Pregnancy Massage (Antenatal and Postnatal): is of wonderful benefit to treat and relieve the muscle tension and joint discomfort that can accompany pregnancy. Massage helps improve circulation with draining strokes and kneading eases muscle cramps, whilst oils help with regulating hormones and together provide nurturing and relaxation for mother and baby.

Reasons for massage in pregnancy:

• Backache often accompanies pregnancy, especially lower backache due to the increased weight of the baby and the changing shape of the body which increases the lumbar curvature of the spine. Lemon and Lavender essential oils

• To de-stress mind and body – stress increases all anxieties about a pregnancy and can lead to premature birth in some cases. Frankincense and Neroli essential oils

• Constipation and digestive upsets (indigestion) can occur due to intestinal displacement by the growing foetus. German Chamomile and Sweet Orange essential oils

To identify and reduce tight muscles e.g. postural muscles, primary and accessory respiratory muscles – to bring awareness to breathing and posture. Sweet Marjoram essential oil.

Aromatherapy in pregnancy

Aromatherapy accompanying massage is highly effective and Aromatherapy is even more important when the heightened sense of smell during pregnancy is taken into consideration. If there are reasons contraindicating massage as above, essential oils can be used in different ways:
Insomnia and fatigue can be eased by vapourising oils or using such as Roman Chamomile and Lavender in carrier oil in massage.
Morning sickness can be treated with 4-5 drops of Ginger or Spearmint on compress over the abdomen or on a tissue.
Oedema – swelling of the hands and feet – caused by a rise of oestrogen in the body can be relieved with a foot bath with 4-5 drops of Lime and Grapefruit in 1tsp full fat milk.
Hormonal changes produce an ever fluctuating emotional state for most pregnant women. Even when a pregnancy is planned and welcomed women may experience mood swings and many anxieties. Geranium and Rose
Stretch marks can be prevented by applying an oil blend (consult a professional aromatherapist) of avocado oil with jojoba wax, Neroli and Frankincense.
Varicose veins can be alleviated or prevented with gentle massage in upward strokes to the legs using an oil blend including Geranium and Cypress
Aromatherapy in Labour (consult a professional aromatherapist)

Aromatherapy can be used in labour to calm anxiety and facilitate easy breathing. Vapourise 4-5 drops of Rose and Neroli.
Some essential oils strengthen and deepen contractions – uterine tonics – and ease the pain of childbirth. Lavender and Jasmine.

Post natal Care

Breasts may be sore and nipples can crack. Avoid essential oils on the nipples, use a calendula infused sweet almond oil instead.
Episiostomy/tearing. Healing Lavender (3 drops) and Cypress (2 drops) essential oils neat in a sitz bath.

Post Natal Depression

Uplifting Bergamot, Anti-depressant Rose, Anxiolytic Frankincense – essential oils can help on all levels.
Reasons to avoid massage in pregnancy: *
Deep vein thrombosis – essential oils in a footbath, or in a compress may help, cardiac disorders (heart or pulmonary problems), chronic hypertension, severe anaemia, abnormal foetal heartbeat, lupus erythematosus, bloody discharge, continual abdominal pains, diabetes

Jenny James
Aromatherapist BA (Hons) PGCE NYR MIFPA
Email: jennyjamesiom@yahoo.co.uk
Mobile: 07931 349 125

*Always consult a trained aromatherapist before applying home blended essential oils. Never apply essential oils neat.

**Jenny is a member of IFPA (International Federation of Professional Aromatherapists) and trained with Neal’s Yard Remedies in Holistic Aromatherapy & Essential Oil Science, Advanced Massage Techniques and Advanced Pregnancy Massage.
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Here at Chelsea Natural Health we have a special and deep passion for antenatal care. All of our practitioners are able to offer pregnant mothers support through their therapies. Philip Waldman and Craig Coman are both experienced and dedicated Osteopaths and Cranial Osteopaths that have a special interest in pregnancy and antenatal care. Craig also offers additional care and help via acupuncture (which is helpful when looking to turn babies for instance) and Naturopathy. All of our masseurs provide pregnancy massage and Jan provides pregnancy shiatsu.

We also work closely with the Women’s Wellness Centre that is located next door to provide a excellence in pregnancy care.

All of this follows through into the postnatal care we also offer, details of which can be found on this site.

For more information please visit the individual practitioners pages.

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