Aromatherapy is a movement growth in popularity, but lacking scientific justification in the field of practice, although laboratory experiments are in evidence. Lavender oil is frequently selected for aromatherapy as having antiseptic and healing properties. More specifically, it has been used as a bath additive postnatally to reduce perineal discomfort. A blind randomized clinical trial is described, involving three groups of mothers, one using pure lavender oil, one a synthetic lavender oil and one an inert substance as a bath additive for 10 days following normal childbirth. Analysis of daily discomfort scores revealed no statistically significant difference between groups. It cannot be concluded that current practice results in a reduction of postnatal perineal discomfort at the dilution levels used. However, there is some consistency in results between the 3rd and 5th days, with those women using lavender oil as a bath additive recording lower mean discomfort scores. This is a time when the mother usually finds herself discharged home and perineal discomfort is high. A total of 635 women participated and no side-effects were found.
Homebirth is recommended in the UK for women considered low-risk, but homebirth rates remain low. With the aim of enabling women to safely achieve the birth they want, and enabling midwives to support them in this, a community-based skills drills training session was organised by midwives at Hinchingbrooke Health Care NHS Trust, and attended by midwives, student midwives, maternity care assistants and paramedics. A questionnaire was given to participants to evaluate the training. A 100% response rate was achieved (n = 36). Results show a positive response from all parties in relation to the setting, which was deemed a more realistic environment for this workforce than that offered by hospital-based training. More funding and research to support this type of training may aid in raising homebirth rates, as well as developing midwives' and paramedics' confidence in dealing with emergencies in such settings.
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