Aromatherapy in Midwifery Practice

by Denise Tiran (Author)

Aromatherapy is increasingly incorporated into midwifery practice, particularly in midwife-led units. It is the most commonly used therapy by midwives and birthing practitioners but access to up-to-date safety information is limited. Almost 90% of women may be using complementary therapies during pregnancy and birth and so it is very important that midwives are aware of safe and appropriate use based on contemporary evidence. This book covers safety, effectiveness, evidence, benefits and risks, and legal, ethical and professional issues related to incorporating aromatherapy into maternity care. Useful charts and tables are included for quick reference in clinical practice, making this is the ultimate handbook for using aromatherapy in midwifery practice.

The scientific basis behind aromatherapy, including relevant anatomy and physiology, chemistry and pharmacology are covered, as well as a critical appraisal of the contemporary research evidence supporting the use of aromatherapy in maternity care. Essential oil profiles of the oils that can be safely used in pregnancy, birth and postnatally are also included.

Review
Aromatherapy in Midwifery Practice provides an evidence-based, safe and accountable guide. Having led in setting up a service using aromatherapy for post-dates pregnant women, I feel such literature is essential for the use of complementary therapy within maternity care settings. – Tara Pauley, NIHR Midwife Champion Denise Tiran's book, Aromatherapy in Midwifery Practice, is a must for anyone who provides aromatherapy or is looking to set up an aromatherapy service for women going through pregnancy, labour and the postnatal period. The author recognises the developing popularity of implementing an aromatherapy service in midwifery care. This book can support midwives in achieving this safely from developing the initial business case to supporting midwives in fulfilling their Revalidation requirements set out by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). It has built on her previous books and has been updated to include current NMC guidance and discusses current research undertaken in this subject. – Philippa Cox, Consultant Midwife, Homerton University Hospital, London This book is essential for all practitioners who use complementary therapies in their practice, or advise pregnant women about the use of complementary therapies. The book focusses on the fundamentals of safe and effective practice; challenging the misconception that the use of complementary therapies is safe for all women. Excellent evidenced based reading. Highly recommended. – Louise Simpson, Consultant Midwife who utilises complementary therapies in her every day practice to maximise normality in childbirth Anyone involved in complementary therapies and maternity will treasure this book. It provides teachings from a bio-psycho-social approach based on evidence based practice. It demonstrates Denise's experience, passion and drive to educate professionals about complementary therapies while highlighting safety and professional accountability when using complementary therapies in maternity care. – Amanda Redford, Senior Research Midwife/Trial co-ordinator, Acupuncturist and Complementary Healthcare Practitioner for Women's Health