Aromatherapy
It is thought that the practice of aromatherapy goes right back to the days of Hippocrates however despite being practiced for centuries it only became known as ‘aromatherapy’ in the last 100 years.
In 1937 a chemist from France named Rene-Maurice Gattefosse became interested in the medicinal benefits of essential oils after he realised that Lavender could help him with burns he received, his discoveries then went on to help in the treatment of soldiers in the Second World War. Since then, aromatherapy has become commonplace with the use of oils such as Tea Tree and Lavender being widely and cheaply available for general use.
I began studying aromatherapy in 2017. Having ‘dabbled’ in the same oils as most of the population – those mentioned above and Citronella.
Despite being I health professional I naively didn’t consider any contraindications or adverse reactions they may have – perhaps this had something to do with how readily available these oils were to buy.
Through my training I learned that there were actually a whole wealth of benefits to essential oils, many oils which I am still yet to encounter and many oils which I now use in my (almost) every day life.
Take Frankincense as an example, totally underestimated – it was never actually on my radar this oil can be used for almost everything.
Even with all the new found oils and benefits what struck me the most was the interactions these oils have.
As with anything there are contra-indications which need to be considered, not only in pregnancy and childbirth but in general life. Medical conditions such as Diabetes or Hypotension (High Blood Pressure) are both conditions which can be supported by the use of essential oils but conversely there are essential oils which need to be avoided, not only with the conditions themselves but also due to the risk of interaction with medication.
I spend significant periods of time creating an information log for every oil in my case including uses, benefits, contraindications and safety in pregnancy and breastfeeding.
I then went on to study a specialism in aromatherapy in pregnancy, childbirth and children.
The use of complimentary therapies in pregnancy and labour was documented by the Department of Health in 1993. Aromatherapy is an excellent skill for Midwives to have giving them the ability to support women and their families in more than just the traditional ‘midwife way’.
Sadly I left the NHS as I qualified in this and therefore never had the opportunity to put my aromatherapy specialism into my NHS practice. I am however lucky that I am now able to support people in their use of essential oils in pregnancy and labour.
As with any health profession, Midwifery is very heavy on documentation, something which I fully agree with. I have carried this through to my practice in all aspects of Tiny Toes Bumps and Babies, but to me it is of particular importance in aromatherapy.
What happens in consultations?
I am a firm believer in individuality and therefore will only ever provide an oil if I am certain it is right for the individuals needs and preferences.
As I write we are currently in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic and face to face appointments are still on hold.
I created a series of anxiety oils:
Floral, Neutral and Medical
Each of the oils give consideration to a person’s preferences of scent but the medical blend also was purposefully created to use oils which had NO interaction with medications or illness.
Face to Face and remote appointments consist of a full history taking to ensure that the right and safest oils are considered for each individual.
In the case of face to face a person then gets the opportunity to experience the scents of each individual suitable oil before working out the best blend for them.
It is important to me that information is shared honestly with not only the individual but their health professionals too.
As a result I always write a letter and (in the case of pregnancy) advise this to be added to a persons hand held record. The letter will state the oils used and why, any restrictions for us (for example not to be used until a certain gestation) and that the oil is to be used to support a persons wellbeing and positivity rather than being a ‘treatment’.
I always recommend (and if you follow my social media you will have seen) consulting an aromatherapist before using any oils – this is particularly important in the case of those with pre-existing medical conditions, those who are pregnant or breastfeeding and children.
Please feel free to get in touch if you would like to discuss your requirements. I do support those who are not pregnant too and to date have supported families with aromatherapy with:
Insomnia
Anxiety and Depression
Heel Spurs
Hyperemesis
Muscular aches and pains
Improving breast milk supply
Labour
