 |
 |
|
|
|
|
Labor initiation is usually done in a hospital setting by using prostaglandin E gel on the cervix to ripen the cervix and then hooking the mother to pitocin (a very powerful, dangerous artificial oxytocin) drip via an I.V. drip. This is a very dangerous and physically challenging ordeal for most women (not to mention the babies), resulting in the increased use of labor drugs (e.g., epidurals), technology, rising cesarean deliveries, and moms and babies having a wide range of technology-induced health problems, some with permanent results, including death.
Midwives in a homebirth setting attempt to avoid this route and have their own methods for initiating labor when it is needed. These options may include but may not be limited to the following ideas.
NOTE: Do not attempt these methods before the 37th to 38th week of pregnancy (confirmed dates) for a homebirth. Ideally these methods should only be used for post-term pregnancies (after 40 weeks). Do not attempt labor initiation if you are unsure of your due date. Premature babies can have many serious health-related problems, some can be very dangerous or fatal to the premature newborn if not treated immediately after birth.
RIPENING UP OF AN UNRIPE CERVIX
Before labor can begin, the cervix must "ripen". It can be checked with the fingers by a feeling method. The unripe cervix will feel like the tip of the nose. As the cervix ripens, it will soften up. A ripe cervix will feel softer and more pliable, like the lips or the tongue.
If it is necessary to initiate labor and the cervix is not ripe, these two herbs and other suggestions which may help to hasten the ripening.CAUTION: Do not put your fingers or anything else in the vagina if the membranes (the bag of waters) are not intact!
Evening Primrose Oil (EPO): Taking three capsules daily for up to a week, may ripen the cervix.
Opening up capsules of EPO, squeezing oil out onto fingers and gently massage oil directly onto, around and into the cervical os (opening). This is helpful for after contractions have started and a rigid os is a problem. If this is the case, then the fingers should hold the os open through two or three contractions.
RED RASPBERRY LEAF & EVENING PRIMROSE OIL
Red raspberry leaf tea has been used for thousands of years as a uterine tonic. It is an all-around woman's herb that can be used by women of all ages, pregnant or non-pregnant. As a tea, it has a pleasant flavor and makes a great ice tea. Its use strengthens and tones the reproductive organs but does not stimulate uterine contractions, making it safe for use throughout pregnancy.
Evening primrose, however, definitely plays a role in labor induction, as I have seen with women who use it as a vaginal suppository to soften the cervix and "get things going" during the last days of their pregnancies (do not insert anything into your vagina if your membranes have already ruptured, though!) Both herbs are safe and gentle to women when used with wisdom during pregnancy - red raspberry throughout, and primrose oil at the very end when both mother and baby are prepared for birth. NOTE: Evening Primrose should NOT be used throughout pregnancy.
After 38 weeks of pregnancy, a recommended dosage of 2,500 mg tablets per day of evening primrose oil is taken orally to systemically soften all tissues (including cervix and perineum, especially if cervical scarring or previous perineal injury exists) along with 1 cup of red raspberry leaf tea from 28 weeks, increasing red raspberry leaf tea to 2 cups from 32 wks and then increasing the dosage of red raspberry leaf tea to 3 cups from 36 weeks gestation, then as needed in labor to strengthen and tone the uterus.
Reprinted from Midwifery Today E-News (Vol 2 Issue 4, Jan 28, 2000)
To subscribe to the E-News write: enews@midwiferytoday.com
For all other matters contact Midwifery Today:
PO Box 2672-940, Eugene OR 97402
541-344-7438, midwifery@aol.com, Midwifery Today
Black Cohosh Tincture: Take 10 drops of tincture under the tongue hourly. This will have noticeable effect on the cervix in three or four hours. Continue until the cervix is fully soft and ripe.
Nipple Stimulation: Stimulation of the nipples is a very effective way for ripening the cervix and initiating labor. Have someone else suck continuously on the nipple, or roll the nipple between the thumb and finger. This may need to be continued for many hours to establish regular labor. It is fine to rest during a contraction and resume stimulation as it fades.
Sexual Activity & Intercourse: Sexual activity acts in the same fashion as stimulation of the nipples, if not more intense. If sexual orgasm is achieved, this may actually initiate labor contractions through the release of hormones that cause uterine and pelvic contractions found in orgasm. If the woman's partner is male, the semen contains a natural prostaglandin that will often soften the cervix and help with labor initiation. This semen may be applied directly to the cervical os. Some midwives have actually suggested that oral ingestion of seminal fluid may act just as well (not to mention relaxing the tense father-to-be!). Many a time a midwife has stepped out of the bedroom to allow the couple some "loving time" together in a slow or stalled labor and the wonderful acts of loving often end up producing a baby not too soon afterwards. It is wise to keep in mind that the act of loving put the baby there to begin with and it may be the remedy to helping the baby to be born as well.
