Did you know that essential oils are an evidence-based way to reduce feelings of stress and anxiety, thus reducing perceived pain in childbirth?! In addition to the emotional and physical benefits of these plant-powered tools, you can create a spa-like atmosphere in your labor space. Using oils can bring your birth experience to the next level.
I was first introduced to doTERRA essential oils by my Auntie Sue when I was pregnant with my second daughter in 2013. She sent me lemon, lavender, and peppermint with an info sheet on how to use the oils in pregnancy and my upcoming birth. As I prepared for labor, I made a spray bottle of lavender and peppermint. During our amazing birth, my best friend and husband misted the room spray over me while I labored in the shower and birth tub. It smelled SO good in there and helped me to relax and ease into the experience. I continued to use the room spray after our baby was born because it made me feel so relaxed.
For the past 8+ years, I’ve been using these oils at the request of my birth doula clients. Essential oils are a powerful tool to use for birth.
The following list of essential oils has been compiled to help you in making selections for your birth. Uses include aromatic, topical and internal.
FRACTIONATED COCONUT OIL
- Use as a base for massaging during labor
- Use to dilute essential oils when applying topically
- Used to top up rollerball blends
BALANCE (THE GROUNDING BLEND)
- Promotes feelings of courage, confidence and calm
- Great in a rollerball or diffuser (“Calm & Confidence” blend)
- Good for mom, dad, support people
WILD ORANGE
- Uplifting and eases feelings of stress
- Mixes with peppermint for the “Energy + Focus” spray
PEPPERMINT
- Invigorating / energizing
- Good for nausea
- Diffuse 3 drops peppermint + 3 drops lavender for a familiar, calming aroma in the birthing room
CLARY SAGE
- Uterine tonic – makes contractions more effective
- Calms nervous system, relieves anxiety
- Main oil in the “Contraction Helper” rollerball
LAVENDER
- Calming
- Mix with peppermint for a spa-like labor room diffuser blend experience
DEEP BLUE RUB
- Address aches and pains in muscles
- Good for lower back during contractions
FRANKINCENSE
- Supports feelings of anxiety
- Key oil in “Bottom Blend” spray
- Perineum and skin healing
HELICHRYSUM
- Perineum and skin healing
- Key oil in “Bottom Blend” spray
COPAIBA
- Helps calm, soothe the central nervous system
- Great for immune function
- Key oil in “Bottom Blend” spray
OREGANO AND MARJORAM
- Immune support
- Used in pain support capsules (2 drops each of frankincense + oregano + marjoram in a veggie capsule)
SIBERIAN FIR
- Good for pain management during back labor
BLACK PEPPER
- Massage into lower back for back labor pain relief
MYRRH
- Intensifies contractions – great for stalled labor
- Heals umbilical cord stump (for baby)
JASMINE TOUCH
- May reduce contraction pain
You can make your own labor and birth rollerball and spray blends with these oils. Read more about those here.
Remember to bring a diffuser with you if you want to use the oils aromatically in your birth room. Another option is to bring cotton rounds, drip the oils on the cotton, and hold those near your nose. I personally prefer a diffuser for the ambient aroma and like to use specific oils close up at different stages of labor.
For more information on ordering your own essential oils for pregnancy, birth and postpartum, please contact me or book a free one-on-one wellness consultation.