Peppermint EO

[empowering birth]

I have purchased some Peppermint EO to use if a client is nauseous in labor. Couple of questions, is this a bad idea? If not, how many drops would I put on a cotton ball? That would be the only way that I would use this, if a client would like to try it. The other thing I would have with me is Preggie Pops. I would like to have something to ease a clients discomfort, but for some reason I get the feeling that I sould not be using EO , if I haven't had specific training. Could someone please enlighten me? Thanks

[DL]

It's perfectly fine for a doula to put EO on a cottonball without aromatherapy training; it's not like you are rubbing it all over her skin. It only takes a few drops (maybe 2-4?) as the EO is typically pretty strong; a little goes a long way. Just play it by ear; you'll know how much is enough by the strength of the scent as you drop it on the cottonball. In addition to peppermint EO for nausea and/or energizing, I also sometimes use lavender EO to aid relaxation. I'll also mix peppermint EO or some lavender EO (depending on mom's preference) in one of the rice socks. I don't think that you need aromatherapy training to do any of the things that I'm listing.

Another thing that you could try postpartumly with mom's consent, is to put a few drops of the peppermint EO in the potty water if she is having trouble with that first urination after the birth. For some women, it works wonders in stimulating them to urinate! At worst, it'll make the bathroom smell really good. This can be refreshing after the messiness of birth. Btw...You don't need aromatherapy training to do that, either.

[empowering birth]

Thanks alot Lori for all of the ways that PEO can be used!! That was sooooo reassuring

[empowering birth]

BTW, rice or flax socks will be my next thing that I attempt to make!!

[betterbirths]

I make peppermint / spearamint "socks" as well I make them about 5x5 square inches and fill them with just the peppermint and spearamint. They are great when you are feeling tired. I keep mine in the freezer and take a good whiff when I need an energy boost. They are great when you are congested as well, spritz them with water and microwave for a few seconds and inhlale the warm vapors. Clears ya right up.

[Neshama]

Just make sure that the OB doesnt hate smells! *remembrances*

[empowering birth]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Neshama Just make sure that the OB doesnt hate smells! *remembrances*

Oh, don't worry, I'll be sure to ask!!!!!!! Thanks ladies!!

[1stimestar]

It's more important that the staff isn't ALLERGIC to the oils.

[MothertheMother]

I'd suggest you start experimenting with the oils at home. That way you might feel more comfortable using them with a laboring mom. I love peppermint EO! It perks you up when you are feeling a bit tired (another great reason to use it during client labors...it helps you, too!) it definitely helps with nausea, and it makes a great room freshener. One of my favorite things to do is to drop some on my vacuum cleaner bag before running the vacuum. It freshens up the whole house.
Pick up a book on EO's that has some explinations and "recipes" and you'll quickly become addicted to using them for just about everything!

[Falling Leaves]

Quote:

Originally Posted by betterbirths I make peppermint / spearamint "socks" as well I make them about 5x5 square inches and fill them with just the peppermint and spearamint. They are great when you are feeling tired. I keep mine in the freezer and take a good whiff when I need an energy boost. They are great when you are congested as well, spritz them with water and microwave for a few seconds and inhlale the warm vapors. Clears ya right up.

that sounds great! are they like square rice-socks but filled with the herbs?

[Nicole E]

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1stimestar It's more important that the staff isn't ALLERGIC to the oils.

That is for sure. The birth that I just missed, the other doula was using oils (she is also a RMT) and the nurse had to file an incident report because the oils gave her a migraine.

[DL]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nicole E That is for sure. The birth that I just missed, the other doula was using oils (she is also a RMT) and the nurse had to file an incident report because the oils gave her a migraine.

She should have cleared it with the medical staff first before opening and using them. That's what I do.

[Garden Doula]

Peppermint oil is my favorite. I pretty much smell like a peppermint because I use it so often. I've found it is helpful for ME if I'm running low on energy or I develop a headache.

[DoulaYvonne]

I use EO's on a cotton ball and zipped inside a Ziploc baggie. If someone doesn't like the smell - Zip!