Popular Aromatherapy Scents For Childbirth

Some people hear the word childbirth and cringe. It doesn't have to be that way though. Childbirth can be a treasured experience for you. After you've experienced it you may want to do it again and you may not. You may treasure it because it was an experience like no other or you may treasure it because you never have to go through it again. Whichever the case may be, aromatherapy can help you in more than one way during childbirth (not only during childbirth but during pregnancy, too). Don't worry. Most people agree that using aromatherapy will make your labor painless and perfect. That is not true. But, it is known that aromatherapy can assist in helping you to relax, ease pain and discomfort and create a soothing atmosphere for everyone.

The drugs that are available for childbirth haven't always been around. Historically, women had to deliver babies without any sort of medication. Some women did have the option to use herbal remedies and you can bet they were sure thankful for that. Childbirth is no picnic; it's hard work. But with the right attitude and atmosphere, you can go into the delivery room a few steps ahead.

While on the subject of attitude and mind-set, be aware that this has a lot to do with the effectiveness of aromatherapy. If you go into the hospital expecting to have a horrible delivery and you're all worked up in a frenzy, you may be setting yourself up for a bad experience. Once things get rolling during labor, nobody can control what's going to happen. But, you can set yourself up for a comfortable delivery if you go into it with some tools to help you along the way.

Many women are choosing to use aromatherapy during childbirth. Many choose to go this route because of the risks associated with using other medications. Maybe you don't want to take the risk of your baby being harmed by medications used in the hospital. Maybe you don't like medication or needles. Or maybe you really want to experience every aspect of labor. Some of you may be planning on getting that epidural, as well as using some aromatherapy. Whatever your reason is for using aromatherapy during childbirth, you'll be happy that you did.

Most hospitals will not allow you to have an open flame in the delivery room. You will probably have to use an essential oil diffuser or a blend of oils for massage. If you'll be taking a bath or having a water birth, essential oils can be put into the tub.

Lavender, rose, frankincense and peppermint are the four essential oils that have been said to be the most effective during childbirth. Lavender helps to dull and ease uterine pain, increase the strength of contractions and calm the mother. Keeping calm is important during labor. It helps the whole birthing process move a lot smoother and it also helps keep your partner calm.

Rose essential oil helps to lift your spirits and this is important during childbirth. You need to be mentally alert and strong to push during those contractions. The pleasant fragrance will also help to keep you comfortable and focused.

Frankincense is a very calming essential oil that will slow and deepen your breathing. This is helpful because while you're in labor your breathing needs to be controlled. Frankincense will help you to do just that.

Peppermint is the essential oil that women say helps them with nausea and vomiting. You definitely don't want to feel ill in the middle of labor. This essential oil will help give you a balance and fight that nausea.

Some women like to be massaged during labor and others don't. If it's helpful or relaxing for you to be massaged while you're in labor, your partner could massage the essential oils onto your temples or your abdomen. Massaging the oils into your back, especially your lower back can feel good also.

As mentioned before, you can always use a diffuser or if you're in the tub put a few drops of your oils in there. Another clever way to benefit from essential oils is to put some in a spray bottle with water. In between contractions you can spray yourself or have somebody else do it. It will help keep you calm and cool.

Another important aspect of this is keeping your partner calm, as well. Don't forget that anyone else that'll be in the birthing room with you will also get some of the benefits from your essential oils. So it may be helping more than just you.

When you're at home practicing your breathing or concentrating techniques (before the baby's born) it would be a wonderful idea to incorporate your chosen essential oils into your practice. This would help get you into the routine of associating relaxation with that aroma. That way when you're in labor and you smell those essential oils you'll have that much more relaxation to help you out.