Childbirth: The Eastern Approach

by Stephanie Chambers

The Western perception and experience of giving birth focuses on it being a dangerous and painful event. But Eastern approaches, like Ayurveda, see it in a completely different light.

Only use the methods detailed below after going over them with your general health practioner to figure out if they are right for you. Essential Oils can cause allergic reactions, interfere with medication, and some Essential Oils are not to be used during pregnancy or around babies at all due to their potency and potentially dangerous effects. The practices below are based on tradition, not medical advice.*

In Ayurvedic practice, birth comes after nine months in which the mother-to-be has been nurtured and spoiled by her family. Everything is designed to keep her in a happy mood, as this is what will nourish both her and the baby inside. She is supposed to be showered with love. Ancient texts say that she is to be treated with the same kind of care you would use if you were carrying a pot full to the brim with oil, aiming to not spill a single drop.*

The pregnant woman should do a daily self-massage with warm sesame oil and Essential Oils (see The Role Of Essential Oils In Pregnancy for more details). Longer strokes should be used on long bones and circular strokes around the joints. Only gentle, clockwise strokes should be used on the abdominal region. This also helps reduce stress marks, soothes the neuromuscular system, aids assimilation and elimination whilst reducing leg swelling and varicosities. Only loose fitting clothing made of natural fibers and comfortable shoes should be worn. The mother is given a special diet which changes slightly from month to month. The mother should be reading Vedic texts, listening to Vedic melodies, and also singing them, as it is thought that even inside the womb, the baby starts its journey of learning and its path towards enlightenment.*

In India the tradition is that the pregnant woman stays with her parents for 3 months before and 3 months after having giving birth to ensure that she gets abundant rest, support and nurturing. Traditionally, women who have given birth themselves and are experienced midwives help the mother during the birthing process. Nowadays, an obstetrician would also be present.*

Giving Birth

During birth, ideally, the mother should be placed in an environment that is hygienic, comfortable, peaceful, gently lit, well ventilated, and spacious. The ideal position for giving birth will depend on the position of the baby and the mother’s desire. For example, squatting uses gravity to help the downward movement. Being in a bath is recommended as the Charaka Samhita (a classic Ayurvedic text) suggests that “the mother should be gently massaged with warm water on her waist, sides and chest, back, and thighs”.*

Once labor starts, the mother can focus either on visualizing a smooth delivery or looking at a special shape called a yantra - following it with her eyes from the outwards towards its center. This is thought to help her to develop her inner power.*

Music, such as certain sedating classical ragas played at a low volume in the background can help the mother to relax and to trigger breathing techniques. The breath is thought to be brought in line with the cosmic breath of the universe. Ayurveda recommends deep belly breathing and chanting specific Sanskrit on exhalation, waiting at the outbreath for the contraction to complete before inhaling again. Essential Oils such as Bergamot, Grapefruit, Tangerine, Neroli, Jasmine, Rose and Lavender can be diffused during childbirth to increase relaxation.*

Sesame oil and Essential Oils such as Jasmine, Neroli or Rose can be massaged in if the cervix is slow to dilate. These also help the mother relax between contractions. You can also put a few drops of Bergamot or Lavender in a bowl of warm water to refresh the atmosphere. Peppermint oil can also be used to relieve nausea and vomiting.*

After Birth

The circulatory response in the newborn baby can be triggered by flicking water on the baby’s face, ringing a low pitch bell, hitting two stones together by their ear or fanning them with a gentle reed fan. After the umbilical cord has stopped pulsating, and has been cut, sometimes the baby is placed on the mothers left breast so it can be reassured by the mother’s smell and heartbeat.*

Traditionally, the child is then washed in a purificatory bath and wrapped in pure silk or cotton. A cotton pad is tied on the baby’s crown. It is soaked in ghee, Brahmi ghee or Bala oil and left on for an hour a day over six weeks. This is thought to help the baby recover from the delivery, promote brain development, strengthen the hair, and prevent cradle cap. Then, the baby is placed on the mother’s breasts to suckle first her right breast then her left.*

Childbirth is thought to unbalance the elements of air and ether (vata) due to mental and physical strain, sleep deprivation, irregular eating, and weak digestion after delivery. So, to reduce Vata, which is cold, dry and active, the mother should be kept warm, unctuous, and be given rest. Daily Ayurvedic massages are given to the mother and baby. Massaging the nipples with oil also helps prevent them from becoming cracked and infected. A healthy, happy mother is more likely to shower her baby with the love it needs.*

If you used Essential Oils during your labor, we would love to hear of your experiences. 

Note: You may also find the Essential Oils For Pregnancy, Labor & Nursing Blog useful.

Disclaimer: *The statements made in this blog have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They are not intended to diagnose, cure or prevent any disease. If a condition persists, please contact your physician or healthcare provider. The information provided is not a substitute for a face-to-face consultation with a healthcare provider, and should not be construed as medical advice.

Original Published: 2015-08-12 / Last Modified: 2025-5-29