INITIATING LABOR WITH HERBS & HOMEOPATHY
These remedies will not work unless the cervix is ripe and ready to dilate. CAUTION: Do not try to initiate labor unless the fetus is at least 37 weeks gestational age. It is best to attempt these things under the watchful guidance of your midwife. Some herbs, homeopathic remedies, and other suggestions are listed below:
Visualizations: Using imagery and visualizations can often start labor. This is done by "imagining" it is contracting. Don't try to force or push the feeling, just let it arise by itself. If the mind worries or focuses on the problem, gently return the mind back to the solution by affirming that labor has begun and that it will be felt very soon. As with all visualizations, this one will work well with any of the following remedies.
Caulophyllum 200x: This homeopathic remedy is reported to be a good labor initiator. The dose can be repeated every half-hour for two hours.
Uterine Stimulation: This can be done by the use of nipple stimulation or rubbing the belly softly and persistently (effleurage massage), with or without oil. Other suggestions may be to make an infusion of blue cohosh and use it as an enema and/or having sexual activity & orgasm. These methods are all safe and effective ways to encourage uterine contractions.
Castor Oil: This has been a favorite remedy for birthing moms and midwives for a very long time. It is used internally and externally to stimulate the uterus, soften the cervix, and help initiate labor. Rubbing castor oil on the belly and covering with a warm towel will help initiate labor if the cervix is ripe. The use of castor oil as a stimulating purgative may be used. The dosage and procedure for starting labor with castor oil varies greatly with each midwife, but almost everyone uses some form or method of this treatment. 1. Two ounces of castor oil, two ounces of vodka, and two or more ounces of orange juice. Follow with a hot shower. After an hour, the dose is repeated and an enema is given. Repeat the third dose after another hour, followed by a hot shower again. Labor will begin 3 to 5 hours after the last dose if all is well.
2. Two ounces of castor oil, 2 capsules of powdered blue cohosh. I ground the dried blue cohosh root using a portable coffee grinder and filled empty "00" gelatin capsules with the powdered blue cohosh. Take a hot shower. After an hour, the dose is repeated. Repeat the third dose after another hour, followed by a hot shower again. Labor will begin 3 to 5 hours after the last dose if all is well. This is the method I personally used with two of my own labors!
3. Two ounces of castor oil, 10 drops of blue cohosh tincture. Take a hot shower. After an hour, the dose is repeated. Repeat the third dose after another hour, followed by a hot shower again. Labor will begin 3 to 5 hours after the last dose if all is well.
Blue Cohosh Tincture: 3-8 drops in a glass of warm water or tea (red raspberry tea is good for a labor tea), is a very effective way in starting labor. Repeat every half hour for several hours until contractions are regular. If labor is not underway in four hours, sue a dropperful of the tincture under the tongue every hour for up to four hours or until contractions are strong and consistent. Labor Tincture (Susun Weed's Wise Woman Herbal):
1/2 ounce dried Black Cohosh root
1/2 ounce dried Blue Cohosh root
1/4 ounce dried Ginger
1/4 ounce dried Birthroot
1 cup (8 fluid ounces) 100 proof vodka
Place dried herbs in a pint jar and add vodka. Label and cap. Let it all steep together for 6 weeks or longer. Decant tincture by running the mixture through a juice extractor or a salad spinner. If neither of these are available, pour the tincture and herbs onto a cotton cloth and wring by hand. Store decanted tincture in a cool, dark place in brown glass. Be sure to label it. The blue cohosh encourages the uterus to begin contractions and increases the force of the contraction. The black cohosh helps the uterus to contract in a coordinated and effective way, the ginger focuses the energy into the pelvic area and increases the energy available to the uterus. The birthroot (trillium) adds its influence on the uterus by speeding up the action of the cohoshes and joining with the ginger to energize the uterus. This tincture can be used to initiate labor, strengthen contractions, unstall and stimulate labor, deal with exhaustion during labor, expel the placenta and help to control postpartum hemorrhage.
Use the labor tincture hourly and homeopathic Caulophyllum 200x every half hour. This establishes a smooth labor within 5 hours. Contractions build slowly when a labor tincture is used. Do not discontinue use until the contractions become regular.
If you have any suggestions that you have used to initiate labor, please email me at moondragon2@aol..com. I would be happy to include them on this page.
LATE PREGNANCY, LABOR & CHILDBIRTH PRODUCTS
Bulk herbs are available through Mountain Rose Herbs. Supplements are available through HerbalRemedies.com. See links below.
