For NHS Midwives and Student Midwives
Are you a midwife or student midwife looking to expand your skills and make a real difference in your NHS role? This course is designed to empower you with the knowledge and confidence to safely and effectively use essential oils to support women throughout their maternity journey. Through engaging video demonstrations, you’ll learn practical massage techniques for the back, hips, hands, arms, feet, and legs—perfect for easing discomfort during early labour. Discover how aromatherapy can soothe women in labour, provide relaxing hand or foot massages on the antenatal or postnatal ward, and safely address common discomforts like nausea or anxiety, all while adhering to your local NHS protocols. Invest in yourself and enhance the care you provide—enrol today and bring new comfort to the women you support.
Instructor Background
With over 25 years of experience as a qualified Massage and Aromatherapist and a registered Midwife since 2008, I specialise in pregnancy and postnatal massage. These roles have given me a deep understanding of both therapies and maternity care, which I am excited to share with you through this course.
Please remember, this course does not replace medical care. Aromatherapy and massage are complementary therapies that support well-being alongside standard medical treatment.
- 1998: Diploma in Swedish Massage
- 1999: Diploma in Aromatherapy
- 2008: Degree in Midwifery
- 2010: Diploma in Massage and Pregnancy
- 2020: Led NHS trust training for Midwives in aromatherapy and massage techniques
- 2020: Completed CPD course on Essential Oil Chemistry
- 2023: Award in Education and Training
- 2024: Adult First Aid Course Overview
Course Overview
Welcome to our comprehensive e-learning package, designed specifically for birth workers who want to enhance their skills and confidence in using complementary therapies. This course blends essential theory with optional group practical, hands-on activities and provides valuable insights to support your professional development. Key features include:
- 7 CPD points – Accredicated by the Internation Federation of Aromatherapists.
- Evidence-based lessons designed for NHS Materntiy.
- E-learning online course is available 24/7 and does not expire, ideal for rotation midwives to update themselves when moving backing into intrapartum care.
- Basic Massage Video showing step-by-step massage techniques.
- Aligned with the NMC Code of Practice, the RCM position statement.
- FREE Aromatherapy and Massage Guideline for your ratification, ensuring you can integrate best practices into your daily work and use complementary therapies safely and effectively.
- Inline with the RCM Complementary Guideline to ensure your knowledge remains up to date, we offer a FREE update every two years, incorporating the latest guidelines, any protocol changes, and advancements in aromatherapy and massage for maternity care. All previous participants are notified by email whenever an update is released, so you’re always informed of new developments.
- In line with NHS Governance
- Detailed information about essential oils, their properties, and how to use them safely in maternity care.
- Videos that show massage techniques in detail
- Information and videos on how to blend oils
- You can also choose an optional practical training day for your hospital or university (price available on request). For individuals wanting a in-person then this can be arrange with a private short day in Bristol, price below.
- Full tutor support
- Downloadable resources
Alignment with RCM Guidelines
Every module in this course maps directly to the latest RCM competencies, giving you confidence that your learning aligns with current best practices.
“The RCM believes that it is appropriate for all midwives, at the point of registration, to have a basic understanding of the broad subject area of complementary therapies pertinent to maternity care and popular with women.”
“Midwives wishing to use CTs in their practice must complete professionally and academically appropriate midwifery-specific training in each therapy. They require a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the mechanisms of action, benefits and risks, indications, contraindications and precautions, side effects, and possible complications for each therapy. Midwives must be able to apply the principles of each therapy to its specific use within midwifery practice and within the institution in which they work.”
If you have any questions or need more information, please contact me at info@wendyproctor.org.uk. I invite you to join this course and take the next step in your practice.
Course Outline
Aromatherapy in Midwifery Practice
Aim
By the end of this course, you will master the art and science of selecting from 15 maternity-safe essential oils and blending them to address real-life scenarios in maternity care. Gain practical experience by creating personalised blends and delivering soothing, supportive massage techniques during pregnancy, labour, and the postpartum period. Enhance comfort, nurture well-being, and confidently integrate dynamic aromatherapy into your daily practice for the women you support.
