Pre-birth "priming" for birth
Printed From: OHbaby!
Category: Pregnant
Forum Name: Pregnancy
Forum Description: Pregnant! Wanting to chat to other mums-to-be (or dads-to-be)? Share your thoughts, experiences, and ideas... This is that place!
URL: https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=35822
Printed Date: 17 August 2025 at 3:45pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.05 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Pre-birth "priming" for birth
Posted By: fire_engine
Subject: Pre-birth "priming" for birth
Date Posted: 20 September 2010 at 11:35am
|
Can't quite find the right words for the topic!
I'm curious about what people have used in an attempt to get their uterus/cervix primed for labour. E.g. EPO, raspberry leaf tea etc. Has anyone tried "birth prep" tonic? Have you tried something that had bad side effects? I'm not wanting the baby out early and I'm not expecting that - I think I'm a long & slow cooker and I know that bubs will come when it's ready. However, I would like to avoid another medical induction (which I'm putting off till at least 42 weeks) so am starting to explore natural remedies that might (emphasis might) help. ------------- Mum to two wee boys |
Replies:
Posted By: kebakat
Date Posted: 20 September 2010 at 11:45am
| I just used EPO and naturopharm prebirth spray. Will probably do the same again. |
Posted By: Peanut
Date Posted: 20 September 2010 at 11:57am
|
I used 5W tablets. I had both my boys at 38 weeks, 1st induced, 2nd not. Shortish labours of around 7-8 hours. Easy to take too. -------------  
|
Posted By: newme
Date Posted: 20 September 2010 at 11:59am
|
I will start using EPO and 5W (which contains red raspberry leaf tea) at 35 weeks. Every night I also visualise my baby turning head down (as my son was breech), and I visualise that from 36 weeks my cervix thining out, and from 37 weeks i imagine it starting to open and labour starting. I imagine my cervix opening sort of like a drawstring purse. And I visualise having a healthy baby born at 37 - 38 weeks.
Might sound a bit (or a lot) crazy, but the baby was head down at my last midwife appointment, and I really believe in the power of the mind. I am also going to do perenium massage at 34 weeks. I will also look at acupressure later on in pregnancy if I haven't gone into labour. I really want to avoid another c-section so will give anything a go! |
Posted By: kiwisj
Date Posted: 20 September 2010 at 12:28pm
|
I didn't have the chance to try anything the first time round but this time I'm drinking raspberry leaf tea (started at 35w) and using EPO (started last night). I'm also listening to my Hypnobirthing relaxation/birth affirmation stuff at least once a day. Oh and we've tried perineal massage a couple of times but it's weird and DH and I can't stop laughing.
Mostly I'm trying to stay positive and only listening to people who have positive things to say about birth  I looked forward to the birth of my first DS and mostly enjoyed it. So I'm hoping for a similar experience this time round (but with a full term baby!)
------------- SJ Callum - Dec 2008 Daniel - Oct 2010 |
Posted By: caliandjack
Date Posted: 20 September 2010 at 12:44pm
|
Has anyone tried the homeopathic birth mix?
------------- http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow">   [/url] Angel June 2012 |
Posted By: fire_engine
Date Posted: 20 September 2010 at 12:57pm
you know my view on it  That said, I'll probably try it again. It may well be similar to the Naturopharm one that Stacey talked about------------- Mum to two wee boys |
Posted By: caliandjack
Date Posted: 20 September 2010 at 2:07pm
|
That's what I was wondering. ------------- http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow"> [/url] Angel June 2012 |
Posted By: MamaT
Date Posted: 20 September 2010 at 2:24pm
|
I took 5W, RLT and EPO, like you I was hoping to prime my body for a straight-forward labour. My cervix did dilate well and my MW mentioned how efficient my contractions were, of course having only had one baby I don't have anything to compare it to, but I will be doing the same again next time. -------------  
|
Posted By: Emmi_
Date Posted: 20 September 2010 at 2:40pm
|
I did RRLT, EPO, sex (once! that was enough!), accupuncture (pretty much everything I could think of)
I was 3cm dilated (painlessly) for at least a week before I was induced (at 40+12) (credit the EPO for that) I never had any BH and dont think my uterus contracted very well so will drink more RRLT next time (any one know if it would help tone my uterus now? In preparation for next time?) Oh and I too visualised my cervix dilating, and think it could have helped  ------------- 
+1 May 09 Angel 
|
Posted By: scribe
Date Posted: 20 September 2010 at 2:53pm
I'd also really like to avoid an induction this time - last time I drunk raspberry leaf tea, had acupuncture and ate a hot hot curry, and I swear one of the latter two worked as my waters broke - and contractions started - a day or two later (but then things stalled  )...
