Most women know that there are a few medical options of pain relief available to them in labour.. gas and air, epidural, pethidine or diamorphine.. but because of the possible side effects of these, often women want to avoid them, either entirely or for as long as possible.

But, it’s absolutely NO good going into labour thinking ‘oh i’ll use a TENS machine and maybe a pool’ as your only alternatives. The bigger your tool kit of comfort measures, the more things you have available to you to help manage the sensations of birth.

Ok, maybe don't go filling your hospital bag with a pack of 'easy peelers' just yet, but I've been reading into the research behind aromatherapy use during birth this week!