I've recently become a Young Living Essential Oil Member and I wanted to take a moment to explain why I feel such a strong connection between essential oils and HypnoBirthing! Smells can act as a powerful anchor (positive trigger) for deep relaxation. Using essential oils extensively during your HypnoBirthing practice and again during the birth means you can use recall to enter an even more relaxed state on that very special day. I also like to use them during my HypnoBirthing classes as another form of olfactory hypnosis.
Here are a few ways to use essential oils...
Dotting:
Simply putting essential oils on a tissue, cotton ball, or washcloth near you, so you can smell them.
Diffusion:
You can do this at home AND in the hospital! Simply put the recommended amount of drops into a ultrasonic diffuser!
In the bath:
Mix some drops of essential oil in bathwater. Can mix with a little milk or vegetable oil first to make it more dispersible
Massage:
A 1% blend is appropriate for using on your skin during pregnancy and birth - there are around 20 drops in 1ml of essential oil. This equates to a mix of not more than 10 drops of essential oil per 50ml of carrier oil, e.g. grapeseed oil, sweet almond oil, or coconut oil.
Pure oils that are safe and affordable for pregnancy and birth:
Sweet orange - calming and uplifting
Lavender - calming, balancing, sedative, lowers blood pressure
Pink grapefruit - energising, focusing
Frankincense - grounding, calming, relaxing
Bergamot - uplifting yet relaxing, cleansing
My favorite Young Living blends for pregnancy and birth:
En-R-Gee - Fresh and herbaceous, En-R-Gee essential oil blend offers an invigorating aromatic boost when you need it most. Diffuse or apply it topically during your morning routine or before any activity to enjoy the stimulating, spicy-pine fragrance of Rosemary, Juniper, Lemongrass, Nutmeg, Balsam Fir, Clove, and Black Pepper essential oils.
White Angelica - Geranium, Ylang Ylang, Melissa, and Rose provide sweet, floral notes; Bergamot and Melissa offer a boost of bright citrus; and Myrrh, Northern Lights Black Spruce, Hyssop, and Sacred Sandalwood balance the blend with a warm, woodsy base. With the aroma of White Angelica essential oil blend, you can create a positive atmosphere and inspire feelings of security and optimism—no matter what life throws at you.
Citrus Fresh - Combining Orange, Tangerine, Grapefruit, Lemon, and Mandarin oils with a hint of Spearmint, Citrus Fresh™ Essential Oil is a proprietary Young Living blend that offers an uplifting, refreshing aroma that you can diffuse to transform any environment.
Gentle Baby - Gentle Baby™ essential oil blend is formulated with Coriander, Geranium, Palmarosa, Lavender, Ylang Ylang, Roman Chamomile, and other sweet-smelling essential oils. Gentle Baby oil’s soothing blend of pure essential oils has an aroma that invites a sense of calming for parents and children. The uses for Gentle Baby essential oil are countless, but its soft fragrance is perfect for diffusing in your home or child’s bedroom in the evening or for applying topically. The scent of Gentle Baby oil evokes tranquil, nurtured feelings that can be a wonderful companion for times of inner reflection.
If you'd like more info about essential oils or the awesomeness of becoming a member, just email me at peacefulmamabirthing@gmail.com!
Important - please read
- Essential oils are powerful and should be used with caution. Avoid before 12 weeks.
- Don’t add oil to a birthing pool as it can harm your baby's eyes when born.
- If oils cause nausea or headaches stop using them for an hour or so.
- The following oils are not considered safe for pregnancy: clary sage, jasmine, rose, rosemary, basil, sage, juniper berry, nutmeg. Lavender is not suitable for using alongside an epidural, as both can lower your blood pressure possibly reducing oxygen supply to your baby.
- Consult a qualified aromatherapist before using essential oils if you suffer from epilepsy, have a heart problem or if you have any major medical condition. Use them with caution if you have asthma, kidney or thyroid conditions.