Objectives
- Name the 15 essential oils and their properties.
- Describe how to support clients during pregnancy, labour, and the postpartum period using essential oils.
- List the contraindications for using essential oils during the maternity period.
- Identify the Health and safety considerations for essential oils and carrier oils.
- Identify UK legislation (laws passed by Parliament).
- Choose a blend of up to 3 essential oils tailored to your client’s requirements.
- Suggest suitable essential oil selections and explain the rationale behind your recommended choices.
- Name carrier oils, essential oils, and their properties.
- Confidently perform massages on the feet and lower legs, hands and arms, and back and hips.
- Complete a final online quiz at the end of the course, which includes multiple-choice questions and short case study scenarios based on the course material. You must score at least 80% to pass. This assessment checks your understanding and helps you feel confident applying your new knowledge in real-life situations.
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, you will be able to:
- Provide information, safety guidelines, and evidence to clients who want to use essential oils for common ailments during their pregnancy and postpartum period.
- Support women during labour by:
- Blending up to 3 essential oils based on their preferences/ailments
- Offering safe massage to the feet and lower legs, hands and lower arms, back and hips.
This course will give you the knowledge and skills to use aromatherapy and massage in your midwifery practice, helping you support women throughout pregnancy, labour, and the postpartum period.
This course offers both flexibility and hands-on learning, making it easy to fit your professional development into your busy schedule. You can work through the e-learning modules at your own pace, exploring the materials in detail before joining a live skills day to deepen your practical expertise.
The e-learning online course covers the following:
- The History of Aromatherapy
- The Importance of Using Botanical Names
- Plant Families
- Chemistry of Essential Oils
- The Differences between Essential Oils and Absolutes
- Carrier Oils for Aromatherapy
- An Investigation into the Use of Aromatherapy in Intrapartum Midwifery Practice
- Essential Oil Health and Safety
- Aromatherapy in Pregnancy, Labour and Postnatal within the UK
- Essential oils include: Bergamot (Citrus bergamia), Chamomile, Roman (Anthemis nobilis), Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea), Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens), Frankincense (Boswellia carterii), Geranium (Pelargonium odoratissimum), Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi), Jasmine (Jasminum grandiflorum), Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), Lemon (Citrus lemonum), Orange, Sweet (Citrus sinensis), Pepper, Black (Piper nigrum), Peppermint (Mentha piperita), Rose (Rosa damascene), Ylang Ylang (Cananga odorata genuina)
- Blending Essential Oils
- Aromatherapy – Twelve Systems of the Body
- Common Ailments of Pregnancy and Postpartum
- The Benefits, Techniques and Safety of Pregnancy/Labour Massage
- Medicalised Birth
- Health and Safety Act 1974
- Health and Safety Executive 2002 Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH)
- Assessments, Multiple Choice, Assignments and Case Studies
- Bibliography
Optional In-Person training day includes the following:
- Essential Oil Aroma and Blending
- Trimesters and common ailments
- Contraindications of Aromatherapy and Massage
- Massage Positions
- Basic Massage Techniques
- After-birth ailments
- Medicalised birth
Pricing
E-Learning Courses
Accredited, flexible online training for midwives and student midwives, with personalised feedback and full tutor support. Choose the option that best suit you.
For Midwives
Group Booking
E-Learning only for Midwives
15% Discount
£123.25
per person
Groups 10 or more
For Student Midwives
Individual Booking
E-Learning only for Student Midwives
40% Discount
£87
Group Booking
E-Learning only for Student Midwives
20% Discount
£116
per person
Groups 20 or more
Every E-Learning course includes
Self-directed learning
Learn at your own pace
Personalised feedback
On your assignments
Access 24/7
Learn at your own pace
Free NHS Draft Guidelines
To support your practice
Free 2-Year Update
To meet the RCM Guidelines
No expiry date
Learn now, refer back anytime
Full tutor support
Ongoing guidance when you need it
7 CPD Points
Accredited by International Federation of Aromatherapists
Downloadable resources
Practical tools and materials
On-Site Group Courses
Bring the training to your hospital or university
On-site group training is available for NHS Trusts, hospitals and universities. Pricing is provided on application based on your location and the number of attendees.