Evening Primrose Oil, NOW Foods, 100% Pure, 4 fl. oz. - Evening Primrose Oil is rich in Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA). Each 1 ml of evening primrose oil contains 80-100 mg of GLA. This oil has been cold pressed at a low temperature to obtain a pure, natural, and virgin oil. Product Use: Massage this pure, natural evening primrose oil gently into the skin to help skin irritation or dryness problems. This oil is Equivalent in value to 240 Softgels of 500 mg each.
Evening Primrose Oil, Cold Pressed, Nature's Way, 500 mg, 250 Softgels - Nature's Way EFA Gold is the highest quality Evening Primrose Oil - guaranteed to contain 10% gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). Hand harvested & hand cleaned seeds, gently pressed for oil and tested for purity and potency. Recommendation: Take 1 softgel 2 to 3 times daily.
Evening Primrose Oil, NOW Foods, 100% Pure, 4 fl. oz. - Evening Primrose Oil is rich in Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA). Each 1 ml of evening primrose oil contains 80-100 mg of GLA. This oil has been cold pressed at a low temperature to obtain a pure, natural, and virgin oil. Product Use: Massage this pure, natural evening primrose oil gently into the skin to help skin irritation or dryness problems. This oil is Equivalent in value to 240 softgels of 500 mg each.
Evening Primrose Oil, Cold Pressed, Nature's Way, 1300 mg, 120 Softgels - Nature's Way EFA Gold is the highest quality Evening Primrose Oil - guaranteed to contain 10% gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). Hand harvested & hand cleaned seeds, gently pressed for oil and tested for purity and potency. Recommendation: Take 1 softgel 2 to 3 times daily.
Castor Oil, Expeller Pressed, NOW Foods, 100% Pure, 16 fl oz. - Castor Oil is an ancient oil that is expeller pressed from castor beans. The beans grow worldwide and especially in tropical regions. This oil is USP food grade and is basically tasteless and odorless. Castor Oil is a natural emollient to the skin. Product Dosage and Use: Our Castor Oil can be taken internally for its laxative effect or may be applied to the skin as a softener.
Childbirth, 5 Week Before Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz. - This formula contains a mixture of well-known herbs like Red Raspberry Leaf, Blue Cohosh Root and False Unicorn, which are believed to help prepare the woman's body for an easier labor. Suggested Dosage or Use: Use 6-12 drops in juice, water, under the tongue, or as desired. May be taken 3 times daily. Shake well. Store in cool, dark place. Keep out of reach of children. Ingredients: Red Raspberry Leaf, Blue Cohosh Root, Motherwort Herb, False Unicorn Root, Wild Yam Root, Bayberry Bark, Squaw Vine Herb, Blessed Thistle Herb, R/O Water, 12% grain Alcohol.
Childbirth Pain After Formula Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz. - Childbirth Pain After Formula acts as a sedative for pain, helps to soothe the nervous system, and relieve post partum depression. Helpful for postpartum depression. A natural sedative. Suggested Dosage or Use: Use 6-12 drops in juice, water, under the tongue, or as desired. May be taken 3 times daily. Shake well. Store in cool, dark place. Keep out of reach of children. Ingredients: Wild Lettuce, Valerian Root, St. John's Wort, Cayenne, R/O water, 12% grain alcohol.
Wise Woman Herbal For The childbearing Year By Susun S. Weed, Janice Novet - This is a complete herbal pharmacopoeia for dealing with every problem that might arise before, during and after pregnancy and childbirth. This is a great book for people interested in alternative medicine and herbs. Full of lots of hard to find information about herbs and remedies to take and not take while pregnant. Also good pre and post pregnancy and baby information. Simple, safe, remedies for pregnancy, childbirth, lactation, newborns. Includes herbs for fertility and birth control. Foreword by Jeannine Parvati Baker.
Blessed Thistle Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz. - Today Blessed Thistle is used to treat digestive problems. It also cleanses the blood, improves circulation, and strengthens the heart. Blessed Thistle increases the appetite and stomach secretions, and works to heal liver and gallbladder diseases. It is also used for menopause and menstrual cramps, and can aid in increasing milk flow in nursing mothers. Blessed Thistle is known to alleviate inflammation as well, and there is some evidence to suggest that compounds in this herb have anti-HIV activity. Suggested Dosage or Use: Take 6-12 drops in liquid or under the tongue, 1-3 times/day. Ingredients: Blessed Thistle, R/O Water, 12% grain Alcohol.
Squaw Vine Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz. - Squaw Vine is used as a preparation for childbirth. Squaw Vine is often used for both menstruating and pregnant women. Native Americans used Squaw Vine in the last few weeks of pregnancy to prepare for childbirth. Used for menstrual irregularities (amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, and menorrhagia) and for vaginal discharge (antiseptic properties for vaginal infections). Suggested Dosage or Use: Take 6-12 drops in liquid or under the tongue, 1-3 times/day. Ingredients: Squaw Vine, R/O Water, 12-24% grain Alcohol.
