Aromatherapy?

Miggg

I'd like to start using aromatherapy during my practice hypnosis sessions (hynobabies method) but am not really sure where to start. For those that are/will be using aromatherapy during birth - how are you doing it? Diffuser, insence, scentsy etc? Also what scent(s) are you using?

RachelCA29

I'm not planning to use aromatherapy, but the Doula that runs our prenatal class talked about it a lot last class. She said the first thing to do is check with the hospital to find out what they allow. So many areas of hospitals are "scent free" now, that unless you have a handkerchief soaked in it that you can bring in a plastic bag, they won't allow it.

She also mentioned that aromatherapy is something that can work as a relaxation technique for people that already use it, but using it solely for birth pain relief isn't as effective.  Because it's a new sensation for you, it doesn't carry the inherent relaxation cues that regular users experience.

You may want to visit an aromatherapist to help you create a mixture that you can test out to see if it will work for you.

Good Luck! 

Miggg

ErBear1010 said:

I use a diffuser at home with DD. Chamomile is very soothing.

@ErBear1010 What kind of diffuser do you have? It's my understanding that most work by misting an oil into the air - it doesn't permanently scent stuff does it, like walls, furniture etc?

Miggg

RachelCA29 said:

I'm not planning to use aromatherapy, but the Doula that runs our prenatal class talked about it a lot last class. She said the first thing to do is check with the hospital to find out what they allow. So many areas of hospitals are "scent free" now, that unless you have a handkerchief soaked in it that you can bring in a plastic bag, they won't allow it.

She also mentioned that aromatherapy is something that can work as a relaxation technique for people that already use it, but using it solely for birth pain relief isn't as effective.  Because it's a new sensation for you, it doesn't carry the inherent relaxation cues that regular users experience.

You may want to visit an aromatherapist to help you create a mixture that you can test out to see if it will work for you.

Good Luck! 

@RachelCA29 Sorry, I should have mentioned that I'm not planning a hospital birth so that part's not an issue for me. I'm hoping to find a scent to start using with my "peace" and "relax" cues so that I can create an association prior to birthing day. I have actually never heard of aromatherapists, will have to check that out!

RachelCA29

Miggg said:

RachelCA29 said:

I'm not planning to use aromatherapy, but the Doula that runs our prenatal class talked about it a lot last class. She said the first thing to do is check with the hospital to find out what they allow. So many areas of hospitals are "scent free" now, that unless you have a handkerchief soaked in it that you can bring in a plastic bag, they won't allow it.

She also mentioned that aromatherapy is something that can work as a relaxation technique for people that already use it, but using it solely for birth pain relief isn't as effective.  Because it's a new sensation for you, it doesn't carry the inherent relaxation cues that regular users experience.

You may want to visit an aromatherapist to help you create a mixture that you can test out to see if it will work for you.

Good Luck! 

@RachelCA29 Sorry, I should have mentioned that I'm not planning a hospital birth so that part's not an issue for me. I'm hoping to find a scent to start using with my "peace" and "relax" cues so that I can create an association prior to birthing day. I have actually never heard of aromatherapists, will have to check that out!

I know my Massage Therapist is also an aromatherapist, so that might be a place to start looking for one. I've seen many that are trained in both practices.

colleen62157

Some essential oils are said to induce labour, I know clary sage is one to stay away from. Lavender is definitely okay though. I will be bringing some lavender with me to the hospital, just to put on a cloth to smell.

Miggg

ErBear1010 said:

Miggg said:

ErBear1010 said:

I use a diffuser at home with DD. Chamomile is very soothing.

@ErBear1010 What kind of diffuser do you have? It's my understanding that most work by misting an oil into the air - it doesn't permanently scent stuff does it, like walls, furniture etc?

Nope! Not at all! I use it for several different things with DD and her room never smells like one scent or another. According to MH, it always smells like "hippie" when I use it

Awesome, I think I'll go that route then. Sounds like lavender would be a good place to start so I'll try that out.

Thanks ladies!

EmilyGolden1

If you have thought about laboring on the toilet--a few drops of peppermint oil is supposed to be great in the water- I personally find citrus oils to be great and energizing! Good luck!!

Jillzy86

I went to our farmers market to see what oils I liked. I could not find any that I would want to smell during labor. I really want to find something but I was sensitive to smells before I got pregnant. My advise to you before your order anything online, go to a store to smell the oils first.

CopperPoppy

I plan to bring some essential oils in my hospital bag. They are already packed actually. I use the brand doTerra. You can probably use whatever you want but that brand is high quality and certified therapeutic grade. I'm bringing lavender, wild orange (relieves anxiety an energizes) and peppermint. Peppermint is a cooling oil and being over heated for long periods of time makes me more anxious. I might have grabbed a few others but those are the basic ones I would definitely include.

Be careful and try not to use peppermint on or near your boobs if you plan to breast feed. The cooling can inhibit your milk supply.

alphalyrae

I have a few essential oils. They told us on our hospital tour that aromatherapy, music, and other techniques are heavily encouraged for labor. The only item they asked not to be used were candles for fear of an accidental trigger of the fire alarm/or someone not realizing it's there and knocking it over/starting a small fire. 

BeesKnees181

I plan to have a few oils on hand for my hospital delivery.  I will cut them with almond oil and use for massage and as moisturizer.

Oils

Rose, Lavender, Patchouli

Oil Blends

https://nettrax.myvoffice.com/doterra/ShoppingCart/Shop.cfm?CurrPage=FrontPage&NextPage=CategoryDetail&CategoryID=73&pid=60466688482496693

Serenity (so excited to try this one...just ordered it!)

Balance