Aromatherapy for Childbirth (May 8, 2002)

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MIDWIFERY TODAY E-NEWS

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Volume 4 Issue 19 May 8, 2002

Aromatherapy for Childbearing

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In This Week's Issue:

 

1) Quote of the Week

2) The Art of Midwifery

3) News Flashes

4) Aromatherapy for Childbearing

5) Check It Out!

6) Midwifery Today Online Forum: Burnout

7) Question of the Week: T-shaped Incision

8) Question of the Week Responses: Aromatherapy

9) Switchboard

10) Classifieds

o=o=o=o=o=o

 

1) " Where would all the specialists and producers of medical

technology and drugs be if it were suddenly 'discovered' that when

women eat well in pregnancy, eliminate drugs and stop substance abuse,

almost all complications disappear? "

-Anne Frye

o=o=o=o=o=o

 

 

2) The Art of Midwifery

 

Afterbirth Pains

Moms can take motherwort tincture, 1-2 droppersful in water or

recharge every four hours or so for afterpains. Also have the mother

take homeopathic arnica, 4 tablets under the tongue every four hours

for an aching body. Tiger Balm can be applied to hips, neck and lower

back whenever needed. Motherwort also helps with milk production,

menstrual cramps, hormones.

-Midwifery Today Forums

o=o=o=o=o=o

 

 

3) News Flashes

 

Preliminary research presented at the 1999 annual meeting of the

Endocrine Society shows that chemicals can be identified and measured

in amniotic fluid. Among the 30 pregnant women who participated in the

study, 30% were found to have low levels of industrial chemicals and

pesticides in the fluid. Many of these chemicals such as DDE, a

byproduct of DDT, were banned in the United States in the early 1970s;

however, the chemicals degrade slowly and can persist in the food

supply. Some experts believe that prevailing winds carry the pesticide

around the globe from developing countries where it is still used. The

chemicals, which have been accused of causing cancer, may also cause

complications in hormonal development, according to lead study author,

Dr. Warren Foster. At certain levels, DDE is known to be capable of

blocking the activity of testosterone by acting as a substitute for

this hormone. The effect of DDE on testosterone activity concerns

Foster because the levels of DDE in some amniotic fluid samples were

comparable to testosterone levels normally found in female fetuses.

-Environmental News Network,

http://www.enn.com/enn-news-archive/1999/07/070199/amniotic_4106.asp

o=o=o=o=o=o

 

 

4) Aromatherapy for Childbearing

 

Of the five senses, the olfactory organ has the most direct link to

the brain. Many people find that an aroma can have surprising effects,

reaching past our conscious thoughts to trigger emotions and memories,

and it is precisely this ability to gently reach past our mental armor

that gives aromatherapy its power as a system of healing.

(http://pages.britishlibrary.net/abundant-health/massage.html)

The essential oil is what is used for aromatherapy, but first it must

be drawn from the botanical substances by a lengthy process of

distillation. What is left is a potent essential oil. The essential

oil is highly fragrant and concentrated. In some cases when an oil is

undiluted it can be a skin irritant, but there are many other ways to

use essential oils.

====

 

Pregnancy

Oils that must be avoided during the first three or four months of

pregnancy include those that are described as " emmenagogue, " meaning

that they induce menstrual flow, those that are recommended for use

during labor to strengthen contractions and a few somewhat toxic oils

that could harm mother and fetus.

Oils to avoid during pregnancy:

Aniseed, armoise (mugwort), arnica, basil, birch, camphor, cedarwood,

clary sage, cypress, fennel, hyssop, jasmine, juniper, marjoram,

myrrh, origanum, pennyroyal, peppermint, rose, rosemary, sage, savory,

thyme, wintergreen, plus any other oil described as toxic.

 

Chamomile and lavender are also described as emmenagogue but can be

used with care in small amounts and well diluted (1%-1.5%) except when

the mother has reason to fear a miscarriage.

 

Later in pregnancy, lavender is good for relieving backache and rose

diluted to 1% or 1.5% can be used for emotional needs.

 

Edema: Mild swelling of the ankles and lower legs may be relieved by

massage with oil of geranium using smooth, firm strokes, moving always

from the ankles toward the thighs.

 

Circulatory problems can be treated with massage with oil of lemon

diluted to 2%.

