With all the access we have to information about pregnancy--
from websites, to books, to childbirth classes--labor itself
remains a mystery in many ways. What we do know is that labor is likely the hardest work a woman will endure in her lifetime. It
also holds all the beauty, magic and infinite power of life
itself.
But it is the unknown that causes most expectant mothers to be
scared and apprehensive as the due date nears. More and more
women are turning to aromatherapy during their labor to help
them cope with the emotional issues facing them.
Resources usually divide labor neatly into three phases, but
it's important to recognize that each childbirth experience is
unique. Depending on your emotional needs, consider
incorporating no more than two of the following aromatic blends
into your childbirth plan.
********
First Stage: Early Phase
********
During the early phase of labor, contractions begin. While the
intensity varies from woman to woman, you will begin to see a
pattern in frequency emerging. You should take it easy, relax,
take a bath, or even a nap if possible.
You may be feeling a little apprehensive, and the following
aromatic blend can help you relax your mind and release your
fears.
In a 10-ml bottle, pour the following essential oils and then
add organic vegetable oil to fill:
-4 drops Lavender
-2 drops Neroli
Massage your temples, forehead, chest and solar plexus. Take
deep breaths.
********
First Stage: Active Phase
********
During the active phase, contractions become more intense and
frequent. It is at this point that your doctors will likely tell
you to go to the hospital. The key is to relax in order to gain
enough strength for the delivery. A good birth coach is
essential to help you with your breathing and relaxation
exercises. Try the following aromatherapy blend to bring you
peace and harmony.
In a 10-ml bottle, pour the following essential oils and then
add organic vegetable oil to fill:
-6 drops Lavender
-1 drop Neroli
-1 drop Rose
Massage your solar plexus, heart chakra, chest and neck. Inhale
the blend deeply while resting.
********
First Stage: Transitional Phase
********
During this phase, contractions will come hard and fast, and
symptoms might include shaking, shivering, and nausea. It is
important that your birth coach provide you with all the
emotional care and attention you need. Once you are done with
this phase, you will be fully dilated and ready to begin pushing.
You may be feeling scared and exhausted. Inhale the following
blend between the contractions to help you endure this phase,
and give you an added boost of strength for the delivery.
In a 10-ml bottle, pour the following essential oils and then
add organic vegetable oil to fill:
-4 drops Lavender
-4 drops Sage
-4 drops Peppermint
Massage the lower back, with emphasis on the sacrum.
********
Second Stage
********
Now that your body has prepared itself for childbirth, you're
likely feeling relieved that the end is finally in sight. And
yet you still have a big job ahead of you. Pushing is an
exhaustive process, and during this stage you will use all your
reserved energy and strength. Many women feel the desire to give
up, as the labor thus far has left them emotionally drained.
Inhale the following aromatic blend before you begin pushing to
help you to gain the needed courage and emotional strength for
this stage.
In a 10-ml bottle, pour the following essential oils and then
add organic vegetable oil to fill:
-4 drops Peppermint
-4 drops Rosemary
```````````````````````````````
Visit www.aromalchemy.com/aromatherapy/ouroils.html to learn
more about the essential oils used in these blends.
Check out our Starters Kit for Pregnancy at
http://www.aromalchemy.com/aromather...terskits.html.
```````````````````````````````
In Good Health,
Francoise Rapp
www.aromalchemy.com
This article was originally published by Francoise Rapp in "The
Arom'Alchemy Newsletter," a weekly ezine dedicated to healthy
mind, body and soul through the use of aromatherapy. Join her
for many aromatic moments to come by subscribing at
www.aromalchemy.com/education.
from websites, to books, to childbirth classes--labor itself
remains a mystery in many ways. What we do know is that labor is likely the hardest work a woman will endure in her lifetime. It
also holds all the beauty, magic and infinite power of life
itself.
But it is the unknown that causes most expectant mothers to be
scared and apprehensive as the due date nears. More and more
women are turning to aromatherapy during their labor to help
them cope with the emotional issues facing them.
Resources usually divide labor neatly into three phases, but
it's important to recognize that each childbirth experience is
unique. Depending on your emotional needs, consider
incorporating no more than two of the following aromatic blends
into your childbirth plan.
********
First Stage: Early Phase
********
During the early phase of labor, contractions begin. While the
intensity varies from woman to woman, you will begin to see a
pattern in frequency emerging. You should take it easy, relax,
take a bath, or even a nap if possible.
You may be feeling a little apprehensive, and the following
aromatic blend can help you relax your mind and release your
fears.
In a 10-ml bottle, pour the following essential oils and then
add organic vegetable oil to fill:
-4 drops Lavender
-2 drops Neroli
Massage your temples, forehead, chest and solar plexus. Take
deep breaths.
********
First Stage: Active Phase
********
During the active phase, contractions become more intense and
frequent. It is at this point that your doctors will likely tell
you to go to the hospital. The key is to relax in order to gain
enough strength for the delivery. A good birth coach is
essential to help you with your breathing and relaxation
exercises. Try the following aromatherapy blend to bring you
peace and harmony.
In a 10-ml bottle, pour the following essential oils and then
add organic vegetable oil to fill:
-6 drops Lavender
-1 drop Neroli
-1 drop Rose
Massage your solar plexus, heart chakra, chest and neck. Inhale
the blend deeply while resting.
********
First Stage: Transitional Phase
********
During this phase, contractions will come hard and fast, and
symptoms might include shaking, shivering, and nausea. It is
important that your birth coach provide you with all the
emotional care and attention you need. Once you are done with
this phase, you will be fully dilated and ready to begin pushing.
You may be feeling scared and exhausted. Inhale the following
blend between the contractions to help you endure this phase,
and give you an added boost of strength for the delivery.
In a 10-ml bottle, pour the following essential oils and then
add organic vegetable oil to fill:
-4 drops Lavender
-4 drops Sage
-4 drops Peppermint
Massage the lower back, with emphasis on the sacrum.
********
Second Stage
********
Now that your body has prepared itself for childbirth, you're
likely feeling relieved that the end is finally in sight. And
yet you still have a big job ahead of you. Pushing is an
exhaustive process, and during this stage you will use all your
reserved energy and strength. Many women feel the desire to give
up, as the labor thus far has left them emotionally drained.
Inhale the following aromatic blend before you begin pushing to
help you to gain the needed courage and emotional strength for
this stage.
In a 10-ml bottle, pour the following essential oils and then
add organic vegetable oil to fill:
-4 drops Peppermint
-4 drops Rosemary
```````````````````````````````
Visit www.aromalchemy.com/aromatherapy/ouroils.html to learn
more about the essential oils used in these blends.
Check out our Starters Kit for Pregnancy at
http://www.aromalchemy.com/aromather...terskits.html.
```````````````````````````````
In Good Health,
Francoise Rapp
www.aromalchemy.com
This article was originally published by Francoise Rapp in "The
Arom'Alchemy Newsletter," a weekly ezine dedicated to healthy
mind, body and soul through the use of aromatherapy. Join her
for many aromatic moments to come by subscribing at
www.aromalchemy.com/education.
