Foods & Supplements to Prepare Your Body for a Natural Labor!
By: Justine Thorner
Tags: Birth, Natural Birth, Doula, Labor And Delivery, Pregnancy

These are suggested techniques to prepare your body for labor, starting 1 month out from your due date. These suggestions will tone your uterus and support your cervix in getting ready for the big day — your baby’s birth date!

As always, be sure you consult with you care provider before trying anything new.

1. Evening Primrose Oil (EPO)

EPO is the oil from the seeds of the evening primrose plant. Evening primrose oil is used for many different medical conditions such as rashes and headaches. It also happens to be helpful in preparing your body for labor and softening your cervix.

You can begin taking EPO orally from 35 weeks on, and vaginally + orally from 37 weeks on.

You can also use the oil as a lubricant for intercourse. Having intercourse is also useful to help soften the cervix because there are prostaglandins in semen. So go for it and have sex too!

2. Red Raspberry Leaf Tea (RRLT)

Red raspberry leaf has been used medicinally for centuries. There is some clinical evidence that shows that drinking RRLT in pregnancy will lead to smoother labor and delivery. It is thought that it helps strengthen your uterus.

It is recommended to drink RRLT, hot or cold, at least once daily. You can add raw honey and lemon and it is very good!

To make a medicinal dose, combine 1oz of dried herb (in tea bags or loose) with 1 qt boiling water in a jar or pitcher. Let steep 4 hours or overnight. Drink 1–3 cups daily, hot or cold. If you don’t like the taste, you can add mint, lemon or honey for flavor. Look for a high quality, organic tea.

3. Eat Dates

I know this may sound strange, but a study showed that women who ate 6 dates per day had shorter and more efficient labors. Starting at 37 weeks, you can start eating 6 dates every day. They taste delicious in yogurt, oatmeal, smoothies, or just plain! I love them with added almond or peanut butter!

4. Perineal massage

Perineal massage can help to reduce tearing during delivery. If you feel inspired to try it, start this at around 36 weeks.

5. Acupuncture

Regular acupuncture appointments after 36 weeks can make your cervix softer and more ready for labor. Additionally, acupuncturists trained in labor stimulation can use acupuncture/acupressure to stimulate contractions if you’ve gone past your due date. Weekly appointments are great from 36 weeks on!

6. Exercises

If a baby isn’t in a great position (even if their head is down), this can cause a longer labor. To make sure that your baby is in an optimal position (head down, chin tucked, and back pointing toward your belly) there are a few recommended tips and exercises:

Only sit on a birth ball, or turn your straight-backed chair around & sit on it backwards (leaning over the back of the seat).

Absolutely no reclining or relaxing in a slouch on the couch.

Walk regularly (though try not to tire yourself out).

Try side-lying release twice a week.

Do the Miles Circuit starting at 37 weeks (read the “when should I do it” section) if the baby still seems to be face up.

HAPPY BIRTHING!

Justine Thorner is a doula & birth coach, holistic health coach, a mom who supports women through their Journey into Motherhood.

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