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Aromatherapy & Cancer

Pregnancy is a very special time to use aromatherapy.
It is also a time to use great care in your choice of oils.

Ten Pregnancy & Labor Tips From Katherine Graf Jenkins
© Copyright 1999 Katherine Graf Jenkins

1. Incorporate floral waters into your life as a safe way to relieve stress and refresh yourself.
Spraying yourself with lavender or rose hydrosol is a lovely experience for the mother-to-be.

2. Citrus oils such as sweet orange, neroli, and mandarin are safe and lovely essential oils
to use during pregnancy.

3. Avoid hormonal, emmenagogue, and neurotoxic essential oils at this time.

4. Cut your dilutions in half during pregnancy.  3 - 4 drops in the bath. 5 - 6 drops in a massage oil.

5. Never take essential oils internally.  Do not douche!

6. Have a Birthing Contract or Agreement with your health care provider.
Let her or him know what you expect from your birthing experience.

7. Consider the options of using a Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) or a Birthing Center (free-standing or within a hospital).  They are usually open to complementary care.

8. Prepare your labor kit during your third trimester. Lavender, Geranium, and Rose
are Katherine's favorites.  A small electric diffuser is helpful too!

9. Avoid using essential oils with premature babies and newborns. Use plain carrier oils
instead for massage.

10. Use a limited subset of essential oils for children.  Lavender and Roman Chamomile are
good choices.  Dilutions are based on weight.

Note: High risk pregnancies may wish to completely avoid essential oils during pregnancy.
They may still use essential oils to promote a pleasurable labor.