Using Aromatherapy Techniques To Ease Postpartum Symptoms

The use of aromatherapy to ease symptoms of postpartum can be quite effective. At one time, the diagnosis of postpartum as a form of depression was not recognized or given the attention that it was due. These days, things have changed and there are many treatments for this ailment. Aside from aromatherapy, other methods are used. Some have cited the ingestion of the placenta after birth as a way of relieving the depression associated with postpartum. Obviously, this is an extreme treatment. Another treatment involves the injection of Progesterone. This chemical has the ability of reintroducing certain hormone levels that are lost during the process of giving birth. All of these treatments are effective, but for those who prefer a more natural approach, aromatherapy poses a perfect substitute.

The technique of using aromatherapy to help alleviate the symptoms of postpartum is very simple. By introducing essential oils to the mother, this helps redirect the hormonal balance that is lost in the process of childbirth. The normal stresses of motherhood, such as changing diapers, getting up with the child in the middle of the night, feeding the child (this especially includes breastfeeding) and all of the other errands associated with taking care of the baby is only intensified by the hormonal imbalance produced by childbirth.

New mothers needn't be reluctant to request some "˜alone time' in order to relieve the stress of motherhood, escape the pressures of child rendering and receive regular treatments of Aromatherapy. Social stresses are often the most strenuous, especially for a new mother. The opportunity to get away from such tumultuous stimuli and ease the tension that she has received as a result is important. Just the very relaxing, soothing atmosphere related to aromatherapy is, in itself, a therapeutic activity. Getting alone in a room where all sources of stress are removed is not only a common sense remedy, but it undoubtedly reserves some psychological and emotional appeasement that will ease the symptoms of postpartum.

But, not only is aromatherapy helpful in just being a source of solitude and quiet, but it actually helps maintain and re-enact the hormonal/chemical balance which is associated with postpartum symptoms. By mixing the essential oils of geranium, grapefruit and neroli and pouring the mixture in a bath, one can enjoy the relaxing setting of a bath or aromatic essential oils that are inhaled. This inhaled batch is good for re-balancing the hormonal mess that is what is left after childbirth. But this is only one method.

Another method is, preferably after taking a bath, rub any mixture of oils, such as what was listed above, or clary sage, rose and bergamot, onto your tummy. This will not only produce an immediate calming sensation, but the absorption of the essential oils into the skin will again help regain that chemical imbalance one had before pregnancy; and help keep your sanity. This tummy rub can be done from the area between the breasts all the way down to the pubic line. Not only will absorption occur, but inhalation will as well. It is best to breathe deeply the aromatic oils released on your body as you rub. This will have the twofold effect of skin receiving the essential oils through it and it will be breathed in.

For the best results, doing this about three times a week will ensure that it will be effective. Ask for a babysitter or have your husband or partner watch the child, or children, while this is done. There are a variety of mixtures that can be used in concert with the fore mentioned blends. These include angelica, bergamot and geranium or mandarin, neroli and immortelle to just name a few. These mixtures can all be either diffused in a bathtub, a diffuser, or simply a rub. The methods are numerous, but the results are usually similar. But, the important thing to remember when treating postpartum by aromatherapy is time. It is not a method that should be rushed. This is because it is not just the chemical effectiveness that is involved, but also the discontinuity from the daily drudgery. It is of the essence of "˜getting away' from everything and removing one's self from the stress of daily motherly duties that works in concert with the chemical side. These techniques are the ones most likely to make aromatherapy for treating postpartum successful.