Herbs for Pregnancy, Labor, and Delivery

Oils and Aromatherapy

Soothing Belly Oil

Gladstar suggests rubbing this mixture over your belly and breasts two to three times a day throughout your pregnancy. You can add a variety of essential oils to this basic mixture. Oils that are safe for inclusion are chamomile, geranium, lavender, rose, and sandalwood (these can also be added to baths and room vaporizers).

Peppermint Oil Vapors

If you are experiencing frequent bouts of nausea, mix peppermint oil with enough grains of Epsom salts to fill a small vial or container. Carry the salts with you and open the container for a quick smell when you are feeling ill (be sure to close your eyes while inhaling). You can increase the number of peppermint oil drops for larger containers, or sprinkle the oil in a bowl of warm water or on a candle or light bulb for a similar effect.

Making It Work for You

As all mothers know—and so many mothers-to-be learn—sometimes even the best made plans fall by the wayside when it comes to giving birth and raising children.

After relaxing with a cup of tea at a local café on my first day of maternity leave, I discovered in the exam room that all my plans for a natural, medicine-free childbirth would change. After my check-up unveiled the sudden onset of preeclampsic conditions, I was faced with the need for induction, an invasive procedure to attempt inverting our breach baby, and finally after hours of work and increasing concern over my now distressed baby, an emergency cesarean section.