Let’s talk about hygiene: why birth and body workers must stay fresh and respectful

When you’re holding space for a woman during pregnancy, labour or birth – whether as a doula, midwife, birth educator, or bodyworker – your presence should bring calm, not discomfort. It might feel uncomfortable to talk about, but we need to be honest: personal hygiene matters, especially when we’re working in close proximity with pregnant women and their support teams.

There’s nothing holistic, sacred or professional about body odour when you’re leaning over a woman in labour, holding her through intense surges, or demonstrating hands-on techniques in a group setting. It can be distracting, overwhelming, and in some cases, even triggering for a woman already feeling vulnerable and sensitive to smell.

The scent of support should never overpower the space

Pregnancy and labour heighten a woman’s sense of smell. Hormonal shifts can make her more sensitive to odours, both pleasant and unpleasant. What might seem like mild body odour to one person can feel overpowering to someone else – especially during labour, when a woman is working hard, breathing deeply, and often in close physical contact with her support people.

As birth workers, we have a responsibility to be mindful of the environment we create – not just emotionally, but physically too.

Why do people develop body odour?

Let’s break this down with compassion and curiosity. Body odour is a completely normal biological process, but it can become unpleasant when sweat interacts with the bacteria on our skin.

Here’s why it happens:

Sweat itself is odourless, but when it mixes with bacteria on the skin, especially in warm, moist, areas like armpits, feet, or groin, it creates an odour.

Hormones, stress, and diet can influence how strong your natural scent is. High stress levels (like at a long birth) can trigger apocrine glands, leading to stronger-smelling sweat.

Clothing choices, especially synthetic fibres, can trap sweat and bacteria.

Health conditions, medications, or certain foods (like garlic or onions) can affect body odour.

Skipping deodorant or not showering regularly, even for just a day or two, can allow bacteria to build up, creating a strong and lingering smell.

No one is immune to this, and it doesn’t mean someone is “dirty.” But in professional settings, especially in birth spaces, we must take proactive steps to manage it.

Why hair can increase body odour

Hair traps sweat: Armpit hair provides a surface for sweat to cling to, which keeps the area moist for longer. Bacteria thrive in warm, damp environments – so more sweat means more bacteria and, as a result, more odour.

Hair holds bacteria: The hair itself can hold on to bacteria and dead skin cells, both of which contribute to odour when they break down with sweat.

Odours linger longer: Even after washing, odours can cling to armpit hair more than to smooth skin, making it harder to eliminate smells completely unless regularly cleaned and dried well.

That said, body odour isn’t just about having or not having armpit hair – it’s about overall hygiene and bacterial balance. Plenty of people with armpit hair manage odour effectively by keeping the area clean, using suitable deodorants (natural or otherwise), and wearing breathable clothing.

If someone chooses to keep their underarm hair for personal or cultural reasons, they may just need to take extra care with hygiene routines, especially in close-contact birth work where freshness is essential out of respect for the people they’re supporting.

It’s not just about deodorant – it’s about awareness

Let’s be clear: this isn’t about enforcing the use of chemical-laden deodorants or body sprays. It’s about recognising our own odour and taking steps to neutralise it in a way that aligns with our personal values and professional standards.

If you choose not to use conventional deodorants due to concerns about aluminium, parabens or synthetic fragrances, that’s completely valid, but there are now plenty of natural alternatives available that are safe, effective, and widely accessible.

In fact, many reputable companies are creating deodorants that are free from harsh chemicals, using ingredients that are gentle on the skin and supportive of your health and wellbeing. From pastes and sticks to sprays and balms, there is no shortage of options that cater to different skin types, scent preferences, and ethical beliefs, whether that’s vegan-friendly, palm-oil free, or zero waste.

It may take some trial and error, but finding the right product that works for your body and reflects your beliefs is well worth the effort, especially when working so closely with others in such an intimate and sacred space.

Scent layering can make things worse

Some well-meaning birth workers try to mask body odour with perfume or essential oils, but this can actually make the situation worse. Instead of neutralising the odour, you’re just layering one strong scent over another, which often creates a more intense and unpleasant smell. Trust me, I’ve been at hospital births where the midwife’s perfume was so strong I considered requesting a gas mask – for the mum, the partner, and myself just to survive the scent cloud.

Additionally, many pregnant women have an extremely heightened sense of smell, and synthetic perfumes or even natural essential oils can be overstimulating. What may smell lovely to you might be nauseating or even triggering to someone else, especially in a confined space or during labour when their sensory system is already under strain.

As professionals, we must remember that the birth space is not about us – it’s about supporting the woman in front of us with sensitivity and care. This includes choosing fragrance-free or very neutral products and avoiding any scents, no matter how natural, that could overwhelm her senses.

