Home Birth Essentials

Homebirth is not for every woman. My clients and I are a team. We look at all the choices surrounding pregnancy, labor, and birth, and I support them in whatever they choose through offering education and choices.

I am the mother of four daughters, three of which were born at home. I feel it’s these experiences that have shaped my vision of what women’s healthcare should be. I know first-hand what a difference information and a sense of control can make when having a baby.

Studies show that an unfamiliar environment can compromise labor. Fear and discomfort can increase the pain experienced in labor, while relaxation can actually diminish stress, improve oxygen flow to the baby, and be a positive labor support for mom. When a woman births at home, she has “the home court advantage.” She can move about freely, wear her own clothes without worrying about the back flap of her gown opening, eat and drink as she wants to keep up her energy, relax in a warm tub of water with essential oils, have her feet massaged by supportive friends, and even birth in whatever position she feels comfortable in. Women are very in tune with what’s happening in their bodies, and most of the time they want to be in control during this process. Being in control at home in a familiar environment helps to eliminate fear and feelings of anxiety. My intention is to provide a safe, comfortable, and familiar space for women to do what they do naturally.

Using essential oils in pregnancy creates an empowerment that is so valuable. Being able to have solutions that are timely and effective is essential. Women experience a lot of changes in their body and there can be a lot of common issues, whether it’s morning sickness or a variety of other occasional discomforts. When clients call in with the occasional morning sickness in pregnancy, I refer them to Peppermint or Cardamom essential oils. I have also had great success in my practice using Peppermint and Myrrh to help turn the baby to the optimal fetal position. When mom needs extra support for her back discomfort, I refer her to Deep Blue^® and she reports back with gratitude for the relief it gave. When used appropriately, I believe essential oils can safely help during pregnancy and should be taken advantage of. The benefit associated with the essential oils can be extremely helpful for pregnancy, both on a physical and emotional level.

Remember education is empowering, so read books that are relevant to your desired birthing experience. If you are planning a home birth, then read about that, but also learn about plan B and even plan C so you are prepared if you have to deviate from plan A.

Relaxation is the key to a successful birth. Be prepared whether you are in a hospital or home to have things around you that bring you comfort, because the more comfortable you are in your surroundings, the more relaxed you can be. Doterra Balance^® and Wild Orange make an excellent delivery-diffusing blend. The grounding blend helps balance emotions in the body, supporting feelings of courage, confidence, and strength, and Wild Orange helps reduce feelings of anxiousness.

Consider a doula for labor and postpartum support. She is trained to be an advocate for you when you are in “labor land.” She often knows just what you need when you can’t vocalize it.