Clinical studies massage essential oils used during childbirth

Michaela Boldy Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy

Studies

Michaela Boldy Labor Blends are based on 2 different studies (details below). The first is the Oxford Brookes University, UK study which researched the use individual essential oils during labor. The second is the University of Miami School of Medicine study which researched the use of massage therapy during labor. Both methods proved effective in improving the mother's labor experience by not only creating a soothing distraction from the contractions, but also by decreasing anxiety and increasing relaxation and comfort.

My approach combines the two methods by using the essential oils together with massage. But, instead of using individual essential oils I have blended them together and have created products specifically for the 2 stages of labor. Massaging the Labor Blends into where the contraction pain is felt the most evokes an even more powerful and positive effect. My blends were clinically tested in El Camino Hospital's labor unit and found highly effective (see Testimonials page).

Blended Aromatherapy Oils used with Massage is an Effective and Feasible Care Option During Labor

Study Conducted at El Camino Hospital, CA, M.Boldy 2009
Abstract:
The goal of the study was to determine whether blended aromatherapy is an effective and feasible care option during labor. Twenty pregnant women were given Michaela Boldy Aromatherapy labor blends to use in their labor. All the women were made aware that the blends can be used along side any drug therapy for labor or used independently.

The midwives supervised the use of the aromatherapy however the application of the aromatherapy blends was undertaken by the labor partner.

Outcome:
100% women gave a positive evaluation of the aromatherapy.
85% stated they would recommend them to other pregnant women.
95% said they would use them again in a future pregnancy (the only woman who didn't note "yes" stated she would "possibly" use them again).
60% used aromatherapy as their only intervention during their childbirth.
No mother or baby had any side effects.

Overall all the women who used the Labor Blends throughout their labor reported the aromatherapy contributed to promoting maternal comfort during labor by helping to reduce anxiety and/or fear, enhancing the feeling of well-being, and/or providing a tool of distraction away from the pain.

Benefits of Aromatherapy Use During Labor

Study Conducted at Oxford Brookes University, UK 1998
My blends are based on this Oxford research into essential oil use in labor. The use of aromatherapy in labor was researched by Oxford Brookes University, UK and involved 8058 participants over 8 years. Following completion in 1998, aromatherapy became part of the mainstream care in the Oxford labor unit. The study proved specific essential oils could contribute to promoting maternal comfort during labor by:

Alleviating pain
Helping to reduce anxiety and/or fear
Assisting contractions
Enhancing maternal well-being during labor.

Labor Pain is Reduced by Massage Therapy
Study Conducted at the University of Miami School of Medicine
The University of Miami School of Medicine undertook a study of women who received massage during labor. The massaged mothers reported a decrease in depressed mood and anxiety following massage during labor. In addition, the massaged mothers had significantly shorter labors, shorter hospital stays and less postpartum depression.

Considering this research I encourage the labor partner to massage the mother with Michaela Boldy Labor Blend at the start of each contraction. Massage approx ½ teaspoon of blend into stomach or back area (wherever labor pain is felt the most). Once the contractions become stronger and the massage no longer effective switch to the Second Stage Blend.