Looking for non-toxic candles for labor

[Shanana]

I know lots of candles contain petroleum products, synthetic fragrances, lead in the wicks, etc. I'm not normally a big candle person, but I would like to have some for my homebirth. Can anyone point me towards a good, non-toxic brand(s)?

TIA!

[LaurenS]

Don't buy soy candles. I bought them for my homebirth as I thought they were better than petroleum. But then I read about the process of making them and they are no better than petroleum. I guess beeswax is the best. I didn't buy them as I was a vegan before I was pregnant and I was hoping to get back on the bandwagon after my baby was born.

[jen&james]

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[Jennisee]

Definitely look into beeswax candles. You might be able to get some from a farmer's market or local beekeeper, but there are some good vendors on eBay, too.

[vermontgirl]

Beeswax-definitely!

I love beeswax anything. It is beautiful and smells so sweet and natural. I think it would be perfect for labor.

[Shanana]

Thanks for the feedback mamas! Beeswax it is, and I'll put essential oils on cotton balls or little pieces of cotton if I think I need to have some scent. That way it will be easy to get rid of the smell, too, if I find it's bothering me.

[Sheekara]

I have been really sensitive to smells. Walking past scented candles can give me an instant headache. I thought a lot about what kind of candles to use and figured I would just use regular candles. But then I got to thinking that I could potentially be moving from one room to the other (birthing pool in one room and the bed in another) and I was concerned about leaving candles burning unattended. Then if you blow a candle out or it burns completely out they smoke and it stinks. So I have opted to go with battery powered candles. I am going to buy the small tea light candles and I won't have to worry about it at all.

Just my two cents worth.

[sg784]

Don't buy soy candles. I bought them for my homebirth as I thought they were better than petroleum. But then I read about the process of making them and they are no better than petroleum.

WTF! I just bought some today and then found this thread.

ARGH! I guess Ill get some beeswax ones next time i go....

[pumpkinyum]

What about flameless candles? They work on a small battery. I'm a doula, and I carry those in my birthbag.

[echodonn]

We used beeswax for Wiley's birth it has a lovely almost non-existant odor. And the glow was beautiful. I was a lovely night birth.

[Shanana]

Yeah, I was at Linen's n Things today, and just walking past the candle section gave me a headache :.

I am planning on birthing in our finished basement. There is a fireplace, couches, bed, bathroom, and I will have the birth tub down there too. It is all one, big open space (well, except for the bathroom ), so I am not too concerned about leaving the candles burning. There is also a doorwall that can be opened up if I find I need some fresh air. I am going to have a list for dh of things for him to keep an eye on (including reminders of how he can help me!), and I will include it on that list, in case we do move to a different part of the house.