Lavender essential oil is the traditional midwife's scent because it clears, uplifts and relaxes. It is very nice- just don't use too much- it has given me a HA when I've used too much. Check out a good aromatherapy book- one popular one even comes with small vials of many oils to try, along with a nice historical and emotive review. I really like orange oil, as it is very refreshing, without being too sweet- many of the scents are nice for moms, but if used alone without a balancing earth scent (like sandalwood, patchouli, bay, etc.) the dads might not enjoy them, as they can be really strong and powerful. From my resources; a recipe for stress relieving bath- geranium, lavender, sandalwood, cardamom, patchouli, and rose (all as essential oils)
Some recipes:
A stimulating bath (maybe for a slowed labor?)- rosemary, clove, lemon, neroli, palma rosa, geranium.
A balancing bath- lavender, sandalwood, ylang ylang
A relaxing bath- chamomile, mellissa, sandalwood, lavender, geranium, rose. (all from the Complete book of essential oils & aromatherapy by Valerie Ann Worwood.)
(the following are used intentionally with a thanks to the sources- nice before rituals- these are powerfully evoking baths!- I think they would be wonderful for a labor bath!!)
A moon mystery bath magic- (to allow one to be blinded by the light of the moon; aligns one to the pull of her tides both within and without- What is birth if not Her ultimate tide of fruition?)- myrrh, jasmine, sandalwood, lily (Very Nice)
Magical Serenity- (for harmony)-sandalwood, lavender, gardenia, chamomile.
Magical Purity(allows the pure self to unfold- dispels anxiety and egoism)-bay, clove, pine, sandalwood.
A magical power bath- (strengthens focus and will, invokes unbounded courage)- patchouli, mint, orange blossom, cinnamon, frankincense.
Magical Renewal- (re-ignites life-force and well-being, for balance and refreshment)-frankincense, bay, honeysuckle, lotus, carnation.
Magical Love bath- (inspires reverence, expansive & fiery, celebrates and rekindles love)- magnolia, amber, patchouli, mint, bergamot.
Lavender-relaxes both the nervous system and muscular system, encouraging a peaceful disposition.
Sandalwood- relaxing, an aphrodisiac
Orange- cheerful, uplifting, refreshing.
Geranium- sedative, treats nervousness.
Clove- a powerful antiseptic, an age old remedy for toothaches, and baby teething pain, sharp and friendly.
Bergamot- used to treat depression, a mental stimulant
chamomile- calming, refreshing, treats stress, irritability, depression, migraines, and digestive problems.
Blue German chamomile- for skin disorders and discomforts, anti-inflammatory, balancing to the female reproductive system!
Roman chamomile- for insomnia, nervous conditions, also balancing to women’s systems.
(All of the above are from little pamphlets and cards I've gathered over time...) Always use by the drop- not glug, patch testing is recommended(on the skin to make sure she doesn't have a sensitive skin-reaction to it)
Source : http://www.gentlebirth.org/archives/aromas.html
