Aromatherapy?

[heatherweh]

I was wondering if anyone used any aromatherapy to assist with birthing? I'm not even really a user of it with the exception of herbal baths (like lavender for relaxation) and patches to ease stress, etc. I'm open to it; some pleasant scents couldn't hurt in any case.

Also if there are some that might help, how could they be used in a hospital setting (I mean where no candles or burning would be allowed). I was thinking maybe in a salve and also maybe through essential oil and a diffuser? TIA!

[JamieCatheryn]

You may think twice about using something that will stay on you or fill the room, what you liked at one point might become annoying to you at another. A cloth or tissues infused with the oil of your choice to keep nearby or sniff directly may be better.

Here are some good ones for use in labor:

Lavender
Jasmine
Clary Sage
Tangerine
Peppermint

[LiLStar]

I bought Gentle Baby from young living. I love the smell, but I'm pretty sure it was expensive. I would put a drop on a tissue and put that on my chest while practicing relaxation in hopes that the scent would help trigger me into relax mode. Now.. I don't think it necessarily helped with that, because back labor is its own beast! Maybe it would have if I didn't have back labor. It was diluted in almond oil and used as massage oil for counter pressure. The scent never bothered me in labor. I liked it. What I think is cool about it though, now two years later that scent brings me back. Every time I smell it it reminds me of labor. Its so awesome. I don't allow myself to smell it very often because I don't want to lose that effect!