Aromatherapy in Pregnancy, especially Clary Sage
In our Hypnobirthing course, we mention Clary Sage and some other oils.
How is aromatherapy used in pregnancy? Which aromatherapy oils should I avoid/be careful with? Where can I buy aromatherapy oils?
Aromatherapy is the use of 100% pure essential oils (not fragrance oils or perfume that just smell nice), which are extracted from the roots, leaves, flowers, bark or stems of the plant. These links can help you learn more....
Clary Sage
This awesome plant (Salvia Sclarea) is native to Italy, France and Syria, and the oil distilled from its flowers and tips is the one most commonly associated with birth. In fact, CS has been used throughout the ages for all things to do with women's cycles and reproduction; for relief of menstrual pain, and in menopause to reduce hot flushes and irritability. Clary Sage has natural 'uterotonic' action, meaning it can contribute to the action of uterine contractions - causing contractions or enhancing contractions. For that reason CS should NOT be used before 39 weeks of gestation in case your body is vulnerable to going into premature labour.
USING CLARY SAGE BEFORE LABOUR Use Clary Sage from 39 weeks as part of your conditioning for deep relaxation - a few drops in a deep relaxing bath, or a lovely body moisturise with a couple of drops of CS in a tablespoon of coconut/jojoba oil (never direct on skin).
USING CLARY SAGE FOR BIRTH Learn more HERE. When labour starts, inhaling Clary Sage can help with cervical dilation, it calms the nervous system and so relaxes the mind and body, it enhances production of endorphins and so helps with pain relief and coping. Because of its contracting nature, CS may also help with the third stage uterine contractions for the birth of the placenta and sealing off the tiny blood vessels to help prevent haemorrhage.
Clary Sage is powerfully medicinal, like all concentrated pure essential oils, and should be used in a well-ventilated room, as it can become overwhelming or cause headaches if inhaled too intensely. Inhaling from a cloth or tissue or cotton ball with some drops rather than using an oil infuser can help to avoid excessive accumulation and exposure. Never take orally.
If you are in labour, keep inhaling it intermittently but don't use a body massage on your skin if you are planning to birth in the water as it will form a film on the surface and baby's eyes are very sensitive.
E-Book Aromatherapy in Pregnancy, Labour, Birth & Postpartum 
Well, you are in for a treat! This eBook gives a comprehensive overview of aromatherapy in pregnancy, labour, birth and the postnatal period highlighting the important things to help mums and their birth partners understand how they can use essential oils confidently and safely. It's written by Vicki Hobbs, a very well qualified Birth Educator and Doula Educator (Doula Training Academy), aromatherapist, remedial massage therapist and placenta encapsulator from Western Australia. Thank you Vicki!
Oils in pregnancy - care and caution - download Vicki's E-book, and read Pages 3 & 4. Vicki has done the most exhaustive research, and she talks about which, how and why to take oils in pregnancy and birth.
Vicki's blog about Clary Sage: "This oil is now widely used before and during labour.... Clary sage cannot be used to induce labour unless your body is ready to go into labour. Nothing can induce labour until your body is ready, unless of course you have a medical induction, and even then they are known to fail.... What clary sage does do is help you to have more effective contractions once you do start having them as it relaxes the mind, body and muscles....."
BUY Clary Sage & Aromatherapy Oil Online
This link is for a great trusted Queensland source where you can buy aromatherapy oils, I've used them over a few years now. Always buy from a reliable, qualified source; essential oils need to be respected as powerful elements, and proper careful use is really important. There are many imitations, and some dodgy dealers!! Some sellers don't have sufficient knowledge to provide careful advice and many oils are not pure.
Plant Essentials - Quick delivery, reliable quality and service. This Queensland online store offers a 10ml bottle of Clary Sage which is very affordable and perfect size for preparing for birth and labour.
Essential oils, known as nature’s living energy, are the natural, aromatic volatile liquids found in flowers, trees, roots, and seeds. The distinctive components in essential oils defend plants against insects, environmental conditions, and disease. They are also vital for a plant to grow, live, evolve, and adapt to its surroundings. Essential oils are extracted from aromatic plant sources via different methods including steam distillation, CO2 extraction, solvent extraction and cold pressing, and are highly concentrated.
Local Pregnancy Massage, aromatherapy oils
The below practitioners use aromatherapy oils in pregnancy massage.
Read more about them on the Massage page of this website, and link to their business website for all their details.
Mama Blooming Mobile Massage for pregnancy and post-partum.
Buderim Natural Health Massage Buderim.
A Perfect Blend Centrepoint Caloundra.
Yoga Therapy & Ayurveda Wellness Centre Buderim.
Sunshine Coast Pregnancy Massage North Buderim.
Ikatan Spa Doonan.