Aromatherapy


aromatherapy and pregnancy


Aromatherapy is basically the therapeutic use of essential oils. Essential oils are the fragrant part of a plant which have properties that can help us physically and emotionally. The most popular way to apply these oils is through massage, and this increases the effects of the oils by greatly relaxing body and mind, but the oils can also be used in a number of other ways and still produce great benefits, such as in the bath or in a vapouriser.
 

Pregnancy is a very exciting time as well as a time of immense emotional and physical change. It is good to take a holistic approach to your pregnancy, and that can include eating a nutritious and balanced diet, exercising and taking adequate rest and relaxation. Pregnancy does usually come with minor discomforts, and aromatherapy is on hand to help!

With careful use, aromatherapy is a natural therapy that’s great to use during pregnancy, throughout labour and in the months after giving birth for both mother and baby.

 

guidelines for using essential oils during pregnancy
 
First trimester of pregnancy
  • No essential oils topically
  • Daily body rub with Jojoba oil
  • Daily vaporisation helps create a relaxing environment
 
Second and Third trimesters
  • Daily vaporisation helps create a relaxing environment
  • Aromatic baths and/or massage weekly at half the normal dose.
  • Recommended oils for the relief of symptoms experienced with pregnancy: Bergamot, Roman Chamomile, Grapefruit, Lavender, Lemon, Mandarin, Neroli, Petitgrain
 
If you are at all worried about using essential oils, you could start using them after three months, or use them at half the normal dilutions.

common complaints during pregnancy

In preparation for the miracle of birth, women undergo many physical changes, some of which may cause symptoms of headaches, faintness, nausea and fatigue. Selected pure essential oils, used in a safe responsible way, can provide comfort, a feeling of well being and relief from a number of these symptoms.
 
Care for the unborn baby at this time coincides with that of the mother. Everything the mother eats and applies to her skin will filter through to the baby. This is the perfect opportunity to use appropriate essential oils responsibly and selectively to promote well being of mother and child
 
aromatherapy recipes for pregnancy

stretch marks
Stretch marks are a form of scarring due to the stretching of skin. It is good to start rubbing oils into your tummy and hips as early as three months into pregnancy. The best way of treating stretch marks is to treat them before they have happened!

The team at luscious liquids have developed a pure pampering baby belly blend of essential and botanical oils which is great to use before and after pregnancy.
 

If you would like to create you individual blend some good base oils to use are jojoba, sweet almond and rosehip oil. Beautiful essential oils which are beneficial to add are:

  • frankinsence
  • lavender
  • mandarin
  • neroi
  • petitgrain
  • rose
 
morning sickness
Small inhalations of essential oils can help relieve nausea in the early stages –
try a drop of one of the following oils on a tissue and inhale:
  • peppermint
  • lime
  • ginger
  • chamomile
 
You could also vapourise these oils into the room, as it will be early days and you may feel more comfortable doing this rather than applying the oils to your skin. Try to eat little but often, as the nausea tends to be worse when you haven’t eaten for long periods of time, this being why it’s most common in the morning.

general muscle and back pain
Carrying around the extra weight can put stress on joints and muscles, especially the lower back region. Regular massage with essential oils is a very effective way to relax tense muscles. And after all, pregnancy is also a time to pamper yourself! Babies whose mothers have received regular massage throughout pregnancy have been shown to be more peaceful when they are born.
4-5 drops of essential oil in a warm bath can also help – good muscle relaxants are:
  • lavender
  • chamomile 
  • marjoram

 

 

fluid retention (oedema)
In the later stages of pregnancy, water retention can build up in the tissues, most noticeable in the ankles, legs and hands. Good oils to help get fluid moving are:

  • lemon
  •  geranium
  • grapefruit
  •  orange
  • geranium
 
Massage also helps to drain the lymphatic system where fluid can build up.

varicose veins
The bulk and weight of the baby can cause pressure on the veins. Make up a lotion with lemon oil and a small amount of cypress, and apply daily. It is a good idea to use this lotion in a preventative way.

anxiety and stress
Mood swings and stress can be exasperated by fluctuating hormone levels, especially when the pregnant woman may have all the other usual day-to-day stress such as work or having other children to look after. Nice oils to use for relaxation and unwinding include:
  • bergamot
  • lavender
  • neroli
  • orange
  • lime

 

 

constipation and digestion

  • black pepper
  • lemon
  • mandarin
 
As the birth comes nearer, oils can help you trust in the body’s ability to do what is a completely natural process:
  • lavender and chamomile in a bath before bedtime
  • sandalwood and patchouli in an oil burner boost confidence
  • rose and jasmine help celebrate your feminine power!

aromatherapy during labour
Aromatherapy can be a beautiful and effective way to support the birthing process. Vaporise relaxing and balancing oils to create and maintain a comforting environment during labour. Warm aromatic, compresses and massage can help relax muscles and ease stress. Good oils to take into the delivery room include jasmine and lavender (help strengthen and deepen contractions) frankincense, geranium, mandarin, neroli, orange, petitgrain and/or rosewood. Clary sage is also said to help with pain relief. It would be good to take a ready made massage blend with the oils of your preference and they can be rubbed into your belly or lower back a few days before and during birth.

Good luck with your pregnancy!

While many essential oils are safe to use during this time at the correct dosage, however these are oils to AVOID during pregnancy:
 

basil
jasmine
sage
clary sage
lemongrass
savoury
camphor
marjoram
thuja
cedarwood
pennyroyal
 thyme
cypress
 peppermint
 wintergreen
fennel
rosemary
 
hyssop
rose
 

 
Please note that it is always best to consult a qualified aromatherapist if you are in any doubt about the use of essential oils during pregnancy.
 
post natal care
While breast feeding, follow the guidelines as per second and third trimesters
 
aromatherapy for babies

Babies can benefit from the nurturing and calming qualities of essential oils from a few weeks old onwards. Safe and gentle oils like lavender, roman chamomile, mandarin and sandalwood can be used to create a peaceful haven for the babies bedroom. Add 3 - 6 drops in total to a vaporiser. These oils can also be used for treating common ailments. If using the oils in a bath or massage it is important that very low dilutions are used.

 

health condition
recommended essential oils
recommended method of use
colic
mandarin
massage
cradle cap
sandalwood
massage
nappy rash
lavender
bathing and/or massage
restless sleep
lavender or roman chamomile
vapourise