E- Evict- natural ways to induce labour!
There comes a time for every woman when she is ready to give birth. Sometimes this process happens naturally, but other times a woman may need some help in getting the baby out. If you are at the end of your pregnancy and are looking for ways to induce labour, you may be wondering if there are any natural methods that can help. There are a few different things you can try, and some may work better than others depending on your body and how far along you are in your pregnancy. We will talk about what may help and which natural induction methods may be better at just passing time.
None of the following is intended to replace medical advice and it is best to speak with your care provider about any methods of induction you are wanting to try.
Spicy Food
When a woman is approaching her due date, she may start to feel anxious and unsure of when exactly labour will begin. For some women, this wait can be especially difficult if they are experiencing any discomfort or pain. While there are many natural ways to help induce labour, such as acupuncture or massage, some women may also turn to spicy food. Capsaicin, the compound that gives chili peppers their heat, is known to stimulate the digestive system and cause contractions in the uterus. As a result, eating a spicy meal may help to kick-start the labour process. Stella Luna Gelato, a local gelato store with multiple locations, has a “labour inducing gelato” that is dark chocolate and chili flavoured (it’s also free when you are at the very end of pregnancy!!). Will it actually work to start labour though? Who knows, some people swear it worked but others experience no changes at all, but it can definitely be a fun one to try!
Raspberry Leaf Tea
Many pregnant women turn to red raspberry leaf tea to induce labour. This herbal tea is thought to help tone the uterus, making it more likely to contract effectively during labour which could lead to a shorter labour. In addition, red raspberry leaf tea is rich in nutrients like calcium and magnesium, which are essential for a healthy pregnancy. While there is no scientific evidence that red raspberry leaf tea can induce labour, many women find that it helps them to feel more prepared for the big day. In any case, there is no harm in drinking this delicious tea, and it may even help you to relax during the final weeks of pregnancy.
Walking
Walking is a great way to get your body moving and start the process of labor. It can help to thin out the cervix and get things going. Walking also helps to move the baby down into the pelvis. It is a good idea to walk for about 30 minutes each day. You can do this around your house or around the block. If you are having trouble walking, you can try rocking in a rocking chair, bouncing on a birth ball, swimming or dancing. These activities can also help to get things started. Remember to listen to your body and rest when you need to. Remember to listen to your body and do what feels comfortable for you.
Castor oil
Now time for a controversial one. Many women turn to natural remedies like castor oil to help encourage their bodies to start the birthing process. Castor oil works by stimulating the bowel, which can in turn help to stimulate the uterus. Some women report feeling queasy after taking castor oil, but there are ways to combat that. One of the main ways is to take castor oil as part of a mixture like “midwives brew”. There is also a lot of talk about how castor oil can cause the baby to pass meconium (their first poo) but this has been shown to not actually be the case. As a reminder, before trying any home remedies, be sure to speak with your care provider to ensure that they are safe for you and your baby.
Nipple stimulation
Nipple stimulation is often recommended to start labour. When the nipples are stimulated, it causes the release of oxytocin, which is a hormone that helps to contract the uterus. Nipple stimulation can be done manually or with a breast pump. It is important to stimulate both nipples for about 15 minutes every hour. If you are not having regular contractions after 6 hours of stimulation, it is important to stop and rest because too much oxytocin can be dangerous. Nipple stimulation is usually considered to be safe, but it is important to talk to your care provider before you try it, or any other induction method.
If you’re looking for a more natural way to induce labour, there are plenty of options to choose from. Some women find nipple stimulation helpful, while others prefer castor oil or spicy food. Walking and red raspberry tea are also popular choices. Talk to your care provider before trying any of these methods and be sure to monitor your baby’s well-being throughout the process. Are you planning on using any natural induction techniques?
This is the fifth post in a series of “alphabet blog posts”. Keep an eye out for all the other letters coming soon!