Can someone please translate these acronyms, what are EPO, 5W and RLT? |
Posted By: fire_engine
Date Posted: 20 September 2010 at 3:01pm
|
EPO - evening primrose oil
5W - it's a herbal mix that includes things that are meant to help your cervix soften RLT - raspberry leaf tea ------------- Mum to two wee boys |
Posted By: scribe
Date Posted: 20 September 2010 at 3:03pm
|
Aha - thanks! Doh on the RLT
|
Posted By: Jaune
Date Posted: 20 September 2010 at 4:18pm
I'm using a homeopathic Birth Mix from Quintessence...not sure if it's doing anything. Also using RRLT tablets and EPO...and I'm 2 days overdue now. Guess I'll have to see how labour goes before I'll know if any of it was worth it...although I guess you never really know... ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
http://lilypie.com"> 
|
caliandjack wrote:Posted By: High9
Date Posted: 20 September 2010 at 4:48pm
|
I didn't use anything, just walking, everywhere. (Then again I can't drive so have to bus/walk/train it!) Anyway my mw, when I asked her about 5W tablets, RLT, EPO, etc told me not to bother and that in 'her opinion' it's a waste of time/money.
You have the right idea though about not expecting it to help you go early, because my mw told me it doesn't really do anything and all the women she's delivered babies for who have gone over have complained about it and (gone over due). Lily was born at 39 weeks, was 6cm when I arrived at the hosp, 12 hours after waters breaking. I was told not to take it before 36 weeks, but others have been told they can take it earlier so maybe that has something to do with how effective it is too? ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
|
Posted By: HoneybunsMa
Date Posted: 20 September 2010 at 5:21pm
I took a birthing/preg tonic can't for the life of me remember what its called but my mums friend who is a homeopath/massage therapist/antenatal coach (yep woman of many hats) gave it to me and she said it'd make me stretch like a rubber band
I didn't dilate quickly but I was tired and body wasn't relaxed but I was fully effaced at 39weeks when I went into labour. I'll wait till my bro comes out of the bathroom (probably for awhile too  ) and then go have a look, we have a respiratory mixture from the same company------------- http://www.myfitnesspal.com/weight-loss-ticker"> 
|
Posted By: mummyofprinces
Date Posted: 20 September 2010 at 5:26pm
|
I have been drinking RLT since 28 weeks and EPO, 1 internally since 36 weeks. Will also start the naturopharm birth spray next week....
Oh and I have telling myself I have a very big..... -------------   
|
Posted By: Emmi_
Date Posted: 20 September 2010 at 5:27pm
^ like  -------------
+1 May 09 Angel
|
Posted By: fire_engine
Date Posted: 20 September 2010 at 5:46pm
|
Despite generally being pro-evidence based care, in this case, I'm going with the "if it doesn't do harm, then I might give it a go" approach but without being so emotionally invested with it as I was with Dan (who was induced at 41+5 and born on 42+1). Hence trying to find out more about pros AND cons and if I do take stuff, I'll do it with my MW's OK (and with the help of a naturopath).
HBM - would be keen on the name of that tonic if you dare enter the bathroom at some point ------------- Mum to two wee boys |
Posted By: blondy
Date Posted: 20 September 2010 at 6:05pm
|
Just a mix of the above - 5W, RLT and EPO internally (at night) for the last 3-4 days before labour started. Lots and lots and lots of bouncing on the yoga ball thingy, and I walked an insane amount those last couple of weeks too. Those accupressure points that we were given too - can't say they did anything, but didn't hurt either. As you know, all of the above didn't bring anything on early, and my whole labour wasn't shorter, but the active part (minus the pushing bit ) was pretty effective (and it was a spontaneous start too).
Also, I still have almost a full bottle of EPO capsules, so don't buy any! (assuming they're still not expired.... will go check at some stage!) -------------  
|
Posted By: HoneybunsMa
Date Posted: 20 September 2010 at 6:28pm
|
its by Inseason Herbals NZ. They're in Waihi I couldn't find the actual product online but found plenty of other things that they make useful I know. I did find their business listing on finda.co.nz though so could probably contact them direct.
I do remember reading the bottle when I had it and it had nettles, I think raspberry leaf and some other stuff in it. I was told to pour abit of hot water on it to burn off the alcohol (which is really minimal) and then take it quickly as it tastes foul . You take 2.5mls from 34 weeks I think it is twice a day and then it ups to 5mls twice a day then 5mls 3times a day.
After I went looking I realised I could have txt mums friend but then would have got 20questions haha. That aint happening right now! ------------- http://www.myfitnesspal.com/weight-loss-ticker">
|
Posted By: caliandjack
Date Posted: 20 September 2010 at 6:42pm
Thats the one recommended be interested to know if it does anything. ------------- http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow"> [/url] Angel June 2012 |
Posted By: Jaune
Date Posted: 20 September 2010 at 8:05pm
|
I'll keep you posted! ------------- http://lilypie.com">
http://lilypie.com">
|
Posted By: fire_engine
Date Posted: 20 September 2010 at 9:12pm
|
Thanks HBM. I might ring them and see if they sell them through an Auckland based naturopath. ------------- Mum to two wee boys |
Posted By: HoneybunsMa
Date Posted: 20 September 2010 at 10:34pm
|
My naturopath? I think thats what she is is in Howick area. She does preggy massages too $45 for half hour. It's so much easier to take one thing and not have to worry about the epo and the raspberry leave tea. She used to do the antenatal classes for Auck East Parents Centre.
