Pregnancy, Labour, Childbirth, Breastfeeding, Postpartum

Evidence is certainly mounting in favour of using complementary therapies in pregnancy and childbirth; especially Aromatherapy. It is best to use minimum quantities of 100% pure essential oils, and avoid all use during the first trimester. It is also important to know some contraindications during pregnancy and while breast feeding.  

The recommended ratio is 1% dilution during pregnancy & postpartum (1 drop of essential oil per teaspoon of your favourite carrier oil). 

Safe essential oils to use include: Bergamot, Chamomile Roman, Clary Sage (after 37 weeks), Eucalyptus, Frankincense, Geranium, Grapefruit, Lavender, Lemon, Lemongrass, Lime, Mandarin, Orange, Patchouli Light, *Peppermint, Rose Damask, Tea Tree, Ylang Ylang. 

Essential oils to be avoided during pregnancy include: Anise, Basil, Birch, Carrot Seed, Cedarwood, Cinnamon, Clary Sage, Clove, Cypress, Dill, Fennel, Hyssop, Jasmine, Juniper, Myrrh, Myrtle, Oregano, Parsley, Pennyroyal, Pine, Rosemary, Sage, Sweet marjoram, Tansy, Thyme & Wintergreen.

Essential oils to be avoided while breastfeeding include:  Anise, Basil, Birch, Carrot Seed, Birch, Black Pepper, Cedarwood, Cinnamon, Clary Sage, Clove, Cypress, Dill, Fennel, Hyssop, Jasmine, Juniper, Marjoram, Myrrh, Myrtle, Nutmeg, Oregano, Parsley, Pennyroyal, Pine, Rosemary, Sage, Tansy, Thyme & Wintergreen. 

Now let's look at the positives! There are many essential oils for health & wellness that alleviate the physical & emotional stresses pregnancy may bring: morning sickness, fatigue, anxiety, heartburn & indigestion, insomnia, stretch marks, moos swings, constipation, haemorrhoids, varicose veins, muscular cramps, oedema, backache, infections, breast & nipple care, baby blues, colic, teething, nappy rash & postpartum depression (see Shanti Antenatal Comfort). 

Some essential oils, blended using the correct dilution rates, are safe during pregnancy and safe when breastfeeding. 

With this in mind, our natural product range includes:

Seraphina - Conception & PCOS

Leila - Morning Sickness/Nausea

Serenity - Pregnancy Essential

Azure - Stress & Sleep Relief

Serena - Antenatal Headaches

Empress - Labour & Childbirth

Athena - Self-Love & Healing

Rosetta - Baby Whisperer (3mths-5yrs)

Omega - Toddler Tamer (2yrs-5yrs)

Shanti - Pre or Post Natal Anxiety

Coconut Virgin Oil - Breast Care

Jojoba Virgin Oil - Stretch Marks

Now the question you really want answered ... Labour and labour pain?!? Over the years, evaluative studies have been conducted to determine whether aromatherapy helps the mind and body, physically and emotionally, during the labour process. 

Such studies have concluded the following as labour pain relievers: lavender, frankincense, rose, jasmine, clary sage, peppermint & lemon (diluted with a carrier oil to massage abdomen or back, add to cool baths or drop on to the forehead and palms of the hand). 

Furthermore, an 8-year evaluative study at Oxford Brookes University found that aromatherapy was effective in managing labour pains during childbirth. The Study (of 8058 women) showed a drop in opiate pain relief by those who used aromatherapy. The expected 30% uptake of opiate pain relief dropped to 0.4%! Wish I knew then what I know now!

It has taken time, energy, formal study, independent research and several trials ... But, with much love, passion, care and consideration, I formulated Empress. She is your Ultimate Labour Blend and my favourite product because it is such a quintessentially unique blend that is shared on such a meaningful, magical and memorable day. But how will Empress help you throughout labour and childbirth?  

Sneak peak at how Empress will help you in labour and childbirth:

 🌿Lavender – pain management alternative for labour & delivery
🌿Clary Sage – Enhances contractions

🌿Frankincense – Breathing & respiration

🌿Peppermint – Transition Stage of labour