Are there any herbs/teas that will help prepare cervix for labor?
Answer:
Unless anyone can give you a specific instance where they PERSONALLY can testify against the use of herbs during birth and delivery, I would not take much stock in their warnings. Do your own research and make your own decisions. Personally, I believe that God made my body and He gave me everything that I need to make it work the way that He intended. He also gave us herbs. There are precautions to take with all of them, so research is very important. And while it is very true that you will not stay pregnant forever, there are instances when you may need to induce labor. HELLO! OBs do it ALL DAY LONG! If the baby's heartrate is not stable, for instance, herbs would be a consideration. I do not know if you are planning a home birth? or a hospital birth, but it would certainly be much more feasible to use herbal treatments during a home birth than a hospital birth-the doctors just aren't "down" with herbs.
*****I was fully prepared to use Blue Cohosh during the delivery of my second child because my first birth ended in a Cesarean because my cervic had not dilated. (long story, but...) I did not need it. I drank Red Raspberry Tea daily to strengthen and tone my uterus and I took Evening Primrose Oil Capsules to help strengthen the scar tissue from my previous Cesarean. I will use herbs again for my third child if need be-anything to prevent a third Cesarean.
The following is quoted from The How To Herb Book, which I use on a daily basis to treat my family. My midwife had no objection to using these herbs. If you are not using a midwife, you may try to find one that can help you with specifics. (I am not talking about a Certified Nurse Midwife that works with the doctor or clinic-they will most likely not be educated in the healing herbs. That and they will follow the hospital's protocol and that will not include natural remedies. You'll probably need to speak to a LAY midwife).
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Preparing for Delivery
Pre-Natal Combination #1 Taken 5 weeks before birth. If any is left over after delivery this combination has also been used to help shrink and tone the uterus after delivery.
* Black Cohosh, Squawvine, Lobelia, Penny Royal, Red Raspberry
Blue Cohosh-used for those who have problems with the cervix dilating. It has been added to the Pre-Natal Combination#1. Begin 5 weeks before due date. One capsule three times a day for the first 3 weeks, then increased to 2 capsules three times a day for the last two weeks or until birth. Two capsules of Blue Cohosh has also been taken at the beginning of labor to help cervix dilate.
***p.13 Blue Cohosh was used by the Indians during labor to help dilate the cervix. It helps stop false labor pains. Although it has been used to start real labor, it will not strat it unless it is time.
Combination #2
*Squawvine, Blessed Thistle, Black Cohosh, False Unicorn, Pennyroyla, Red Raspberry, Lobelia
-has been used for the last five weeks of pregnancy
-strengthens and tones uterus, promotes easier labor
-taking this formula with Blue Cohosh the last five weeks during pregnancy is especially effective for those who have problems with the cervix dilating
No, and herbs and some herbal teas are VERY dangerous during pregnancy!
Really, no. The ones that claim to ripen the cervix may or may not work. A woman in the last few weeks of pregnancy should be patient - no woman ever stayed pregnant *forever*! The baby will come, and there is no use in trying to push your body to *make* it come. Each child is different, and not every child has to arrive on the 40th week of pregnancy!
Jane is right. It is unhealthy for both you and the baby to be trying to induce yourself. The baby will come when it's good and ready, and trying to speed this up can be very dangerous. Also, herbs and teas are recognized by doctors and other OB professionals to be dangerous during pregnancy. Some, such as raspberry tea, can cause spontaneous abortion.
I heard raspberry leaf helps with blood flow and other things which can help during labor but you should really ask ure doctor whats available and whats safe for you.
Hi
Raspberry Leaf Tea can help condition the uterus for labour. It should only be taken in the last few weeks of pregnancy. I had it with my first child, it tasted vile to me but so does green tea. If you go to a health food store they will be able to help you by giving you proper information for your circumsances and they will have access to a naturopath. There is also a divice you can get from a chemist to help prepare the perineum for birth - I can't remember what it's called. Good luck with everything. You'll do great!
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