Some mums-to-be prefer not to take pharmaceutical remedies, but could benefit from treatments to help alleviate pain, help with constipation, aid relaxation and reduce stress and anxiety.
What is aromatherapy and reflexology?
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils in various ways to provide therapeutic benefits. They can impact on the emotional and psychological wellbeing of a person, as well as provide physical benefits.
Essential oils can help lift mood and promote relaxation, which is immensely helpful in labour, and can even help symptoms such as nausea, headaches and pain.
Reflexology
Reflexology uses pressure applied to specific points on the feet and hands. It is believed that the feet (and hands) have zones in them that relate to all areas of the body and by massaging certain aspects of them, it can help relieve tensions and ailments elsewhere within the body.
This can be thought of as a less intimidating form of treatment as it allows the user to remain clothed.
Who can use aromatherapy for childbirth?
Anyone can self-administer essential oils. However, it is always advisable to seek advice from a trained aromatherapist or midwife trained in aromatherapy.
This allows you to be accurately assessed and have any contraindications to treatment included.
How is aromatherapy provided?
There are many forms in which aromatherapy can be given.
Essential oils can be used:
- For massage/reflexology
- With water to spritz into the air
- On a cloth for inhalation
- In a bath or footbath to ease tension
- As a compress – either hot or cold – to ease pain and tension
Massage blends can be created by trained midwives to provide therapeutic benefits in the antenatal and postnatal periods, as well as individualised labour blends.
Are there any side effects?
Most essential oils should be used with a carrier oil and are not suitable for use directly on the skin. This helps reduces the chances of skin irritation. They should also never be taken internally.
If a reaction does occur, the oil can be washed off with soap and water.
You can still enjoy a treatment using a carrier oil without the essential oil, or alternatively enjoy the aroma using a diffuser.
Women with heart disease, epilepsy, recurrent bleeding and a history of premature labour are advised not to use aromatherapy. Clary sage is contraindicated in pregnancy until after 37 weeks gestation.
Booking on to the service
Initial consultation (90mins) – £25
This includes a discussion into your needs along with your expectations of what the session should achieve.
A health check questionnaire will be completed to ensure safety of the techniques and oils to be used.
There can also be a demonstration and teaching of techniques to your birth partner to enable them to support you throughout your pregnancy and labour.
Labour consultation (90mins) – £25
Can be attended after 37 weeks gestation.
This includes a treatment and provision of a blend of oils for use in labour and a demonstration of the techniques used to your birth partner.
Booking your consultation
If you are interested in booking on to this service for an aromatherapy or reflexology treatment, or even just to purchase an individualised blend, please contact the team to arrange an initial consultation and leave your:
- Name
- Gestation
- Contact Number
Serenity Aromatherapy
Email:
[email protected]
Unfortunately, we are unable to provide these services free of change. However, we have worked hard to ensure the cost to you is as low as possible.
Aromatherapy and reflexology pricing
| Treatments | Price |
|---|---|
| Seated back massage (30 mins) | £15 |
| Shoulder, head and neck massage (30 mins) | £15 |
| Reflexology (when available) (45 mins) | £20 |
Additional products
| Products available to purchase | Price |
|---|---|
| Restless leg lotion (50mls) | £5 |
| Perineal oil (10mls) | £5 |
| Haemorrhoid remedy (50mls) | £5 |
| Post delivery perineal oil (50mls) | £5 |
| Nausea blend (50mls) | £5 |
| Breast engorgement remedy (10mls) | £5 |
Other products are available and can be blended specifically for your needs if there is a specific ailment.