Safety of Aromatherapy in Childbirth By Dr Denise Tiran
- Aromatika Magazine
- Apr 29
- 2 min read
Pg. 74-78 3-minute read
The use of fragrant oils and massage has long been part of traditional childbirth practices to ease a woman's progress through pregnancy and labour. Midwives and traditional birth assistants worked with women giving birth, using all their caring skills and knowledge to relieve pain and ease the passage of the baby.
Aromatherapy is not a standard part of maternity care but developed as a response to the overly medicalized approach to childbirth in many Western countries. Using essential oils (EOs) can help women regain a sense of control over their bodies, which is often diminished in today's obstetric model. However, any use of active essential oils must work alongside standard medical care, especially when labour is managed with prescribed drugs. While many women turn to aromatherapists for relaxation and symptom relief during pregnancy, using EOs during labour requires caution. Since essential oils are chemicals, their use in hospitals must follow strict health and safety regulations to protect mothers, babies, and staff from possible adverse effects.
Midwives, doulas, maternity nurses, and aromatherapists can guide parents on the safe use of aromatherapy during labour but must be careful to avoid negative interactions with medical treatments. Aromatherapy can support relaxation, ease pain, and encourage slow labour to progress, but it is not a replacement for necessary medical care. When teaching birth workers, focus is placed on around 24 safe essential oils, such as rose, sandalwood, spearmint, geranium, and eucalyptus. However, if there is any doubt about an oil’s safety, it should not be used. Notably, tea tree oil should be avoided during labour, as it may negatively affect uterine contractions by relaxing the smooth muscles rather than stimulating them.
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