How do you use EO's?

waterbaby0205 · 11-08-2006, 03:35 PM

hehe, I feel silly, but how do you use your EO's? I have peppermint and lavendar for my doula bag but I'm not sure how to use them. I have heard of putting a few drops in the birthing tub, but what if mom gets sick of the smell?
I thought surely there are more ways to use them!

doulalove · 11-08-2006, 03:50 PM

I've used EO's in a flax seed pack. I don't officially have a "bag" yet but I started giving these to my new clients along with RRL tea. Just a little something extra to get them ready for the big day!

teachinmamaof4 · 11-08-2006, 03:52 PM

I carry cotton balls in my bag and zip lock bags. Drop the EO on there and let Mama smell it. If she gets tired of it all you have to do is get rid of the cotton ball.

Kim Trower · 11-08-2006, 05:55 PM

You can put it on a washcloth as well, or a tissue...anything that can be removed if it makes mom sick or she just doesn't like the smell.

ctowndoula · 11-09-2006, 12:21 AM

A bit of peppermint EO on a cool damp washcloth on the back of mom's neck! Wonders for nausea!! The smell of peppermint is also supposed to help you pee? Have heard it a couple times but haven't had the chance to try it.
I don't bring any other EOs.

beautifulbirth · 11-09-2006, 01:23 AM

Does anyone prefer one brand over another? I have access to a Whole Foods, Target, and other typical chains and need to get some peppermint EO soon!

1stimestar · 11-09-2006, 02:15 AM

I use peppermint for when moms can't relax enough to pee, just a few drops in the toilet. Also good for nausea. Clary Sage to relieve tension and help bring on contractions (I personally don't do this, but it's a nice scent to use in early labor). Lavender to help with calming but can also increase the strength of contractions. Euclalyptus because it smells clean and fresh. It can also help mom breath better when sinuses have that pregnancy stuffiness.

Normally I just put a couple drops on a cotton ball so it can be flushed away if the mood changes.

AussieDoula · 11-09-2006, 04:32 AM

I think the general concensus is to use EO's on a cotton ball so they are easily changed and disposed of if mama becomes too sensitive to the smell (I used to mist the lightbulbs until cotton balls were suggested and made more sense).

You want to be careful with Essential Oils, because if they are applied directly to the skin, they can cross over into the placenta - just like anything else. You really need to know your stuff when it comes to using EOs on a pregnant mama's skin.

Use them for aromatherapy instead by applying to cotton balls (or - if you prefer - misting the room, spraying some on a pillow, or adding to a rice/oatmeal/flax pack).

If you're interested in learning more about essential oils, Demetria Clark offers a fantastic Aromatherapy distance learning program. Check out her Heart of Herbs website.

She also wrote a helpful article about Aromatherapy For Pregnancy And Labour in BirthKit which lists some great oil mixtures and uses.

waterbaby0205 · 11-09-2006, 04:28 PM

oooohhhh thank you ladies! And thank you Aussie for those links, I will surely check those out!

What do you use to massage mama with? Oil or lotion? Scented or unscented? I have Coconut Oil that I really like and it does smell like anything at all. Do you think that would work? It's not super greasy, which is another thing I like about it.

AussieDoula · 11-09-2006, 04:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by waterbaby0205

What do you use to massage mama with? Oil or lotion? Scented or unscented? I have Coconut Oil that I really like and it does smell like anything at all. Do you think that would work? It's not super greasy, which is another thing I like about it.

I use unscented lotion or cornstarch, sometimes olive or safflower oil. Be careful when you use an oil, you want to steer clear of anything that contains nuts.
I prefer lotion and cornstarch because they are cleaner. Cornstarch is my favourite because I find it lasts longer and is much smoother.

Another Doula pointed out in a previous thread that oils will get into the linens and is hard to wash out, so that might be something else to consider.

A few threads about massage oils and lotions we've had:
Massage Creams/Oils.
Massage Oils.
Lotions/Oils.

Sheryl · 11-14-2006, 03:15 PM

I love Oshadi oils.

Abbydoula · 11-14-2006, 03:36 PM

I love EOs! This is timely because I just mixed up some new stuff.

I have unscented body lotion (storebrand) that I put lavendar oil in. So it is about a 2-3 oz dark blue glass bottle (a lot of eos react with the plastic, so using glass is important). In that is the lotion and about 15 drops of lavendar oil as well as 5 drops of a 5% concentration of jasmine oil. Jasmine is good for getting contractions stronger, BUT, it is very cloying...use in moderation. I only use the lotion on mamas if they have told me over and over how much they LOVE it. (we try it out at the prenatals). But then again, what you normally love you might hate during labour, so I also say, cotton balls are the way to go!

However, when someone DOES want a massage, I usually use the jasmine/lavendar lotion. But if they hate jasmine, I have an oil that I use that has only lavendar in it. I use Sweet Almond Oil with a bit of vitamin E oil added in as a natural preservative. It is my favourite massage oil. I got it at a health food and herb store in my neighbourhood.

I also have a mister with clary sage (5-10 drops in water) with one drop of rose (I hate rose, but apprently it is supposed to bring good and calming feelings). Again, if a mama likes the smell, I will spritz ONCE in the corner of the room. LESS IS MORE!

I also carry peppermint. Straight and diluted in sweet almond oil in case she is adamant about having it applied to her body. I have also heard that peppermint oil in the toilet helps stimulate urination. I second the cool cloth with a drop of peppermint oil applied to the back of mamas neck for nausea. One mom I know also swears by orange oil applied the same way.

Abby

beautifulbirth · 11-17-2006, 01:07 AM

Thanks for the helpful advice everybody... I will head to the store tomorrow to pick up some supplies.

tianakaesha · 11-17-2006, 01:30 AM

Also - I would say never put them in the tub when a mamma is labouring. Essential oils are mighty powerful and you really don't want them in the bath if waters have broken/on mum's skin as they can react badly (even if having never reacted before!) due to the hormones and the sensitivity.

Cottonballs are a great idea

Remember though a little goes a long way!

RosyDoula · 11-17-2006, 02:09 PM

I just found a cheap alternative to EOs: scents you add to candle wax when you make candles. They smell really nice, and have lavender and peach and lots of others, and are way cheaper ($2.50). I of course won't put them on Mom's skin, only on a cotton ball.