Essentials Oils: Reduce Pain & Stay Calm During Childbirth
It’s a CULT! It’s a SCAM! It’s…ESSENTIAL OILS! Look, I know these get a bad rap, and the sketchy pyramid schemes don’t help, but EOs have worked some true medicinal miracles. I dove down the herbal rabbit hole during my first pregnancy and what I discovered was truly mind-blowing. Numerous high-quality studies confirm that EOs are an effective way to induce labor, relieve pain, and manage birth anxiety. I excitedly made some purchases and confirmed these findings for myself. The world of essential oils, however, can be intimidating and I want to help make it easy for you. Here is your handy-dandy guide on what to use, when to use it, and exactly how essential oils can help you achieve a natural birth.
Lavender
Lavender is arguably the best-known and most effective of essential oils, and its reputation certainly holds true during labor! The delicious aroma is a great tool for both managing pain and decreasing birth anxiety.
PAIN MANAGEMENT: Lavender is particularly helpful during the active phase of labor, and kicks in 30-60 minutes after continuous inhalation. Furthermore, one study found that acupressure, massages, and other forms of touch are far more effective at reducing birth pangs when accompanied with lavender aromatherapy.
ANXIETY: Studies indicate that coupling lavender with a massage, birthing pool, etc., minimizes anxiety, particularly in the first stage of labor (i.e., before pushing).
CONTRAINDICATIONS: None! Safe to use throughout pregnancy and delivery.
Clary Sage
My personal favorite, clary sage is an essential (hehe) addition to your birth kit. And if you don’t know my story, I can absolutely attest that this miracle herb will work wonders for your birth experience!
PAIN MANAGEMENT: Clary Sage has been clinically proven to increase the levels of oxytocin in pregnant women, thereby inducing or speeding up labor. So if you want a faster birth, a whiff of clary sage or a few drops in the birthing tub just might be your ticket. Furthermore, oxytocin stimulates the production of endorphins which decrease pain and promote mood. So not only does this magical herb start and speed labor, it makes birth easier as well!
ANXIETY: While I haven’t seen any high-quality studies addressing the anxiety-reducing properties of clary sage, midwives, doulas, and moms all sing the stress-lowering praises of this oil. And remember that clary sage increases oxytocin, which increases endorphins, which promotes the mood. So there you go!
CONTRAINDICATIONS: This EO is very effective at starting labor and should not be sniffed or touched until you are ready to deliver.
Rosa Damascene
Not to be confused with the many rosy varieties of essential oils, Rosa Damascene or Damask Rose is a delicious Middle Eastern hybrid known for its alleviation of stress, nerves, anger and fear.
PAIN MANAGEMENT: A very interesting study found that Rosa Damascene was largely ineffective until subjects reached 8-10 cm dilation. In transition, of all times, women experienced a significant decrease in labor pains. This is greatly significant because transition is often the most intense and difficult stage of labor, yet these women felt less pain after inhaling the scent.
ANXIETY: In regards to decreasing labor anxiety, the studies show mixed results. So if you like the scent, go for it. It certainly isn’t going to hurt anything!
CONTRAINDICATIONS: None! When used topically during pregnancy, it may even relieve lower back pain!
Jasmine
Another all-purpose favorite, Jasmine has been known to alleviate pain and increase milk supply postpartum.
PAIN MANAGEMENT: Studies show that jasmine is a great asset to your first stage pain-relief arsenal, and is most effective when applied topically. My suggestion is to combine 10 drops with a carrier oil and have your loving birth partner work it into a back or foot rub.
ANXIETY: Jasmine was not found to decrease anxiety, however it can effectively make subjects more alert and focused. A much-needed quality for handling “birth day” demands!
CONTRAINDICATIONS: Due to its ability to strengthen or start uterine contractions, jasmine should not be used until delivery is imminent.
Peppermint
Who hasn’t had a steaming mug of mint tea when sick? This powerful herb has been used since ancient times to reduce pain, nausea, headaches, and stress.
PAIN MANAGEMENT: Yes please! The scent of peppermint is great for reducing the “head pains” that often accompany transition such as nausea, headaches, and dizziness. Take a whiff and enjoy that fresh zippy scent.
ANXIETY: Excellent for reducing anxiety, the scent of peppermint is a tried-and-true winner.
CONTRAINDICATIONS: None! A safe and effective way to beat morning sickness and pregnancy-related aches and pains.
How to Safely Use Essential Oils
“Cool, sounds great. But how does one ‘aromatherapy’ exactly?” There are two ways to use essential oils, topically and aromatically (well also orally, but you really shouldn’t ingest these when pregnant). If you opt to inhale the delicious scents, keep them contained as your preferences are likely to change with time. While lavender might be amazing in early labor, for example, it could become nauseating once transition hits. Dribble a few drops of your chosen oil onto a cotton ball and place in a Ziplock freezer bag. Lean your nose into the bag whenever you want a whiff.
The second way to use EOs is topically. Never, and I repeat NEVER, apply undiluted essential oils to the skin. These substances are extremely concentrated and can be dangerous when used incorrectly. Every brand/product will have slightly different concentration levels, so check the company website for suggestions on safe topical use. A good rule of thumb is to dilute 10 drops of the essential oil with 50 ml of a carrier such as grape seed or almond oil before applying to the skin. If you choose to add an oil to your birth tub, 10 drops should be plenty.
So what do you think? Is it a cult? A scam? I for one don’t care! If these wonderful aromas can make my second delivery as empowering and peaceful as my first, then go ahead and scam me up!
SOURCES
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7445940/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5721455/
https://journal.rums.ac.ir/browse.php?a_id=2960&sid=1&slc_lang=en
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5871215/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20184043/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6814313/
