Question regarding blending of hydrosols

October 31, 2004

I am wondering if this is done and does it follow some sort of caution/guideline

as for blending eos. For example, the guidelines of ratio of total eos to

carrier. Herbs are different from EOs both being different from hydrosols.

Second, there are a lot of questions regarding waterbirth. The majority of

birthcenters will not allow a woman to birth in the tub. Obviously most of the

issue lies with introduction of infection from matter discharged into the water.

However, I personally have attended waterbirths where women have had bowel

movements in the water, the water was cleared with a net, tub rinsed but not any

major scrubbing clean was done. A woman in labor has no patience for stepping

out of warm water and waiting for the tub to be sterilized before being refilled

with water. I know of doulas have attended waterbirths where meconium passed

into the laboring waters seconds before baby was birthed into the birth

pool/tub. So, are there any hydrosols that might ever be considered safe if

they went into laboring waters?

Rest assured I will not be deliberately putting any hydrosols into any birth

pools anytime soon. I am just pondering this thought having relaxed in many an

herbal and aromatic bath. I have left a bowl of rose hydrosol in the same room

as the birth pool with the warmth of the contained room diffusing the hydrosol

and had many a mom actually doze in the tub during particularly intense late

active labor. I've dipped washcloths into lavendar hydrosol and placed them on

mothers' foreheads during long active labors (not the on again-off again slow to

start type of labors).

I am about to pack my labor bag anew. Need to order a few items for express

delivery. Would anyone have any EOs/hydrosols they would feel were at the top

of their list for must haves for the laboring mother? Someone mentioned that

citrus being spritzed had helped them immensely during labor. Mandarin and

ginger were a must for one previous client of mine...but that was simply a

personal preference for her. I've stuck with lavender and rose until I was more

knowledgeable in the use of EOs.

Should be attending my first birth here in CT since the move and I am very much

looking forward to it.

Dale

October 31, 2004

Hi Dale,

Can't help you regarding hydrosols and birthing tubs. I gave birth

to my middle 2 in a pool in a hospital in the UK: things are a bit

more relaxed here regarding that sort of thing *smile*

I found that spritzing orange blossom hydrosol in the room was

immensely helpful during my last labour which was very stop starty

until I really got going in the last hour before the birth. I was

feeling very disheartened and feeling like I was starting to lose it -

the orange blossom lifted my spirits and gave me the strength to go

on.

I've also used rose (thanks Butch!) and frankincense in a massage

blend - which smells fantastic.

I took in some rescue remedy with me, but forgot I had it, so can't

say if it's any good

Good Luck

Wendy

November 12, 2004

Hi Dale - sorry it's late .... but I do mix my hydrolats (or sols). I haven't

been 'scientific' about it though - just as I thought best. Neroli and Rose is

my favourite. I was going to mention Neroli hydrolat (or orange blossom) but

Wendy already did that. I've heard from someone else who used it in

pregnancy/labour and loved it. Keep up the good work. Jane

-

Dale Bernucca

Sunday, October 31, 2004 3:19 AM

Question regarding blending of hydrosols

I am wondering if this is done and does it follow some sort of

caution/guideline as for blending eos. For example, the guidelines of ratio of

total eos to carrier. Herbs are different from EOs both being different from

hydrosols.