Massage During Labor

Labor Massage

By the time you are in labor your partner should be familiar with how you like to be massaged.

Massage during labor is a great relief

Get him to practice the movements below well before arriving at the hospital. Massage during labor is, without a doubt, a great relief – it is even better with essential oils. It is recommended to massage the mother-to-be during the advanced first stage of labor. As labor progresses it is often better to leave the mother-to-be alone (she will concentrating more on the upcoming delivery).

Essential Oils For Use During Labor and Delivery

Rose, the ultimate “woman’s oil” has an affinity with the female reproductive system. It’s soft, lovely scent helps to calm and relax. Use it during massage, or in a bath during the early stages of labor.

Lavender is very helpful for dulling and easing uterine pain and for relieving back and leg pains. Lavender is also calming and can relax you and ease nervous tension. Use for massage, in compresses for the lower back or in a diffuser or bowl of hot water to help cleanse and purify the air in the delivery room.

Neroli, with its light citrus scent, quiets fear and anxiety and aids in full, rhythmic breathing. Add a few drop in a diffuser or place one or two drops on a handkerchief or use in a room spray to help fragrance the air and assist in breathing.

How To Give A Massage During The Advanced First Stage of Labor

Use deep, firm, circular pressure around the lower back. Press the heel of your hand into the lower back of the mother-to-be.

Massaging her feet, by pressing quite firmly into the soles with circular movements, is very comforting. Use one hand to grip the top of the foot over the instep to steady it; use the other hand on the same foot, pressing firmly into the middle of the sole. Make circular movements, varying the pressure; squeeze and release the foot. These movements should all be repeated several times.

Still on the feet, with both hands well oiled, massage all over the top and sole of the foot and lower leg letting the fingers circle around the ankles.

Labor Massage Oil

To 2½ tablespoons (50ml) of Sweet Almond Oil, add 6 drops of Lavender essential oil. Mix well. Have this mixture ready to take with you to the hospital.

Some women find a cloth soaked with cool water wiped over the face and neck refreshing and calming. Add 2 drops of Neroli or Lavender essential oil to a bowl of cool water. Soak the washcloth in the water and use it to mop the face. This method may be used during the entire labor process.