I use essential oils for just about everything in the book. When it comes to oils and labor, they are absolutely invaluable. I thought it would be wise to put the ones I have used to paper. If you haven’t discovered already, I had two completely different birthing experiences. Among the differences, the trusty herbal remedies were able to serve me well and most definitely played a significant role in supporting my natural labors.
You very well may not need all of what I have listed but you will be thankful to feel prepared with whatever you could possibly need. If you don’t end up using them in your laboring room, you most definitely will find a good use for them as postpartum care. Remember I am not your physician so be sure to check in with yours first if you have any concerns.
Clary Sage- Rubbed on your inner ankle bones and lower stomach if you are full term. Clary Sage can help to promote more intense efficient contractions if they have already begun. You may want to ask your physician before going ahead on this one. Apply every 15-20 minutes or until contractions are strong.
Diffuse- Essential oils to set the mood for your labor. If you think you will be able to switch up your diffuser it may be nice to use calmer blends like serenity or balance before transitioning to more energizing blends like peppermint and wild orange. I was attracted to a blend of vetiver, lavender and wild orange. This blend can help to reduce anxieties, focus, calm yet energize which are all essential while giving birth.
Deep Blue Rub- Think of icy/hot being applied to all of your aches and pains. This blend has wintergreen, camphor, peppermint, blue tansy, blue chamomile, helichrysum, and osmanthus oils. It will fluctuate between feeling cold and hot when applied topically to your skin and can be very helpful for back labor, any pressure, and postpartum uterine cramping.
Ginger- Add a couple of drops to ice water can be helpful to sip on if you experience any nausea.
On Guard- Is a blend of orange, clove bud, cinnamon bark, eucalyptus and rosemary that will support your immune system. You can take a couple of drops in a glass or stainless steel water bottle to sip on throughout the day. Work a drop into your hands with fractionated coconut oil as a natural hand sanitizer for you and your guests before they handle the baby.
Face Mist- Add neroli, sandalwood, and rose oils with witch hazel, aloe, rosewater, and filtered water in a spray bottle to heal melasma and any skin discoloration. This blend is so refreshing to spritz on your face to gain focus and energy during the laboring process.
Yarrow Pom- A combination of yarrow essential oil with pomegranate seed oil that can be taken internally to assist with uterine cramping. I found this extremely effective in helping to ease the pain especially, with my second child where they felt way more intense!
Clary Calm- This blend of clary sage, lavender, bergamot, roman chamomile, cedarwood, ylang-ylang, geranium, fennel, carrot seed, palmarosa, and vitex can be rolled right across your lower stomach to ease uterine cramping. It can also be rubbed down the back of your neck and spine postpartum for hormonal balance support.
Perineal Sitz Spray- Is very soothing and will help to heal your lady parts postpartum. Make up your own spritz bottle using frankincense, helichrysum, and rose.
Mhyrr- Is anti-infectious and antiseptic making it a great oil to apply on your newborn’s belly button. Rubbing a single drop onto the belly button and umbilical cord will help to heal everything quickly. Apply a few times a day. This remedy can help the umbilical cord dry out and fall off quickly.
Frankincense Touch- This is Frankincense diluted in fractionated coconut oil. Roll a small amount into your palm and massage it into baby’s scalp can help bring baby into the world in a calming atmosphere. Frankincense can help to calm baby from any of the trauma from labor and support the immune system. I have heard that a baby coming through the birth canal is like experiencing a car crash at 40 mph, pretty intense for your little so, soothe soothe soothe baby all you can.
Thank You Gifts- I love to make up thank you blends for the nurses and midwives who support me. I feel like there is no better way to send love back to the people who have helped you then a calming and uplifting blend of lavender and wild orange with fractionated coconut oil. I blend the two oils with the fractionated coconut oil in a mini roller-ball blend. My midwives and nurses were so thankful to receive them.
Nipple Butter & Baby Bum Butter are two DIY essential oil recipes that are a must-have for the hospital bag. Maybe one of these days I will get around to writing these recipes up for you. Put it on my list.
*I can only vouch for doTERRA oils, I would not promote any other line. I fully stand behind doTERRA’s rigorous testing methods that only serve oils that are potent, safe, and effective. All the oils I have used are linked if you need to prepare before the big day!