Tailored to your team
Delivered at your location
Expert Tuition
Led by Wendy Proctor
CPD Accredited
Supports professional development
Evidence-based Training
Aligned with current guidelines
For NHS Trusts, hospitals, and universities
Across the UK and beyond
Flexible scheduling
To suit your team’s needs
Frequently Asked Questions
For whom is this training course intended?
The course is designed specifically for NHS-registered midwives and student midwives, and the content aligns with NHS maternity governance, clinical practice guidelines, and the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) Code.
Can healthcare assistants or MSWs attend this specific training?
No. To maintain focus on midwifery-led clinical decision-making, intrapartum prescribing/application frameworks, and midwife-led complementary care, this course is strictly reserved for qualified midwives and student midwives.
Is this training in accordance with the clinical guidelines of NHS trusts?
Yes, the course offers a framework intended to supplement current NHS trust guidelines on complementary therapies in maternity care; it covers the documentation, informed consent, clinical indications, contraindications, and risk assessments needed when incorporating aromatherapy and massage into standard care.
Will NHS indemnity insurance cover my use of these skills?
Most NHS trusts allow midwives to use complementary therapies, provided they have completed an accredited or trust-approved training programme and do so in line with the local trust’s policy.
Is it safe to use essential oils during active labour on an NHS delivery unit?
Aromatherapy can be used as a safe, non-invasive way to support childbirth when a qualified midwife carries it out and uses the correct dilutions and evidence-based techniques (for example, inhalation or local application). The course also covers the safety of 15 essential oils, appropriate dilution ratios, and ventilation needs for birth environments in the NHS.
I am a student midwife. Can I use these techniques while on clinical placement?
You can use these techniques while acting as a student midwife, provided a qualified midwife trained in complementary therapies closely supervises you, and both the university and the host NHS trust allow student participation in complementary care.
Does this training count toward my Continuing Professional Development (CPD)?
Yes, after the event you will receive a 7 CPD points Certificate from the International Federation of Aromatherapists, which you can count toward your NMC revalidation hours for participatory learning.
Is the course delivered online, in person, or as a blended model?
The training recommends a blended model that combines theoretical, self-paced modules (covering safety, essential oil profiles, and governance) with hands-on practical skills workshops for massage techniques, dilution preparation, and clinical case studies. However, participants can also complete the course online as an e-learning course. To receive certification, participants must complete an online knowledge check at the end of the theory modules. If attending a practical skills workshop, participants will also complete a supervised skills sign-off. Those completing the course fully online will be awarded a certificate upon successful completion of all self-paced modules and the final assessment.
What materials are provided with the course?
The Appendices include the following to download and print: a workbook to complete as they work through the course, which they can then refer to during intrapartum care. In addition, the course includes a blending and properties table and a common ailments table for future use, both completed as part of the e-learning modules. Essential oils used on the in-person workshop day are provided, with the option to continue buying them at a discounted rate.
How long does the theory take and how long do I have to complete the course?
On average, the course takes about 7 hours to complete, and there is no time limit. This flexibility allows midwives who are working on rotation or spending time in community or postnatal settings to complete the course at their own pace before returning to intrapartum clinical areas. They can also refer back to the e-learning theory to update themselves 24/7.
Is there any support I can access if I have questions while completing the course?
Yes, you can contact me at info@wendyproctor.org.uk so I can answer any questions or help with technical issues. If required, I can arrange a call.
If you would like to arrange an in-person visit at your hospital or university, please contact us to get a brochure and pricing details. I look forward to meeting you in my course.
— Wendy