7 Essential Oils to Facilitate Labor Naturally

Hi Loves! There’s just so much excitement happening over here at Dabblist HQ, so I’ve lined up a few amazing guest bloggers to share their creations with you. Today is the very knowledgeable Victoria of The Yogi Mami. I’m not yet a mother, but I know many of you are (or are working towards it). So, Victoria is going to share her knowledge of natural child birthing today. It’s super interesting! xo, Becca

Birth is an exceptionally beautiful time, but also very intense and often uncomfortable for the expecting mother. Many women are unfamiliar with natural ways to ease discomfort during childbirth. Essential oils are used by many doulas and midwives to help relieve labor pains and to help labor progress. The benefits of essential oils is that they provide physical, mental and emotional support to laboring mothers with no synthetic properties, making it a safe option for both mother and baby.

When I was preparing for my second natural childbirth, I knew I wanted to try using essential oils during the labor process to see how they worked. It was something I considered the first time around, but never got around to doing. I had an extremely fast birth and my son arrived within an hour of smelling my homemade oil blend. Coincidence? I wasn’t sure. I have since recommended these blends to prenatal clients of mine who have reported back with stories of speedy, enjoyable labors. I won’t give 100% credit to the oils alone because both myself, and the women I know directly who used this oil, were also preparing the body with prenatal yoga and relaxation exercises. However, I do think essential oils are helpful in allowing the body to progress naturally and a wonderful tool to pack in a labor bag. This post will share with you some of the best essential oils to use during labor.

You can mix your own blend to include in your labor kit using any carrier oil of choice (coconut, almond, apricot, etc.), or without the carrier oil by adding to a diffuser. The essential oils that help to facilitate labor naturally are:

• Clary Sage is not recommended to use during pregnancy. With that being said, if you are past your due date and the doctor is talking about induction this oil could spur things naturally. You can rub this oil alone, or in a blend, on ankles or abdomen.

• Geranium helps to calm and distress the laboring mother helping to create a serene environment. It can be used in the second and third trimester to treat exhaustion, edema, hemorrhoids and varicose veins. It is an anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and even an anti-depressant. This essential oil is also great to use for perineal massage.

• Jasmine oil is another that should not be used during pregnancy because it can also induce labor by stimulating uterine contractions and also relieve pain. During labor Jasmine essential oils help to strengthen the contractions in a natural way while also providing comfort to the birthing mother.

• Lavender is helpful in dulling pain in the uterus as well as the back, legs and even headaches. It is also helpful to dull any pains after labor. Lavender is great for keeping mom calm during labor. This oil can also be used with coconut oil to apply to the skin and prevent stretch marks.

• Peppermint oil is said to be effective in helping move babies who are breech or posterior. By rubbing this oil on the top of the abdomen or the lower back it can encourage the baby to turn to an optimal birthing position.

• Rose is great to rejuvenate skin and tissue and also for softening ligaments. It helps the pelvis to expand and open up to allow the baby to pass through and also has cleansing effects on the uterus. This oil is a must have for smaller mamas who are expecting a bigger baby.

• Ylang Ylang increases calmness and relaxation and also helps to lower blood pressure and to slow rapid breathing. This essential oil helps to balance the equilibrium.

Essential oils have benefits beyond pregnancy. They can be used for just about anything on just about anyone so don’t worry about your oils going to waste. You can use them to increase milk supply, to calm a fussy baby, ease symptoms of colds and congestion and much more. I have a collection and use them almost daily for different reasons anywhere from making cleaning products, applying to scrapes and even adding a few drops to my kids baths to calm them down before bedtime.

Did you use essential oils during labor? If so, we would love for you to share your experience!

Victoria Moore is yoga instructor, Usui Reiki master and natural health author and blogger. She enjoys cooking, homesteading and spending time with family and friends. Her passions include empowering women on how to prepare for natural labor, teaching yoga to adults and children and learning about alternative approaches to health and lifestyle. Through her blog she enjoys connecting with other like-minded people and sharing information about health and wellness, natural parenting, alternative medicine and organic living. You can follow her on: Facebook, Twitter, & Pinterest.