Everyone knows that I love aromatherapy.  I have been dabbling with essential oils since I was 15 and since having my eldest, have gotten more serious about learning the practical, and more importantly, SAFE applications for essential oils.  Especially for pregnant humans and kids!

This learning has caused me to discourage the use of diffusers during active labor and delivery in my doula practice. The lungs of a newborn do not need to be introduced to tiny essential oil particles as soon as they are out of the womb and learning to breathe air properly.  Essential oil molecules have to be processed through the liver and some of them have some pretty powerful chemical constituents.  (Disclaimer here- this is not a discussion about the “purity” of an oil.  Essential oils have chemical components even in their least adultured state and sometimes these components can present hazards.)

Does this mean no essential oils during labor and delivery?  No Way!  Here are some of my favorite ways to use essential oils with my clients…

  • On a washcloth: place a drop or two of pregnancy safe essential oil on a washcloth and run cool water over it.  Use this to dab the forehead, neck, and shoulders of the person in labor.  (I like to put it on a corner of the cloth to decrease risk that the most concentrated area of oil will be near the eyes).
  • On a cotton ball or in a personal inhaler:  Place a drop or two of essential oil on a cotton ball, folded up square of tissue, or the cotton cartridge for a personal inhaler (these can be purchased online.)  Place the item in the corner of a pillowcase or have the laboring person hold it to smell as needed.
  • As a room spray: Fill a spray bottle ¾ of the way with water and ¼ of the way with vodka, rubbing alcohol, or witch hazel.  Add 3-4 drops of essential oil (please note, citrus oils will eat through plastic!)  Give the bottle a good shake before misting the room!
  • For massages (situationally): 1-2 drops of oil in an ounce of carrier oil (jojoba, avocado, etc,) or neutral lotion.  This can be massaged on the legs and feet, arms, or neck/shoulders. Please avoid using anywhere near the vulva or mucous membranes including eyes/nose/mouth.

     Aromatherapy can be great in the birthing room, just so long as it is used safely!