HealthPartners - Preparing for childbirth

AROMATHERAPY Aromatherapy is an ancient healing treatment that uses natural plant extracts and essential oils to promote health and well-being. It’s also safe, natural, gentle, and effective. That’s why many birth professionals and midwives use aromatherapy to help promote relaxation, ease pain, and calm anxiety during labor.

Sensory Enhancement HEAT AND COLD Warmth is a very good way to lower your pain and relax your body. A heating pad, hot water bottle, or warm pack on your lower back can help with back pain. You can

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also use an ice pack to help reduce pain. Some people find it helpful to alternate between heat and cold packs.

Even if you choose more conventional methods of pain relief, aromatherapy can help calm your mind, improve your mood, and alleviate discomfort. Ask your medical provider, midwife, or doula which essential oils are best for use during labor. Aromatherapy benefits • Some oils can energize and strengthen, increasing your confidence to manage labor • A massage with essential oils can relieve pain and lower anxiety during contractions • Adding an essential oil to a warm bath makes it even more soothing and comforting • Some oils help with nausea, ease fatigue, and lift your mood during transitional labor MUSIC AND LIGHTING Music can surround and relax you by drowning out other noise and distractions. Choose music that is familiar, comforting, and enjoyable. At home, listen to these tunes when you’re practicing your relaxation techniques. When it’s time to go to the hospital or birth center, be sure to bring your music with you. Lighting and room

HYDROTHERAPY Hydrotherapy is basically relaxing in warm water during labor to help with pain relief. It has both physical and psychological benefits, much like a bubble bath. Immersion hydrotherapy puts you in a tub with water deep enough to cover your belly. If you don’t have a tub nearby, you can also sit or stand in the shower with the warm water running. Keep the water temperature about 98-100ºF and use caution if you become dizzy or light-headed. Benefits of hydrotherapy • Safe • Effective • Offers comfort • Helps you relax • Easy to move around

temperature can also affect your mood and ability to relax. Do you like a brightly lit room or do you prefer the lights dimmed? Do you like your room to be cooler or do you find it easier to relax in a warm room? If you have a strong preference, be sure to include it in your birth plan and share it with your birth partner.

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