Blue Cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides) Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz. - Blue Cohosh is used to regulate the menstrual flow and for treating suppressed menstruation. This herb eases muscle spasms and stimulates uterine contractions for childbirth. Blue Cohosh supplements have also been used to improve memory and calm nerves. Suggested Dosage or Use: Take 6-12 drops in liquid or under the tongue, 1-3 times/day. Ingredients: Blue Cohosh, R/O Water, 12% grain Alcohol.
Black Cohosh Tincture, Menopausal Herb, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz. - Germany's Commission E recommends using Black Cohosh as a menopause herb and for dysmenorrhea and PMS. Clinical results show improvement in hot flashes, sweating, headache, vertigo, heart palpitations, tinnitus, nervousness, irritability, sleep disturbance, anxiety, vaginal dryness, and depression. As a menopause herb, medical studies reported Black Cohosh to be more effective than estrogen in relieving symptoms and in normalizing the appearance of vaginal cells under microscopic evaluation. Suggested Dosage or Use: Take 6-12 drops in liquid or under the tongue, 1-3 times/day. Ingredients: Black Cohosh (Cimicfuga racemosa), R/O Water, 12% grain Alcohol.
Mother-To-Be Maternity Support Belt with Insert, Model 6090-1-Small - Transfers weight from the abdomen to the spine to help relieve strained ligaments and muscles. Also helps eliminate low back, leg and abdominal pain. Improves blood circulation in the legs and reduces pelvic pressure.
Mother-To-Be Maternity Support Belt with Insert, Model 6090-2-Medium - Transfers weight from the abdomen to the spine to help relieve strained ligaments and muscles. Also helps eliminate low back, leg and abdominal pain. Improves blood circulation in the legs and reduces pelvic pressure.
Mother-To-Be Maternity Support Belt with Insert, Model 6090-3-Large - Transfers weight from the abdomen to the spine to help relieve strained ligaments and muscles. Also helps eliminate low back, leg and abdominal pain. Improves blood circulation in the legs and reduces pelvic pressure.
Mother-To-Be Maternity Support Belt with Insert, Model 6090-5-XLarge - Transfers weight from the abdomen to the spine to help relieve strained ligaments and muscles. Also helps eliminate low back, leg and abdominal pain. Improves blood circulation in the legs and reduces pelvic pressure.
Pain Formula Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz. - Use the Pain Formula to alleviate pain naturally.
Nausea / Morning & Motion Sickness Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz. - The Nausea/Morning & Motion Sickness Tincture is for upset stomach, nausea, and morning sickness. It helps to soothe and calm the stomach.
St. John's Wort Herb Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz. - St. John's Wort is mainly used for the treatment of mild to moderate depression. Consult with your health care provider if you are using anti-depressant medication before using this tincture.
Arnica Montana Tincture, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz. - Arnica Montana is used primarily to relieve the aftereffects of falls, blows, sports injuries and overexertion. Athletes, coaches, and trainers use it to treat a variety of sports injuries. Arnica relieves pain, swelling, and stiffness, and heals bruises caused by physical trauma. Arnica is also used on irritated nasal passages and lips. A compress of Arnica tea can be put on the stomach to relieve abdominal pains. This plant is seldom used internally because of its irritant effect on the stomach. Suggested Dosage or Use: Take 6-12 drops, 1-3 times per day, in juice, water, tea or under the tongue and discontinue when well. Ingredients: Arnica, R/O Water, 12% grain Alcohol.
Birth & Childbirth / Labor Supplements & Products
Birth Preparation Supplements & Products
Mountain Rose Bulk Herbs
Mountain Rose Aromatherapy Oils
Mountain Rose Herbs, Aromatherapy Oils A-B
Mountain Rose Herbs, Aromatherapy Oils C-E
Mountain Rose Herbs, Aromatherapy Oils F-L
Mountain Rose Herbs, Aromatherapy Oils M-P
Mountain Rose Herbs, Aromatherapy Oils Q-Z
Mountain Rose Herbs, Aromatherapy Oils: Oil Blends & Resins
Mountain Rose Herbs, Aromatherapy Oils: Diffusers, Nebulizers, & Burners
Mountain Rose Herbs, Aromatherapy Oils: Oil Kits
Click Here To Visit Herbal Remedies Product Page
STAGES OF LABOR & DELIVERY
Labor & Delivery Overview Stage 1 of Labor
- Phase 1 (Early or Latent Phase)
- Phase 2 (Active Phase)
- Phase 3 (Transitional Phase)
Stage 2 of Labor
Stage 3 of Labor & Birth
Stage 4 of Labor & Birth
MoonDragon's Birthing Guidelines: PostDates Pregnancy
