Specialist relaxation treatments available to mums at Dr Gray’s Hospital
Published: 10/02/2023 16:25NHS Grampian’s Moray-based midwives are piloting an aromatherapy and acupressure complementary therapy clinic for mums who are more than a week past their due date.
The service is being provided both at home and in the Tranquility Suite at Dr Gray’s Hospital when a trained aromatherapy and acupressure midwife is available. It uses essential oils to promote physical and psychological well-being. The oils work by stimulating the nasal senses and mental responses, promoting relaxation. They can also be used to induce labour, aid pain relief in labour, along with physical pressure being applied to pressure points on the shoulders, hands and ankles.
Treatment is offered by hospital-based midwife, Ashley Robson and her colleague Julie Picksley, who works in the community and is able to offer this in a home setting. They both qualified in the specialist treatments and have been supporting women with general pregnancy complaints, pain and anxiety for a few months. The pilot to offer this to women more than a week overdue began this week and has been well-received by women so far who find it a very relaxing experience.
Ashley, who has been a midwife for almost 13 years, explains: “After a four-month pilot scheme, we hope this can be rolled out in maternity units across Grampian. The idea is to offer this to women in our care to try and get them into spontaneous labour and avoid induction. We are really excited as it will hopefully decrease the number of women having to travel to Aberdeen.
“I had my first two children at Dr Gray’s and loved the care I received so I felt inspired to do further training to help other women benefit from this too. I love being with families during this hugely exciting time in their lives, sharing all those emotions and the relief when that new life finally arrives safely. Nothing can compare to the feeling!
“Being able to offer this extra support to Moray families has been very rewarding and is reigniting a huge passion in me. The bonds we form with families stay with us forever, and I can’t imagine doing anything else! I’m very proud to be a part of the NHS.”
Routine antenatal checks and basic health questions ensure the treatment is suitable and safe for mother and baby. The midwives can also teach women and their partners how to massage the pressure points for you to use this learning too.
Any expectant mum in Moray who would like to find out more or request this specialist treatment should email gram.mataromatherapy@nhs.scot
Photo caption: Ashley is in her element in the therapy room within Dr Gray’s Hospital’s maternity ward. The Tranquility Suite helps to provide a relaxing atmosphere for women benefiting from specialist treatments.