Getting ready to give birth ...

Q - I am expecting a baby in just over a week’s time and am looking for some sort of bath oil, particularly for just after the birth. Previously I have had very fast labours and do not want anything specifically for labour. However I have many "fond" memories of the long soaks in the bath after soothing my aches and pains.

A - All essential oils encourage cell regeneration to some extent so you can virtually choose anything that you like for wound healing. However, tea-tree and lavender would always be my first choice. Apart from healing any wounds tea tree will protect against potential infections which can be acquired in hospital. It is also an immune system tonic, which is important after the last stages of pregnancy and labour that can leave you feeling rather depleted. Lavender has a restorative, tonic effect which makes it useful for fatigue. It is also a good “balancer” and an effective painkiller.

As an alternative to lavender you could add geranium. Known as the “poor mans rose”, geranium has several advantages

1) it is helpful for bruising
2) its rich pungent aroma covers the rather medicinal scent of tea tree
3) it has a strong influence in terms of balancing fluctuating hormones
4) it is a mild diuretic so it will help with any remaining puffiness around the ankles or face
5) it is relaxing and calming

You could also add chamomile if the after pains or backache were likely to be a problem. Any of these oils mentioned or a combination of all of them can be used. To use the oils, put them on tissues inside the pillowcase or mix them with almond oil and use for very gentle massage. Although the tummy is a good area to concentrate on for massage, don’t forget the muscles of the neck and shoulders too. These reflect much of the physical pain of labour and the incredible mental focus of the birth process so it is important to relieve the tension in this area. As a traditional alternative use 6-10 drops of the mixture in the bath. But remember to put them in a tablespoonful of milk first to make the oils miscible (i.e. spread through the water rather than sit on top). Do not use almond oil in the bath as it floats on top, makes a messy ring and like other carrier oils could make the bath slippery.

As a final reminder, just remember to spot test everything by trying a little on your wrist. Your body chemistry can behave strangely under the influence of wildly fluctuating hormones and a stressful and often over-warm hospital environment