Aromatherapy during pregnancy

There is a lot of information online about using aromatherapy during pregnancy. Unfortunately, however, this information is not always accurate, which can sometimes be very confusing and misleading. Tanja Daniels and Petra Lomartire have co-authored a book to be published soon: Naturally Balanced During Pregnancy.

It is a small guide with tools to use aromatherapy safely during pregnancy and the time after. Petra and Tanja have turned their knowledge into power; Petra Lomartire of Birth and Balance has a practice in Leidschendam for pregnancy coaching and hypnobirthing. Our Tanja Daniels travels throughout Europe giving lectures and workshops on aromatherapy. She provides these lectures and workshops in German, Dutch and English. Both share a passion for essential oils and their therapeutic effects.

Aromatherapy as support

Tanja: “Most oils can be safely used as aromatherapy when used normally during pregnancy and breastfeeding. They can provide great relief during pregnancy. They can also be supportive during and after childbirth. Some oils act on hormones and can have too strong an effect. These oils are not recommended or should be used with caution. It is not yet known for some oils whether long-term maternal use affects the fetus. Hence, some oils, which are too strong for the child, are not recommended during pregnancy.”

Smell, feel and experience

“The advice is to always use oils diluted with base oil during pregnancy and always feel carefully what the effect is. Because everyone is unique, reactions are different; what is good for one person may not necessarily have the same effect for another. Want to know if you have the right oil in your hands? Smell the oil, close your eyes and feel; what does it do to you, is the smell pleasant, do you have (pleasant) associations with it? Aromatherapy should always be fine and pleasant and especially during pregnancy. Therefore, it is better not to work with an oil that does not smell pleasant to you. This way your body will clearly indicate, what is good for you and what is not.”

“All oils also work on an emotional and energetic level. Therefore, beware of oils that trigger a particular emotion that you do not want to be confronted with. If an oil recommended in the book has an unpleasant smell to you, this is the sign that this oil is not the right one for you at this time. Work first with an oil that is fine for you. Some time later you can go back to the oil from the book and often then, amazingly, the scent is fine for you.”

Aromatherapy as relaxation

Petra: “Everyone has to deal with turmoil and stress in these busy times, especially as an (expectant) mother. Since persistent stress is definitely not good during pregnancy, we would like to inspire you in a practical way to allow more relaxation in your life. When relaxation and rest become more of a priority in pregnancy, it also becomes easier to consciously enjoy this special period. After all, isn't that what a healthy pregnancy is all about? Every child deserves a conscious and relaxed arrival into the world, with loving and calm parents welcoming it in.”

AromaTouch Technique®

“To get your body into a relaxed state quickly, we also recommend regular use of massages. First of all, it's a gift to spend some time doing nothing else and putting yourself first. Second, a massage has the benefit of motivating relaxation. It also promotes the healthy function of your immune system. Do choose a massage technique that is safe during pregnancy and a massage therapist who is experienced in massaging pregnant women. In fact, certain pressure points should be avoided during pregnancy.”

“In addition, massages can also be well combined with the use of essential oils, which can further enhance the effects of relaxation. The AromaTouch Technique® is a safe and fine technique and we definitely recommend it.”

Keep an eye on our website and facebook page for the release date of the book Naturally Balanced During Pregnancy: Aromatherapy and More by Tanja Daniëls and Petra Lomartire. The book will soon be available for order through our website.

Are you inspired and want to get started with the oils?