Release of the 'feel good' hormone oxytocin

Labour massage – if you have had pregnancy massage and have found it beneficial why not use massage in labour? Bring your birth partner in to have a 1to1 lesson in labour massage….

In early labour a back massage can be very welcome! At this stage and throughout labour massage encourages the release of the ‘feel good’ hormone oxytocin which stimulates contractions and aids relaxation in between; oxytocin is also necessary for bonding with your baby and breastfeeding. Follow this link for more information: Oxcytocin. The love hormone

Induction massage

Learn holistic massage techniques to use during contractions; gentle strokes can be calming and help ease muscle spasms especially around the lower back and sacrum (sometimes even on the lower tummy in early labour). I will also teach you acupressure points and advise on essential oils that offer pain relief in labour! Certain acupressure points can help speed up contractions and reduce pain, as well as enabling you to feel more in control during labour.

Having used these natural pain relief techniques in both my ‘labours’ I know how effective they can be. I loved Neroli and Clary Sage! I also found that acupressure point Ciliao – BL32 had the most amazing anaesthetising affect during contractions and alternated between asking my husband and midwife to press down on it. I also found Neiguan – P6 helped ease the intense waves of nausea that came over me.

Some oils for the delivery room (please ask for details on how to use these):

  • Rose – uterine relaxant (e.g. strengthens and deepen contractions), natural antiseptic, slight analgesic effect.
  • Neroli – “the rescue remedy of essential oils!”, facilitates easy breathing, calming, antiseptic and acts as a calmative on the parasympathetic nervous system
  • Lavender – circulatory stimulant, analgesic, calming, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, promotes wound healing, relieves headaches.
  • Clary sage – uterine tonic, analgesic and antispasmodic, euphoric.
  • Jasmine – euphoric, antidepressant, uterine tonic.
  • Peppermint, Ginger or Lemon – for nausea (best to use a few drops of these oils on a tissue, put your head between your knees and breathe in and out slowly, do not hold your breath)