Aromatherapy Consultation & Support

Is Aromatherapy Safe When Pregnant?

The majority of basic essential oils that are readily available are safe to use. Often it is more about the method of application and dosages used. It is best to contact a qualified aromatherapist prior to using essential oils during pregnancy.

How Aromatherapy Can Help

There is often some concern about the use of aromatherapy during pregnancy. A wide variety of misinformation and conflicting advice has led to confusion and often women choosing not to use essential oils at all.

Essential oils are volatile, odorous substances found in various parts of particular plants. Yes, they are natural, but they are also very concentrated. This is why it’s so important to understand safety aspects involved in their use and that often less is more.

Although some caution is advisable, aromatherapy can be of great benefit in relieving many discomforts of pregnancy. It is also a valuable tool for use during birth and to enhance wellbeing during the postnatal period and beyond.

Consultation with a qualified aromatherapist is strongly recommended when using essential oils during pregnancy. Sonya of Mother Nurture uses high quality essential oils and a variety of massage techniques safe and appropriate for each stage of pregnancy.

Aromatherapy: Pregnancy & Birth

Under qualified, expert care aromatherapy may enhance wellbeing through each state of pregnancy in the following ways:

• May help to alleviate common discomforts such as nausea, muscular complaints, varicose veins, haemorrhoids, pruritis (itch), fatigue, insomnia and emotional upsets.

• To help maintain good general health through regular use of essential oils.

• Support your pregnancy through reduction of stress and anxiety and ensure good sleep patterns.

• Preparation for labour, both physically and psychologically.

Research regarding the use of essential oils during pregnancy and birth is very positive leading to aromatherapy being incorporated into various health care settings.** Aromatherapy can be combined with massage to support the changing body during pregnancy and is valuable for birth preparation.

Aromatherapy can be employed for childbirth to help reduce anxiety, encourage relaxation, promote uterine contractions and relieve pain as well as to treat associated symptoms such as nausea and fatigue. Fear, anxiety and stress can have a negative impact on the commencement and progress of labour. Odour has a direct pathway to the area of the brain that governs fear and research shows the use of positive aromas can help to reduce pain perception.

Aromatherapy: Postnatal

Becoming a new mum (or dad) is life-changing. This time is full of wonder and excitement as well as challenges and readjustments. During the postnatal period aromatherapy and massage can be beneficial for new mums as they recover from birth and adjust to the physical as well as emotional demands of motherhood.

Aromatherapy and/or massage can provide support for new mums in the following ways:

• Healing of wounds and prevention of infection.

• Relief from muscular tension, often associated with birth or breastfeeding posture.

• Help treat breastfeeding issues: under or over supply, mastitis.

• Ease other discomforts e.g. digestive issues, poor sleep, fatigue.

• Alleviate feelings of anxiety, depression, low confidence.

• Empowerment as a new mum by learning how to care for your family with natural, aromatic remedies.

Each stage of our children’s lives brings new challenges as parents. Especially significant for parent is the saying “fill your own cup first so you can give to others.”

Sonya provides nurturing treatments specific to your needs at any stage in your parenting journey.

Aromatherapy: Babies & Children

With guidance from a qualified practitioner essential oils and other aspects of aromatherapy can safely be used to treat many minor ailments in babies and children. Special care needs to be taken when treating babies and children and consultation with a qualified aromatherapist is highly recommended, especially for children under 12 months of age.

Childhood conditions that may benefit from aromatherapy include:

• Respiratory issues, coughs and colds

• Asthma and allergies

• Digestive upsets such as colic and constipation

• Muscular discomfort

• Skin problems

• Poor sleep

• Emotional upsets