing space.
Now that we have discussed some general safety precautions and best practices, let's look at what the evidence says about using aromatherapy during labour. Evidence Based Birth has released a great video and review on the evidence of use for pain relief.
"Out of the randomized controlled trials reviewed they found that essential oils that were used in these studies did decrease pain and anxiety among people who were having unmedicated births. Using essential oils to help manage labor pain is affordable, noninvasive and does not have any documented cases of harm. It may not be appropriate for people with breathing problems or who have allergies to certain plants.
If you’re interested in this option, I would encourage you to seek out a professional aromatherapist who can help you with this. Choosing a fragrance that is personally appealing, or appealing to you as an individual, may have even more beneficial effects since the molecules in the essential oils are thought to stimulate parts of the brain responsible for emotion, memory and your response to pain."
Aromatherapy by definition is a holistic modality that uses natural plant extracts to promote health and well-being. Sometimes it's referred to as just essential oils but Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils or plant extracts aromatically or through inhalation to improve the health of the mind + body. It may enhance both physical and emotional wellness.
Which sounds pretty great, especially during labour! And while it can be a wonderful comfort measure to use during early and active stages of labour there are some safety precautions and general best practices to be aware of before putting aromatherapy onto your list of birth preferences.
* It's important to use and source out high quality essential oils from a company you trust and with the abundance of products on the market sometimes that's not the easiest task. There is a lot of green-washing and false advertising out there so look for a product that is genuine and authentic meaning that it doesn't contain synthetics, fillers, additives, solvents etc, does the label list the Latin binomial? Often common names are used on product labels but it is very important to know exactly what species it is. For example there are 45 different species of Lavender with over 450 varieties so lavender isn't lavender.
* A little goes a long way! When it comes to essential oils and aromatherapy less is definitely more. A drop or two on a wash cloth, making a personal inhaler or even inhaling directly from the bottle are ways you can bring a subtle but wonderful aromatic experience to the delivery room. Remember it is common for a pregnant person to experience a heighten sense of smell which means even a subtle aroma can become overwhelming and you may need to remove it as quickly as it was introduced.
* Check in with your care provider and birthing facility on scent policies. Many hospitals do have a strict no scent policy and others are open to subtle uses. Same applies with your care provider, some are very open to the use of aromatherapy and even incorporate it into their practice while others may have their own sensitivities or allergies so best to discuss at the prenatal visits!
* Aromatherapy may be a great tool for relaxation and as a comfort measure in healthy, low risk normal pregnancies and births. If you or your partner are using it for specific concerns please consult your care provider and/or a certified aromatherapist to ensure best practice and contraindications.
* Aromatics offer a unique and personal experience. Aromas that are relaxing for one person may not be for another and may tap into deeply held emotions from past experiences through the sense of smell. It's always best to explore a few aromas (that are considered to be safe during pregnancy) to find what works best for you and your partner.
* Fragrances like perfume, cologne and other personal care products are often made from synthetic sources and may be overwhelming for a birthing person during labour. Partners will be supporting in an intimate space so often it is best to be as scent free as possible and introduce aromatics as needed or desired.
* Food and drink, aromatherapy isn't just limited to intentional use of essential oils! Being mindful of the aromas introduced to the birthing environment by way of foods or beverages is so important. Coffee is definitely a staple for this doula (and many partners) but coffee breath is NOT! Think to some of the food aversions or sensitivities your partner had throughout pregnancy and ensure you aren't bringing those to the birthing space.
Now that we have discussed some general safety precautions and best practices, let's look at what the evidence says about using aromatherapy during labour. Evidence Based Birth has released a great video and review on the evidence of use for pain relief.
"Out of the randomized controlled trials reviewed they found that essential oils that were used in these studies did decrease pain and anxiety among people who were having unmedicated births. Using essential oils to help manage labor pain is affordable, noninvasive and does not have any documented cases of harm. It may not be appropriate for people with breathing problems or who have allergies to certain plants.
If you’re interested in this option, I would encourage you to seek out a professional aromatherapist who can help you with this. Choosing a fragrance that is personally appealing, or appealing to you as an individual, may have even more beneficial effects since the molecules in the essential oils are thought to stimulate parts of the brain responsible for emotion, memory and your response to pain."
Nested Holistic Doula Services offers both aromatic and birth support during pregnancy, labour and delivery. Contact to arrange a free consult to explore these services.
www.nestedbirth.com
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