PREGNANCY AND AROMATHERAPY For a woman, being pregnant is very special. There are so many changes taking place both physically and emotionally. Woman must understand pregnancy is not an illness, rather it is an uncommon state for the woman.
We must always take care of our health and for the pregnant woman, no compromises in this area must be made, as the developing foetus must be taken care of. There are certain medications and supplements that a woman must avoid, as well as these few Essential Oils.
Basil, Camphor, Cinnamon, Cedarwood, Chamomile, Clary Sage, Fennel, Geranium, Juniperberry, Marjoram, Myrrh, Neroli, Rose, Rosemary and Thyme.
Lavender: In the first 3 months (Some would argue this one,
However, with all my knowledge and training I like
to play safe)
Jasmine: Until just before giving birth. This Essential
oil is a wonderful oil to use in labour, when
being support person I use this in a strong blend.
Works extremely well. It hastens delivery by
strengthening contractions yet relieving pain at
the same time. Also being a superb hormone
balancer, it is VERY effective for post natal
depression.
Peppermint: Discourages the flow of breast Milk. So
should not be used in pregnancy or whilst breast
feeding.
Being fully qualified as an Aromatherapist, I feel not enough research has gone into the subject of Essential Oils and pregnancy, so I always adopt the position that many oils promote and regularise menstrual flow, plus balance the hormonal system, they should be avoided at this special time, - hence the above list.
On saying that, I am not saying that Aromatherapy should be avoided altogether in pregnancy, and I feel as long as the above Essential Oils are avoided aromatherapy techniques can be used very, safely and beneficially to maintain the general health of the expectant mother and to help minimize the various discomforts of pregnancy, such as nausea, backache, swollen legs and ankles.
So many women develop Nausea very early in their pregnancy and it goes after the 3rd or 4th month, some unfortunately have it for the duration of their pregnancy. These 2 essential oils MAY help with the symptomatic relief of same.
Lemongrass 1 drop, Spearmint 1 drop
these can be used on a tissue placed under a pillow case or put on a tissue and carried through-out the day and inhaled when necessary. It can also be used in an Essential Oil burner, 1 drop per 10 mls of warm water - e.g. 80 mls of water would be 4 drops Lemongrass and 4 drops Spearmint.
BACKACHE: from 16 weeks onwards you can safely use this massage blend.
Almond Oil 50 mls
Lavender 4 drops
Frankincense 3 drops
Pepper Black 5 drops
Massage this blend into the lower back, all over the buttocks and back of thighs. Can be used also for aching legs, ensuring that you massage from the feet up TOWARDS THE HEART. This blend will help to strengthen and tone muscles.
Other health problems may arise during the course of the pregnancy, but all in all most Mum's to be are fine and just need to be pampered, whilst they do a most amazing job! This is where Aromatic bath's come into play. This can be one of expectant mother's greatest luxuries and forms of relaxation - once again avoid the risky oils and avoid over hot water (Always put your oils into 1/4 cup of full cream milk before adding them to a bath)put on some relaxation music, light a candle in honour of the unborn child, put a towel under the head, lie back and relax..
I send love and light to you all.
Maggie
|
Contributor's Note
As well as being an Ex-Social Worker, I am also a fully Qualified Aromatherapist and Massage Therapist.
|