Natural options for staying fresh without harsh chemicals

Here are some body-friendly, birth-space-respectful ways to manage body odour:

Natural deodorants: Products made with ingredients like magnesium, zinc oxide, arrowroot powder, coconut oil, or baking soda can be effective. Brands like No Pong, Black Chicken, Woohoo Body and The Physic Garden offer Australian-made options with great reviews.

Apple cider vinegar spray: ACV has antibacterial properties. Dilute with water in a spray bottle and apply under arms (test first to avoid irritation).

Witch hazel: This gentle astringent can reduce odour and perspiration. You can also get alcohol-free witch hazel. Apply with a cotton pad or spray bottle.

Coconut oil and baking soda: Coconut oil can kill the bacteria that causes the odour while baking soda can help to absorb the sweat; plus, its antimicrobial properties can reduce some of the odour too.

Magnesium oil: Some people find magnesium spray under the arms helps reduce odour. It can sting a little on freshly shaved skin, so be mindful.

Stay clean: Daily showers are essential when working closely with others. Pay special attention to underarms, feet, and areas where sweat can collect. If you’re attending a long birth, bring fresh clothes and natural wipes to refresh between shifts or after physical exertion.

Don’t forget your breath – oral hygiene matters too

Let’s not forget that body odour isn’t the only thing that can knock someone sideways in a birth space – bad breath can be just as unpleasant, especially when you’re face-to-face, whispering affirmations, or offering physical support. And after hours at a birth, sipping coffee, eating snacks, or just breathing heavily through fatigue, things can get a bit funky.

Even if you can’t go home and brush your teeth, there are plenty of quick, natural solutions you can pack in your birth bag:

Natural mouth sprays: Brands like Grants of Australia, MouthFresh, and MooGoo (the absolute best) offer natural breath sprays free from alcohol and synthetic nasties, which are perfect for a quick refresh between birth waves.
Mints and lollies: Choose sugar-free options like Xylitol mints (which also support oral health), Grants Herbal Mint Toothpaste Chews, or Lemon Myrtle lollies that freshen the mouth and don’t overpower the room with artificial scents.
Chewing herbs: A few sprigs of fresh parsley or mint in your snack bag can do wonders as a natural breath freshener. Just chew, smile, and carry on doing your important work.
Natural mouthwash: Travel-sized natural mouthwashes from brands like Dr. Organic, Jāsön, or Auromere which can be a game-changer – just swish discreetly in the bathroom.
Tooth wipes or gum cleaning cloths: Yes, they exist! Perfect for a quick tooth wipe after a long shift or a garlic-heavy snack.

These little tools can easily live in your birth kit or handbag without taking up much space. Staying fresh isn’t about being fancy, it’s about being respectful in close contact work and maintaining a calm, clean presence for the families you’re supporting.

Your clothes are clean – but can we breathe?

While we’re talking scents, let’s not forget clothing. Strong-smelling laundry detergents, fabric softeners or fragranced dryer sheets can be just as overpowering as perfume. That “mountain breeze” or “floral burst” might smell fresh to you, but in a closed birth space, or to a pregnant woman with a nose like a bloodhound, it can quickly become nauseating.

Opt for fragrance-free or low-scent laundry options where possible, especially if you’re wearing clothing you’ll use in close contact with clients. The goal is to be as neutral as possible, so your presence fades into the background, allowing the woman to stay fully focused on her birth, not distracted by your laundry aisle choices.

Respect starts with self-awareness

The issue isn’t whether someone uses conventional or natural deodorant – it’s whether they’re aware of how they smell. In group work or shared spaces (like training, workshops, or births), this becomes even more important. A strong body odour, even if unintentional, can be disrespectful and create discomfort or even nausea for pregnant women, or those sensitive to smells.

If you’re not sure whether you’re giving off a bit of a whiff, don’t risk it – have a quick sniff check or ask a brutally honest friend (we’ve all got one – mine would be one of our doula training mentors Kelly Bardon from Doula Matters). Better yet, make “smell check” part of your birth worker prep – right after grabbing your rebozo and snacks.

Set the standard for professionalism

As birth and body professionals, our goal is to create a safe, supportive, and nurturing space for the women we work with. Personal hygiene is part of that. We expect hospital staff to maintain clean standards, so we must also model the same in our own practice, whether we work in clinics, homes, birth centres, or hospitals.

It’s not about perfection. It’s about respect, self-awareness, and taking responsibility for the energy and presence we bring to the room. A fresh body, clean clothes, and a neutral or pleasant scent can go a long way in helping a woman feel safe and comfortable.

Let’s keep the birth space sacred – not smelly.