Jackie Tillett

Aromatherapy is the practice of therapeutic use of essential plant-based oils. Essential oils and aromatherapy have been used in the care of women for centuries. The published research has used small samples and often combines other complementary therapies with aromatherapy; however, the use of essential oils has not been shown to cause harm and is accepted by women. Aromatherapy mixtures are appropriate for use by nurses in labor and delivery settings. The article reviews the literature and discusses appropriate essential oil mixtures for use in women's health setting and labor and delivery.

Clinical practice guidelines are mandated by American College of Nurse‐Midwives Standards for the Practice of Midwifery. Guidelines should be evidence‐based and pertinent to the population served. Guidelines assist midwifery practices in the evaluation and maintenance of quality care. The development of clinical practice guidelines should be rigorous and scientific. There are several sources available to midwives to aid in the development of practice guidelines.

Adult immunization rates in the United States lag behind pediatric immunization rates. Healthcare providers in all settings should discuss immunization with their patients. There are concerns regarding the use of vaccine in women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. This article reviews selected vaccines and the use of vaccines in women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Basic principles of vaccine administration are discussed as well as standards for immunization practice. Concerns regarding vaccine safety in any population are reviewed.

The use of over-the-counter medications by pregnant women is common. Over-the-counter medications are widely assumed to be harmless because they may be purchased without prescription. Some consumers do not consider them to be drugs. Women may not realize that over-the-counter medications have the potential to harm them or their fetuses. This article reviews selected over-the-counter medications commonly used by pregnant women, including pharmacology, risks, Food and Drug Administration risk classifications, and strategies for counseling clients.