Childbirth: Labor Massages

Massage can be an intriguing and relaxing experience. The enjoyment of sore muscles being rubbed away makes a hard day much better. Pain can be smoothed away by soft hands and essential oils. That is why many women are deciding to get a massage during childbirth. A deep, firm, soothing massage can strongly reduce the pains associated with labor. This option is especially wonderful for women who plan on delivering without the common epidural pain reliever; however, women can still receive a massage even if they are planning on getting the medicine.

Your partner, (husband or midwife), may want to practice the massage before the big day, so that they have a clear mind as to what to do when the pain actually hits. If you do not have anyone to give you the massage, you may want to double check with the hospital to see if they have available midwives who can do the actual massage.

Essential oils can do wonders for the labor massage. They have the ability to help with pain relief during the labor. You may want to check with the hospital to see if it is ok to use essential oils during your labor. You will want to check in advance, so that you are not disappointed at the last minute.

Giving a massage during labor can be of a great benefit to the mother-to-be. If you are planning on massaging her during the labor, you may want to follow these comforting procedures to help assist with the massage.

Use deep, firm, circular pressure on the lower back. You will want to press the heel of your hand into the lower back in circular motions.

Use pressure with the thumbs in the center of each buttock. You will want to press and release many times. Continue to use the heel of your hand in the mother-to-be's sacral area, this is the area below the spine. This is sure to bring comfort to her. You want to massage firmly in circular motions.

She may want to sit up in a chair for moments during her labor. You can easily reach her back and shoulders in this position. She may also want to get on all fours; she can rock from side to side to receive more comfort. You will want to kneel behind her and massage in gentle circular movements down the sides of the abdomen starting at the top of the stomach and then down to the thighs. You will want to repeat this many times.

Foot massages can also be soothing to the mother. You can press firmly onto the soles of her feet in circular motions. You can use one had to grip the top of the foot over the middle of the foot. You can use the other hand to press firmly on the inner middle foot. Squeezing and releasing the foot can be repeated several times too.

Foot rubs are also wonderful with essential oils. You can rub some on your hands and then rub the feet thoroughly as well as up the calves, thighs, and ankles.

Best oils to use:

2 ½ tablespoons of almond oil plus 6 drops each of jasmine and lavender oil.

You can also use certain oils to perfume and enliven the delivery room. The delightful smell can scent the room, giving the baby a refreshing entrance into the world, as well as a delightful smell for the mother and others in the room. Essential oils help to kill bacteria living in the air. They help the mother feel calm and relaxed; however, you don't want the room to have too much oil because it can become a distraction.

I hope that this article will be of some help to you God willing.

England, Allison, Aromatherapy and Massage for Mother and Baby, Healing Arts Press, 2000