Infants & Children

By Dr. Gregory Woodfill, DO, FACCOOG| Living Magazine Spring 2017

The in-hospital model is usually the safest model for delivery of a child. However, the sterile environment can often be unappealing to expectant mothers, leading more women to attempt in-home deliveries. In-home delivery is an acceptable alternative for mothers who are low risk; however, this option may be harmful for both the baby and the mother in emergency situations. It should be the goal of the obstetric community to make the safety and the atmosphere of the hospital setting more desirable for expectant mothers. Changing the atmosphere in the hospital setting can reduce medical intervention, and provide a more desirable birthing experience.

Know your surroundings. Meeting the staff that will be assisting you and visiting the laboring suits will help you feel more comfortable during your hospital stay.

Consider additional help. If it fits with your delivery plans, choosing a doula in addition to your physician or midwife can offer further support during and after birth.

Educate Yourself. Learn everything you can about laboring techniques and the different professionals who may be assisting you. Attending childbirth classes as well as reading books such as What to Expect When You Are Expecting and Essential Oils for Pregnancy Birth & Babies is also an important step.

Have goals for your delivery but try to be open to change. Sometimes the best plans might need to change in the laboring process.

Learn of natural and medical interventions that may assist you though labor and post-partum. These include hot tubs, showers, birthing chairs, birthing balls, massage, stretching, breathing techniques, hypnosis, epidural anesthetic, and IV anesthetic.

Use essential oils. Essential oil blends such as doTERRA Balance®, Citrus Bliss®, Elevation, and doTERRA Serenity® as well as individual oils such as Peppermint or Lavender can greatly transform the atmosphere of your delivery suite.

• Topically apply DigestZen®, Wild Orange, Peppermint, or Ginger to ease common stomach upset during labor.
• Massage AromaTouch®, Geranium, Lavender, Lemon, Ginger, or Cypress on the feet and lower extremities to ease lower leg discomfort and water retention in labor and postpartum.
• Perform a perineal massage with a blend of coconut oil, Lavender, Frankincense, and Helichrysum to ease discomfort during and after delivery as well as to aid tissue in accommodating the baby.
• Use Deep Blue®, Marjoram, Black Pepper, Lemongrass, Ginger, and Lavender with massage to ease lower back discomfort.

When it comes to giving birth, there is no “one size fits all.” Every expectant mother has individual needs making her birthing process a personal and unique experience. Just remember that you are not limited, and you do have an option to make your hospital birthing experience safe, calming, and comfortable.

Dr. Gregory L. Woodfill is a board certified Obstetrician and Gynecologist. He has previously served as Department Chairman of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Wythe County Community Hospital and as Division Chief of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Wilmington Health Associates.

He and his wife, Ashley, live in Wilmington, NC, where he practices, emphasizing in minimally invasive office procedures, advanced laparoscopy, and urogynecology. Together, they co-founded East Coast Oils (ECO), where they study the safe and effective use of essential oils, and direct research for the advancement of essential oils in professional healthcare settings and home use. He provides education for many healthcare providers and Wellness Advocates across the US.