Women's Health Aromatherapy

This is a timely book, given the increasing numbers of women now using aromatherapy oils during pregnancy and birth. It will provide the nurse and nurse-midwife with valuable information to be able to advise women about the safety of aromatherapy in maternity care. I had the pleasure of working with Pam in the UK whilst she was completing a Masters' degree in Complementary Therapies at the University of Westminster, and I know that her focus is on safe and appropriate application of aromatherapy for pregnant and birthing women, supported by research evidence. -- Denise Tiran, FRCM, MSc, RM, PGCEA, Education Director at Expectancy Pam Conrad gracefully combines both the art and science of aromatherapy. She has a profound knowledge about the clinical use of essential oils but also the artful use of aromatherapy in daily life. As essential oils are so easily accessible as home remedies, it is very tempting to believe that there are no risks in using them. One main thing that I love and respect about Pam's teachings is that she puts safety first, especially for vulnerable patients like pregnant women, infants and young children. As parents and patients use essential oils for conditions ranging from benign viral illnesses to advanced malignancies, it is paramount for any medical health practitioner to have at least basic knowledge of the benefits and safety of essential oils. I highly recommend Pam's book to all my colleagues and patients. -- Dr Alina Olteanu, MD, PhD, FAAP, ABIHM, Whole Child Texas This book represents years of nursing and midwifery practice, research and education in Women's Health aromatherapy. The mainstream popularity of aromatherapy necessitates an expert nursing aromatherapy guide for the safest, most effective care of women pregnancy-postpartum I highly recommend this book as a resource to nurses and all women considering aromatherapy during the pregnancy-postpartum stages. -- Birdie Gunyon Meyer, RN,MA Coordinator, Perinatal Mood Disorders Program, Indiana University Health, Past President Postpartum Support International PSI This is essential information to provide safe guidance for our families choosing to utilize aromatherapy. I use this valuable information on a daily basis. -- Stephanie VanderHorst CNM, RN, Past President of Indiana Association of Nurse Midwives Pam's course on aromatherapy for women's health has been so beneficial for me in my practice as a nurse. The education I received has allowed me to practice safe aromatherapy for my pregnant and laboring mommas! Practicing clinically evidenced based aromatherapy is a must in the hospital setting. By having a book to help guide this practice that can be referenced while at the bedside would be an invaluable asset to the aromatherapy world as it begins to be used more and more in hospitals alongside traditional medicine. -- Katlyn Devereux RN, BSN, CMSRN, St. Elizabeth Medical Center, Kentucky Pam Conrad is a Purdue trained nurse and valued NAHA Certified Clinical Aromatherapist (R). In addition to being a registered nurse for over 25 years, Pam has studied abroad with Aromatherapy icons like Jane Buckle, Denise Tiran, and Ethel Burns. Pam is passionate about supporting women's health and evidence-based aromatherapy. In 2008, Pam developed the first US evidence-based hospital Aromatic Childbirth (R) nursing curriculum. There is a great need for practicing clinical nurses and therapists who follow an evidence based approach combined with experience gained in clinical practice. It is wonderful to see NAHA members like Pam who are active in authoring books, participating in studies, and teaching. I very much look forward to the publication of Pam's new book Women's Health Aromatherapy . -- Annette Davis ND, Certified Clinical Aromatherapist & Nutritionist, President National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy NAHA Although there is an abundance of essential oil information flooding the market, very little is clinically evidenced based and safe for perinatal use. In fact much of the information is harmful. Pam Conrad's expertise and experience is what is needed for an OB/GYN aromatherapy guidebook for practicing professionals. -- Kathy Ryan RN CCAP, Perinatal Support Services St Vincents Women's Hospital, Indianapolis, IN With the growing popularity of integrative medicine, essential oils have found their way back into health care. Historically anecdotal evidence or previous experience drove the choice of essential oils. However it is not enough for an oil just to smell good; healthcare professional must understand the oils reported benefits, potential risks, and contraindications as well as the current state of associated research. This book provides the evidence based foundation to practice evidence based aromatherapy for medical professionals. -- Dr Liz Nutter, CNM, DNP, RNC-OB, Texas