Maternal Support: |17 December 2021

Image source: Bolton NHS

Aromatherapy during pregnancy, labour and the postnatal period

 In the following interview with Celia Ponzo, we learn about the use of essential oils therapy, also known as aromatherapy, during pregnancy, labour and the postnatal period.

Ms Ponzo is a trained maternal support practitioner, also known as a Doula, and the founder of Birth & Beyond – a maternal support practice based in Seychelles.

She also holds a Bsc in Medical Anthropology and a Masters in Public Health from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.

Seychelles NATION: You mentioned that you are completing a course on the use of essential oils. Tell us about this.

Celia Ponzo: I have just come back from a birth preparation retreat based in Barcelona and within that retreat there was another doula using aromatherapy to accompany expectant mothers. I have always been drawn to essential oils and use them already in my personal life, but it was an eye opener on how I can use them professionally too.

This woman teaches at the Aromatherapy Centre for childbirth which is one of the only professional trainings for birth workers available online. Hence, as a maternal support practitioner, I am now taking her complete childbirth and postpartum course using essential oils.

Seychelles NATION: Can you explain to us what aromatherapy is and how it works?

Celia Ponzo: Aromatherapy, also known as essential oils therapy, is using a plant's aroma-producing oil to treat certain conditions. Essential oils are taken from a plant's flowers, leaves, stalks, bark, rind, or roots. The oils are mixed with another substance such as oil or alcohol and then put on the skin, sprayed in the air, or inhaled. You can also massage the oils into the skin or pour them into bath water.

The way it works is that the fragrances from the oils stimulate nerves in the nose and this sends impulses to the part of the brain that controls memory and emotion. Depending on the type of oil, the result on the body may be calming or stimulating.

Seychelles NATION: What are some of the benefits of aromatherapy during pregnancy, labour and the postnatal period?

Celia Ponzo: The use of essential oils in pregnancy has a range of therapeutic effects, from easing tension, anxiety and aching muscles, to generating a positive mood, calming or energising. Essential oils in pregnancy can be wonderful to support the changing body through each trimester, into labour and postnatally, but must be used safely and with professional support in order to administer the right dosage.

Unfortunately, there is a lot of contradicting information with essential oils in pregnancy. With pregnancy it is best to be on the safer side and act with caution.

Seychelles NATION: Are there any contraindications for the use of essential oils during these times?

Celia Ponzo: Even if you’ve used essential oils before without incident, you should still inform your doctor and midwife if you want to use essential oils during your pregnancy. Your doctor knows you, your specific health concerns, and the status of your pregnancy, and therefore, should be aware of any and all essential oil products that you plan to use during pregnancy.

Your doctor and midwife can give you a good idea of what to avoid during pregnancy, and any other safety measures you should take based on your personal health and the health of your growing baby.

I will always ask my clients prior to using aromatherapy whether they have informed their doctor/midwife that they will do, and whether there are any health conditions that I should know about.

Seychelles NATION: You mentioned earlier that essential oils must be used safely and with professional support. Tell us more about this.

Celia Ponzo: I would highly suggest not doing it alone, especially during such a delicate period of pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum. There are only certain oils that can be used during this period and many oils should be completely avoided.

Just like any medicine, you need a professional to let you know what to use and how much dosage to use. We tend to think that everything that is natural is safe, but know natural products, especially essential oils, are very powerful and if not used properly can be dangerous

Seychelles NATION: How will you be incorporating aromatherapy into your maternal support programme?

Celia Ponzo: I will be offering essential oil therapy as a complement to my birth preparation and postpartum sessions, should the client choose to do so. I will be guiding my clients through sessions on how to use them safely at home, should they wish to continue outside my sessions.

I very much look forward to completing this course as I truly believe it will add an extra comfort measure to the existing comfort measures of breathing, visualisation and affirmations that I already offer as part of sessions.

For more information:

-           Visit: www.birthnbeyond.net

-           Follow: birth_beyond_ on Instagram

-           Join: Birth & Beyond Support Group on Facebook

-           Email: celia.doffay@gmail.com

-           Telephone/WhatsApp: 2 780 232

F. P.