In collaboration with world-renowned Midwifery expert Denise Tiran, we have put together some simple to use tips and guidelines on using Aromatherapy to support expectant parents during pregnancy and labour. Denise introduced the subject of alternative therapies in Midwifery over 40 years ago, and since then has taught over 4000 Midwives, treated thousands of women and helped around 100 NHS trusts to introduce complementary therapy services. In this article, we examine the ways complementary therapies can support you during your pregnancy journey, safely and effectively.
It is important to be aware that whether you are pregnant or not, we always recommending patch testing new products on a small area behind your ear 48 hours before use, to check for any sensitivities you may have. When you are pregnant it is even more important to do this as our bodies change so much during this period. There are some oils you cannot use during pregnancy (Ginger is an example), so be sure to follow Denise’s guidelines carefully – before starting any new routines or practises, or using new products, we always recommend speaking to your own Midwife too.
Dilution Ratios
The golden rule for using Essential Oils is to never use them neat – always diluted in an unscented base like a carrier oil, cream or lotion. Because of the many changes happening in our bodies during pregnancy, we may be more sensitive to the application of topical products including Essential Oils. It is therefore wise to reduce the number of drops of Essential Oils in comparison to what you might normally use. One drop of Essential Oil to each teaspoon (5ml) of carrier oil is considered suitable in pregnancy. So, if you want to use three oils together, you should have only one drop of each in three teaspoons (15 ml) of carrier oil.
Denise’s Top Tips
- Always include your Midwife and other healthcare practitioners in your plans to use natural remedies during pregnancy to ensure you are doing so safely.
- Having a relaxing bath with Aromatherapy oils can be wonderful in pregnancy after 4 months – but don’t use them in the bath water if your membranes (waters) have broken to avoid your baby coming in contact with them. Make sure you only use Essential Oils suitable for use in pregnancy – Absolute Aromas’ Expecting range has been specially formulated to use after 4 months of pregnancy.
- Peppermint, Spearmint, Lemon or Lime Essential Oils are great for nausea in pregnancy or labour – Denise recommends an inhalation of a drop on a tissue can be really helpful.
- Frankincense is what Denise calls “The Ultimate Calmer” – it’s brilliant for the short period at the end of the first stage of labour and the actual birth of the baby, used with guidance from your Midwife.
- Choose Essential Oils you love – if you don’t actually like the scent it won’t be a pleasant experience and Aromatherapy is aimed to be a positive, supportive practice.
- Use oils that are tested for their quality so you know they’re pure – all Absolute Aromas oils are tested on our on-site laboratory for purity so you can rest assured you’re using the best products that aren’t diluted or mixed with other chemicals.
- Always use the dropper in the bottle to measure your oil usage so you are using in the correct ratios. Some oils are thicker than others so don’t be tempted to decant them or use a pipette – the dropper is there to ensure you’re using the right amount.
- Grapefruit ,Bergamot and Sweet Orange Essential Oils are great, uplifting oils to help you feel alert and positive during pregnancy. Use a drop or two in a diffuser at home to help you feel positive and awakened.
Did You Know…
- A recent research analysis shows that Aromatherapy is one of the natural ways to aid labour progress and seems to reduce the duration of labour.
(REF Gregolis et al 2024 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38896686/)
- Many maternity units have set up specialist clinics for women who are overdue, in which they offer pressure point stimulation combined with Aromatherapy to help women start labour.
(Further reading on this is available in Denise’s latest book Complementary therapies for Postdates Pregnancy – Tiran 2023)
- Midwives rave about the pain-relieving properties of Black Pepper Essential Oil – it is really effective but needs to be used sparingly, with Midwife guidance and avoided if you have sensitive skin.
- Aromatherapy is more than just a nice smell – different natural chemicals in different oils can be effective in relaxing you, easing pain, or supporting labour progress.
- Ylang Ylang and Lemon Essential Oils have been shown to help women through childbirth, easing pain and aiding progress.
(REF Sirkeci et al 2023 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37054616/ )
- A Turkish study has shown the benefits of using Aromatherapy during childbirth, especially Essential Oils such as Lavender, Frankincense, Roman Chamomile or Rose
(REF Kaya et al 2023 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10632671/)
Things to be Aware of…
- Using Essential Oils in a diffuser can create a great ambience in your environment, but be aware that you may not be able to take a diffuser into the hospital when you are about to give birth because the oil aromas may affect other women or even the staff. If you want to inhale an oil pop a drop on a tissue to inhale when you need it as a personal pick-me-up as and when guided to by your Midwife.
- Did you know you should never use Essential Oils on babies or young children? At birth, a baby’s skin is super sensitive (and super-soft which is why we love it!).
- Keep all Essential Oils out of the sight and reach of children. A good tip for keeping oils long term is to store opened bottles somewhere cool and dark and put the tops back on straight after use to avoid their exposure to the air so your oils last as long as possible.
- Did you know there are several different types of Chamomile Essential Oil and not all types are suitable for use in pregnancy? Denise generally advises Roman Chamomile rather than German Chamomile. As with all Essential Oils it must be diluted in a carrier oil before use. (See dilution ratios above)
We hope you have found some of these tips and the information above helpful. Denise Tiran’s website, https://www.expectancy.co.uk/ has a wealth of further information on the subject of complimentary therapies during pregnancy and birth, both for expectant parents and Midwives. Denise has also written many books on the subject – we love her book titled Using Natural Remedies Safely in Pregnancy and Childbirth which is aimed at Midwives and Health professionals and is a great source of further information on the topic. Don’t forget to follow us on our social media pages if you don’t already, for a wealth of guidance, product launches, plus tips and tricks for using our extensive range of Essential Oils and other products.
