Among the natural and holistic approaches to induction, there are a variety of methods that can facilitate and support the process of labor and delivery. Using clary sage essential oil is one strategy, in addition to CranioSacral Therapy (CST), acupressure, acupuncture, and soft tissue work. While it may be difficult to avoid "traditional" Western induction in all cases, the aforementioned alternative methods are generally less invasive and traumatic for the baby. For instance, traditional induction can sometimes cause the muscles to contract too much, causing the baby's shoulder to get stuck on the way out.
Some specific means of naturally encouraging labor and delivery include rubbing clary sage oil on the bottoms of the feet or along spine, applying the oil to certain acupressure points, applying a drop underneath the nose, soaking a piece of cotton with a couple drops of the oil and inhaling, diffusing into a room, or misting some of the oil onto your pillow at night. All of these uses of clary sage oil are much more gentle at jump-starting labor when compared to use of chemicals like pitocin. Additional means of gentle induction include sexual activity, nipple stimulation, and application of rose oil. Some drink castor oil for encouraging labor, but this might not be the most desirable method. Other essential oils that may relax the body and promote uterine contractions include geranium, jasmine, lavender, peppermint, and ylang ylang.
Bodywork sessions to help induce labor naturally should be scheduled 38-40 weeks. Ideally, the birth partner should also attend the session in order to learn and apply acupressure points while CranioSacral Therapy is simultaneously applied. If an induction is necessary, acupressure and neck/shoulder massages can be useful for promoting rest and relaxation, to reduce the pitocin dosage needed, and to make contractions more effective. Additionally, acupressure can promote milk production.
For more information on DIY techniques to help induce labor safely and naturally, visit Gail Tully's Spinning Babies website.
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