By Dr. Gregory Woodfill, DO, FACCOOG
The in-hospital model is usually the safest model for delivery
of a child. However, the sterile environment can often be
unappealing to expectant mothers, leading more women to
attempt in-home deliveries. In-home delivery is an accept-
able alternative for mothers who are low risk; however, this
option may be harmful for both the baby and the mother in
emergency situations. It should be the goal of the obstetric
Have goals for your delivery but try to be open to change.
Sometimes the best plans might need to change in the
laboring process.
Learn of natural and medical interventions that may
assist you though labor and post-partum. These include
hot tubs, showers, birthing chairs, birthing balls, massage,
stretching, breathing techniques, hypnosis, epidural anes-
thetic, and IV anesthetic.
community to make the safety and the atmosphere of the
hospital setting more desirable for expectant mothers.
Changing the atmosphere in the hospital setting can
reduce medical intervention, and provide a more desirable
birthing experience.
Tips to Enhance Your Birth Experience
Know your surroundings. Meeting the staff that will be
assisting you and visiting the laboring suits will help you
feel more comfortable during your hospital stay.
Consider additional help. If it fits with your delivery plans,
choosing a doula in addition to your physician or midwife
can offer further support during and after birth.
Educate Yourself. Learn everything you can about laboring
techniques and the different professionals who may be
assisting you. Attending childbirth classes as well as reading
books such as What to Expect When You Are Expecting and
Essential Oils for Pregnancy Birth & Babies is also an
important step.
Diffusing Essential Oils during Labor
—Patient Favorites
• dōTERRA Emotional
Aromatherapy™ Blends
• dōTERRA Balance ®
• dōTERRA Serenity ®
• 5 drops Serenity with
2 drops Peppermint
• Citrus Bliss ®
14 / SPRING 2017 LIVING MAGAZINE
Use essential oils. Essential oil blends such as dōTERRA
Balance, ® Citrus Bliss, ® Elevation, and dōTERRA Serenity as
well as individual oils such as Peppermint or Lavender can
greatly transform the atmosphere of your delivery suite.
• Topically apply DigestZen ® , Wild Orange, Peppermint, or
Ginger to ease common stomach upset during labor.
• Massage AromaTouch ® , Geranium, Lavender, Lemon,
Ginger, or Cypress on the feet and lower extremities to
ease lower leg discomfort and water retention in labor
and postpartum.
• Perform a perineal massage with a blend of coconut oil,
Lavender, Frankincense, and Helichrysum to ease dis-
comfort during and after delivery as well as to aid tissue
in accommodating the baby.
• Use Deep Blue, ® Marjoram, Black Pepper, Lemongrass,
Ginger, and Lavender with massage to ease lower
back discomfort.
Essential Oils for Perineal Support Low Back Massage Oils
Combine 1 tablespoon of coconut oil
with 10 drops each of Frankincense,
Helichrysum, and Lavender. • Deep Blue Rub
• Combine 6 drops Lavender,
6 drops Marjoram, 3 drops
Black Pepper, 3 drops
Ginger. If desired, add
6 drops Patchouli.