 

Birth

Mix the oils to be used at birth ahead of time because once labor

starts there may not be time to measure accurately. Also, early

preparation can avoid spillage (potentially causing counterproductive

heavy aroma) that may happen in the excitement of labor and birth.

 

Lavender or jasmine can be gently rubbed onto the tummy and/or lower

back from the beginning of labor. Jasmine is effective at

strengthening contractions, but some women find the scent too cloying

in the warm birth environment. Lavender may be more acceptable. A few

drops mixed in cool water will make a refreshing mixture with which to

sponge the mother's face and body.

 

Postpartum

Jasmine should be used immediately after the baby's birth to help

expel the afterbirth quickly and cleanly. It will also help tone the

uterine muscles and help them return faster to their prepregnancy

condition. Jasmine is also a very good antidepressant, and it promotes

the flow of breastmilk. Oil of fennel has been known for hundreds of

years to promote milk flow.

-An A-Z Aromatherapy, by Patricia Davis

====

 

Early First Stage

For feelings of apprehension: To a 10-mL bottle, add the following

essential oils and then add organic vegetable oil to fill:

4 drops Lavender

2 drops Neroli

Massage temples, forehead, chest and solar plexus. Breathe deeply.

 

Active First Stage

To a 10-mL bottle, add the following essential oils and then add

organic vegetable oil to fill:

6 drops Lavender

1 drop Neroli

1 drop Rose

Massage the solar plexus, heart chakra, chest and neck. Inhale the

blend deeply while resting.

 

Transition

For shaking, shivering, nausea, fear or exhaustion brought on by hard

and fast contractions, inhale the following blend between contractions

to help you endure this phase and give you an added boost of strength

for delivery.

To a 10-mL bottle, add 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

Inhale the following aromatic blend before you begin pushing to help

you gain the needed courage and emotional strength for this stage.

To a 10-mL bottle, add the following essential oils and then add

organic vegetable oil to fill:

4 drops Peppermint

4 drops Rosemary

 

-ChildbirthSolutions.com

http://www.childbirthsolutions.com/articles/birth/aromabirth/index.php

o=o=o=o=o=o

 

 

5) Check It Out!

 

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CONFERENCE AUDIOTAPES FOR THIS WEEK'S THEME

 

Aromatherapy for the Childbearing Year

http://www.midwiferytoday.com/products/991T112.htm

Nonpharmacological Methods of Pain Relief

http://www.midwiferytoday.com/products/981T888.htm

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6) Midwifery Today's Online Forums: Burnout

 

I have decided to not receive any woman into my care for the rest of

the year. I have a handful of births up through Sept. I will have the

last three months of the year off. Has anyone ever taken time off?

Does it all come back to you? Is it like riding a bike -- you never

forget?

(unsigned)

====

 

TO SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS AND EXPERIENCE ON THIS TOPIC, go to

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**PLEASE DO NOT SEND YOUR RESPONSES TO E-NEWS!**

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7) Question of the Week: T-shaped Incision

 

A primip transported from an attempted homebirth -- breech with legs

folded " tailor style. " A classical c-section was done because of the

advanced status of labor. The baby's butt and body were easily

delivered through the incision, but an arm was folded over the head

and jammed into the fundus. When they found it difficult to remove the

arm, an extension was cut perpendicular to the classical incision. Mom

now has a T-shaped cut on the uterine wall. She was told to never

attempt a VBAC -- rupture " guaranteed. " Any input?

-Linda CNM

====

 

SEND YOUR RESPONSE to mtensubmit with " Question of

the Week " in the subject line.

o=o=o=o=o=o

 

 

8) Question of the Week Responses: Aromatherapy

 

Q: Will readers please share any tips/experiences for using

aromatherapy during labor?

-Anonymous

====

 

A: I have a spray hand lotion that is strongly ginger scented. If the

laboring woman is experiencing nausea, I spray a little of the lotion

on her hand, and she sniffs it when needed. Nausea usually subsides,

although sometimes it comes on too strongly to be arrested. This helps

about 75% of the time.

-Suzanne Fremon, hypnodoula

====

 

A: I primarily use lavender essential oil in a base of pure light

olive oil for massage during labor. I also use Gentle Baby essential

oil by Young's. I also use it in a carrier base of olive oil. I put

3-5 drops of the esssential oil in 8 oz of base. I have put Gentle

Baby essential oil straight into a bath with the mother and it has

stopped her contractions within 20 minutes. So I now carry the pure

oil for hyperactive uterus too early in pregnancy.

