Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy involves the use of plant derived essential oils which are highly concentrated. Essential oils have wonderful aromas and contain pharmacological, therapeutic properties which support the body’s natural healing process and enhance overall well-being.

It is thought that essential oils work by sending chemical messages to the limbic system of the brain that affects your mood and how you are feeling. This occurs either when you breathe in the aroma of the oil or when your skin absorbs the oil during a massage or bath. The most common way of receiving aromatherapy is as a massage.

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Aromatherapy In Pregnancy And Childbirth

Pregnancy should be a wonderful time and it is not considered to be time of illness.  However, the array of pregnancy related ailments, physical discomforts and emotional issues can take a huge toll on your body, which you may underestimate as these are considered, to be natural during pregnancy.

Aromatherapy can be very effective during pregnancy, labour and the postnatal period.  Research has shown that aromatherapy used in pregnancy can promote emotional well-being by stimulating, balancing or relaxing depending on your needs. It can also encourage restful sleep, alleviate common physical symptoms, reduce stress hormones (cortisol) and induce good feel hormones (oxytocin) which are required for birth. Clinical research also reports that having regular aromatherapy treatments towards the end of your pregnancy increases the possibility of going into natural labour and have a normal labour and birth.

While essential oils can offer excellent support, they should be chosen and used with care during pregnancy and labour and particularly when breastfeeding.  

Benefits Of Aromatherapy In Pregnancy And Childbirth

Relief of psychological symptoms:

Anxiety

Stress

Tension

Depression

Lethargy

Insomnia

Fear

Postnatal depression

Relief of physical symptoms:

Back pain

Sciatica

Nausea

Oedema

Constipation

Ease labour pain and aid contractions

Aromatherapy can also help with:

Post-dates pregnancy to avoid medical induction of labour

Postnatal recovery and ease discomfort of stitches

Breastfeeding issues

Woman with bottle of essential oil, closeup

The caring touch of an aromatherapy massage, either from a qualified Aromatherapist who is trained in aromatherapy for pregnancy or from a Midwife who has appropriate training in aromatherapy for pregnancy, even from your partner is highly therapeutic for both you and your baby.

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