Massage oil for labour?

[MissM]

Hi All

I'm looking for any recommendations of oils to use during labour?

My mum gives fabulous belly rubs during my labours! Am hoping others have used oils during birth?

Thanks!

[Sopdet]

You can use straight olive oil or sweet almond oil. You don't need any EOs in it.

Sweet almond oil & jojoba is a good blend, jojoba is almost exactly the same makeup as our own natural oil and sweet almond oil is absorbed quickly.

If you want smells etc I'd go the oil burner before I'd go an EO blend in massage oil.

[Traveller]

I actually disagree with Sopdet. Essential oils are powerful and can have a very positive effect, especially if used in an oil rub. You need to decide what you want (relaxation, invigoration, etc) and have a smell to see which ones you like. Generally I like a blend with clary sage (which strengthens contractions) and lemongrass (which is energising) for labour but if you don't like the smell it won't work well for you. Also helpful is jasmine (for contractions) and lavender (for relaxation) but there are many more out there. I suggest you have a bit of a research to see what they all do, then have a smell to see what you like, and make up a blend that suits you in a carrier oil such as sweet almond oil or grape seed oil. Happy smelling

[Sopdet]

Only reason I said no to oils is because there are quite a few that are contraindicated in pregnancy and birth. I would talk to a professional who knows what blends work with what. I’m not talking somebody at the chemist, but I’d recommend a qualified aromatherapist.

For example rosemary is contraindicated in early pregnancy due to its spasmodic properties but would be ok in labour etc, citrus oils are photosensitive. Clary Sage is actually a relaxant & for pain relief. Some oils are better to be inhaled instead of absorbed through the skin.

I'm on my way to uni now but I can have a look in my aromatherapy text book for some ideas when I get home but that won't be until nearly 10pm.

[MissM]

Thanks. Will do some googling