-Renata Hillman, traditional midwife, certified monitrice, labor

assistant, CBE

====

 

A: As a doula, I use aromatherapy extensively during labor and my

clients love it. The first rule of using aromatherapy is to use a pure

essential oil (NOT a fragrance oil) mixed with a base of sweet almond

oil.

A good starting book is Aromatherapy for Mother and Baby by Allison

England.

 

Essential Oil Properties:

*Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea): antiseptic, antidepressant,

antispasmodic, emmenagogue, aphrodisiac, uterine tonic. Lowers blood

pressure; use on a compress for pain and relaxation, or as an

antidepressant and euphoric.

*Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens): antiseptic, antidepressant,

astringent, diuretic, fortifying, healing, refreshing, toning,

uplifting. Balances the body, cheers, relieves depression and fatigue.

Stimulates the lymphatic system, relieves fluid retention and helps

engorged breasts. Helps heal wounds and sores.

*Jasmine (Jasminum officinale): antidepressant, antiseptic,

antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, helpful during labor, increases milk flow,

general tonic. Expensive, but strong, so a little goes a long way.

Uplifting, calming, boosting effect on emotions. Boosts confidence,

relieves pain and helps expel the placenta.

*Lavender (Lavandula officinalis): antiseptic, antibiotic, analgesic,

antidepressant, diuretic, antiviral, antifungal, antispasmodic,

healing, sedating, toning. So gentle you can use it without dilution

on the skin, but can blend it to make it go further. It is physically

and mentally relaxing during labor and offsets pain.

*Lemon (Citrus limonum): antiseptic, antibacterial, antifungal,

astringent, diuretic, stimulant, tonic. I use a few drops of lemon on

a tissue for mom to inhale if she needs to clear her head or if she

feels nauseous during transition. Don't use on the skin.

*Mandarin (Citrus nobilis): antiseptic, refreshing, tonic, digestive

stimulant, mild relaxant. Helps upset stomach (inhale on a tissue).

Good to massage the legs in upward strokes toward the heart if swollen

feet and legs are a problem.

*Rose (Rose maroc or Rosa damascena): antiseptic, antibiotic,

antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, aphrodisiac, menstrual stimulant,

tonic. Powerful antidepressant, especially for grief, sadness, shyness

and uncertainty. Tonic to the digestive system, especially the liver.

I give clients a mix of 40 drops of rose in 15 mL of carrier oil to

apply to their perineum twice a day for two weeks before the birth --

helps prevent tears.

*Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis): antiseptic, analgesic, general

stimulant, menstrual stimulant, astringent, diuretic, tonic. I use a

few drops on a tissue if mom needs to become more alert. Stimulating.

*Ylang Ylang (Cananga odorata): antiseptic, antidepressant,

aphrodisiac, lowers blood pressure, sedative. Helps anxiety, nervous

tension, fear, shock, anger and emotional problems. Normalizes a

racing heartbeat and rapid breathing (tissue inhalation).

 

Methods of Application

6 drops in a bowl of hot water will help scent the room and calm the

breathing.

The oil (4 drops to 2 teaspoons of base/carrier oil such as sweet

almond) can be rubbed on the tummy (especially the ones that help

labor progress), on the shoulders, the arms, massaged into the hands

or feet and legs. Any touch therapy helps relax the client by

releasing endorphins, and the scent of the oils helps calm breathing.

The oils are absorbed through the skin and have actual medicinal

properties.

Another method of application is compress. Add 4 drops of essential

oil into a bowl of hot water; swish to disperse. Drop a washcloth on

top of the hot water and wring out. Apply to the lower abdomen for

pain relief (clary sage), to help with placenta delivery (jasmine) or

to the perineum to help prevent tears (rose maroc). When the cloth is

cold, repeat. After every three repeats, add a few more drops to the

water.

-Leigh Hudson, birth doula

====

 

A: I have seen wintergreen used for urine retention during labor or

postpartum to avoid having to catheterize.

-A.A.

====

 

A: I brought aromatherapy candles to my birth. I chose lavender and

tangerine because they are calming scents and I liked them both. I

bought good-quality candles to ensure I would have a wonderful aroma

in the room. I also had music of my choice playing throughout my

delivery.

