The Big Event: Labour

Labour is an incredible experience. Setting the tone and atmosphere can be such a comforting thing for the mama in labour and using essential oils for this is huge for creating a cosy and relaxing environment. Music and positive affirmations are powerful too. No matter where you decide to give birth, I hope you feel empowered and supported in your experience.

if you are having a hospital birth, make sure you check with if you are able to diffuse and use your essential oils in the room. Also, make sure you get your toolkit and oils ready in advance for the big event, and that your birthing partner knows how to use each one. This is really helpful for when things are really starting to amp up and you need someone to offer the things you need.

If you are choosing to home birth, check out this home birth prep blog post I have written up with loads of useful tips.

Let’s get into it, here are some of my favourite ways to incorporate essential oils into your labour experience:

FRANKINCENSE: Keep this oil nearby so you can use it when you need to focus and keep grounded. It's a very powerful oil and has incredible benefits to our nervous system.

PANAWAY: Use on your lower back or any areas that need relief. This oil is our low tox version of deep heat, but without the toxins! Dilute it with some carrier oil and have your birth companion massage you where needed.

PEACE & CALMING: A great comforting and relaxing oil to diffuse during labour to welcome bub into a calming environment.

VALOR: Labour is one of the biggest events in your life, it comes with a lot of emotions. Keep this one near for emotional support and pop a drop in your palms to breathe in, you've got this mama!

PEPPERMINT: The aroma so peppermint is very energising and gives you a boost of energy when needed. I would avoid applying it to your hands as you don't want to touch your newborn with peppermint hands. Instead, take whiffs from the bottle. It's also a great relief for any nausea.

LAVENDER: Paired with Frankincense in the diffuser, this oil is the one most commonly known for its calming aroma, which is the type of atmosphere we want in our labour experience.

LABOUR TOOLKIT

SPEED UP LABOUR ROLLER: clary sage, geranium & lavender. Apply to ankles & spine

CALM MASSAGE OIL: frankincense, lavender, ylang ylang, orange. Top with carrier oil

EXHAUSTION: apply peppermint neat to back of neck & temples

COOL & CALM FACE WASH: add jasmine, roman chamomile, geranium & lavender to bowl of cool water. Dip wash cloth & apply to head, face & neck

YOU GOT THIS: inhale valor from palms for courage & confidence

BIRTHING DIFFUSER BLEND: lavender + frankincense + ylang ylang + roman chamomile

I hope you find some comfort using this toolkit during such an incredible experience and that your birth experience is everything you’ve ever wanted it to be.