-Gina

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10) Switchboard

 

International Midwives Day

 

Valley Birth Support Network in Wisconsin hosted its first brunch

reception for homebirth and hospital-based midwives on May 4. Doulas,

CBEs and lactation consultants also attended. We pampered the midwives

with therapeutic massage, good food, friendship and laughter. Each

midwife was given a plant and scroll with a poem on it. This was the

first time most of these women have been honored in their careers --

some spanning more than 20 years. What a great way to celebrate

International Midwives Day and International Doula Month. No wonder

mothers are honored in May!

-KarieAnn Zeinert, doula

====

 

What about meconium aspiration and " all-fours position " ? Some doctors

say that because the baby is face up all the fluids cannot be

suctioned out and it raises the risk for aspiration.

-Dita

====

 

I would just like to say how much I appreciate the different comments

and stories related to the practice of midwifery from around the world

[issue 4:18]. Most of all I love the passion and loyalty toward women

in their childbearing years. I have just begun my journey as a midwife

and I am also bursting with passion.

Elisabeth, student midwife

Sydney, Australia

P.S. What or who is a doula?

 

[Editor's note: Doulas, please write one paragraph about what you do

and why and send it to E-News. If you have favorite doula tricks, send

those too. We'll do a doula issue!]

====

 

My sister is 31 years old and is expecting her first child. She is an

avid horseback rider, and she wonders if riding could have ill effects

on her baby. She rides daily, sometimes two different horses.

-Karine L.

====

 

I have witnessed the professionalization of lactation consulting as it

is being thrust upon midwifery by the nursing profession.

Unfortunately, the traditional registered nurse in the United States

is trained to rely upon technology instead of her hands, her eyes, her

sense of smell and taste, her ears and even her heart and soul

(instinct).

 

Daily I am repulsed by the constant interruption of the natural

process of mothers and babies bonding. The medicalization of birth and

breastfeeding has stripped away the power of both women as birthing

goddesses and as caregivers. We no longer trust our bodies to give

birth nor to guide the process.

 

I am routinely called a " witch doctor " in my own neighborhood in

Oregon because I rely upon homeopathy, herbs, essential oils and

hands-on techniques. Ironically, I have an outstanding track record

for babies that " no one else could help " (I'm the provider of last

resort because I don't accept insurance; however, I use a sliding

payment scale and take items in trade). When I'm called to the

hospital by my long-standing patients, I see the nurses' eyes roll,

but I also see them listening and watching with eyes nearly bugging

out of their sockets. They've on many occasions commented on how

effectively my " unconventional " techniques work (such as using NSP's

Homeopathic Distress Remedy, a drop or two of lavender oil in a

carrier oil for massaging mom to enhance letdown or for infant massage

in a resistant nurser, using true skin-to-skin contact and fortifying

the mother's self confidence). I always bring a bouquet of flowers

with rosemary and lavender from my own organic garden (and I add a

couple of drops of high-quality essential oils to the leaves). The

staff thinks I'm just bringing flowers, but I explain to the parents

what I'm really doing with the plants.

 

It's true I may have more liberty because I have a doctorate in Public

Health and I'm doubly board certified, but even so I am still faced

with the pressure to conform and an uphill battle in terms of

educating staff. So many days I feel like throwing my hands up and

walking away. Those are the days I'm grateful that I'm in private

practice and that I have a network of friends such as those at

Midwifery Today.

-Chris Hafner-Eaton, PhD, MPH, CHES, IBCLC

o=o=o=o=o=o=o

 

EDITOR'S NOTE: Only letters sent to the E-News official e-mail

address, mtensubmit, will be considered for

inclusion. Letters sent to ANY OTHER e-mail addresses will not be

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o=o=o=o=o=o

 

 

10) Classifieds

The International School of Traditional Midwifery in Ashland Oregon is

accepting enrollment for Fall 2002 classes. Contact us at 541-488-8254

or visit us at www.globalmidwives.org

====

 

DID YOU HAVE AN EPIDURAL?

Midwife wants to hear from women experiencing problems after epidural,

please share your story. Anonymity guaranteed. Write: Mo at Epicomps,

8657 Douglas #261, DSM, IA 50322 or e-mail epiduralcomps

====

 

" Returning Birth to the Family " Midwifery Conference in Asheville, NC

-- August 23-25th. Grand Midwife Margaret Charles Smith, Wise Woman

Herbalist Susun Weed, Waterbirth Pioneer Marina Alzugaray. Southeast

MANA meeting. Contact Cheryl -- 828-628-6345 or

or www.thematrona.com

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