I'll try find her practice number. I got told if I had any questions about boobies, bleeding etc then just to txt her as mum would just ask her anyway lol ------------- http://www.myfitnesspal.com/weight-loss-ticker">
|
Posted By: WestiesGirl
Date Posted: 20 September 2010 at 11:17pm
|
I only used RLT, table form, from 35 weeks. Which I can only assume did its job seeing as I was 7cm 1.5 hours after my waters broke ------------- Our Angel July 08 Gone but not forgotten
And to complete our family, our princess has arrived 
|
Posted By: LMSunshine
Date Posted: 21 September 2010 at 1:54am
|
I didn't use anything and bubs came out on time. ------------- <a href="http://lilypie.com/"><img src="http://lb2f.lilypie.com/1ytlp10.png" width="400" height="80" border="0" alt="Lilypie Second Birthday tickers" /></a> |
Posted By: HippyMama
Date Posted: 21 September 2010 at 2:17pm
|
To go with the OP of this thread, I would like to add acupuncture to the list - which some MW's are trained to do themselves, otherwise it isn't too hard to find a good acupuncturist.
But to go slightly against the grain too, you can say no to any thing / process / procedure at any time, should you so wish... (ie: induction) ------------- Mama to two earth walkers & two angels. Remember, you are not managing an inconvenience; You are raising a human being. ~ Kittie Franz Next Slingbabies! Meet - Friday 4th May !! |
Posted By: flakesitchyfeet
Date Posted: 21 September 2010 at 6:16pm
|
I was the same Flissty! DD was 11 days late. I had to wait until after the ECV @ 38 weeks before I could do anything, but once it worked I tried:
Lots and lots of boring task orientated methodical sex. -2 EPO in the am, 2 in the PM, and 1 internally - Curry more often then usual for dinner - Scrubbing anyone's and everyone's floor. But I couldn't touch the Raspberry Leaf Tea. DS was born @ 39 weeks. -------------  http://lilypie.com"> |
Posted By: BuzzyB
Date Posted: 21 September 2010 at 6:42pm
I had the same approach as you, Flissty. DS was induced at 40+4 for BP reasons and ended up in a c-section. I'd tried everything: walking for miles, RLT, some tablets from the naturopath (sorry can't remember the name), S&S every time I saw the OB/MW from 37 weeks, acupuncture.... Obviously just wasn't meant to be. With DD, I didn't want to go over as it would have been a repeat caesar by 41 weeks. Did all the same things again (nothing to lose right!), and went 2 days over. I had a better acupuncturist though and I think that really helped. ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
http://lilypie.com"> 
|
Posted By: fire_engine
Date Posted: 21 September 2010 at 7:18pm
 Flake. Love your description of sex.
And HippyMama, you never know, I may refuse induction if it came to it. I'm still working on the "learning to trust my body"! I've come a long way since my first PG though. ------------- Mum to two wee boys |
Posted By: Plushie
Date Posted: 21 September 2010 at 7:19pm
|
I hear being active is the way to go.
But i'll throw a bid in for the rasberry leaf tea. Not that i have any experience but i hear good things. |
Posted By: HippyMama
Date Posted: 21 September 2010 at 8:17pm
This is going to sound stalkerish but... from following your posts here and on TNN, I think you are doing *so* well at working through all the masses of stuff from your last birth - I know it's an old cliche, but you ARE stronger than you know! ------------- Mama to two earth walkers & two angels. Remember, you are not managing an inconvenience; You are raising a human being. ~ Kittie Franz Next Slingbabies! Meet - Friday 4th May !! |
Posted By: _SMS_
Date Posted: 21 September 2010 at 8:20pm
|
I used EPO & RLT, neither helped me however. But i think due to DDs position nothing like that would of helped.
I want to know more about naturopharm prebirth spray, where is it from? where do you put it? and whats it meant to do?
-------------  
|
Posted By: blondy
Date Posted: 21 September 2010 at 9:22pm
 Like! (and agree too!) And I really think also that the new MW will make a world of difference as well. -------------
|
Posted By: mummyofprinces
Date Posted: 22 September 2010 at 8:18am
|
You can get the naturopharm maternity kit from places like Health2000 (lol preggy brain cant remember what they are called pmsl).
Will get mine tomorrow -------------
|
Posted By: Bexee
Date Posted: 22 September 2010 at 4:00pm
|
I did RLT from about 26/28 weeks (I can't remember but my midwife recommended it much earlier than most do) and swear by it.
DS was born 8 days early, went from 3cm dialated to him being born in two hours, his head popped out before we were ready and then he was born two mintues later. I only did EPO for a couple of days but have heard good things about RLT and would do it again with number two. I took the approach that it wasn't doing me any harm so was worht a shot! |
Posted By: Mattsmum
Date Posted: 24 September 2010 at 7:04pm
|
I have the RLT capsules. How many did you take? ------------- http://lilypie.com">  http://lilypie.com">
|
Posted By: JoJames
Date Posted: 26 September 2010 at 8:16pm
|
I didn't do anything with DS1 and he was 41+5 and an emergency c-section,
With DS2 I did 5W and EPO (only orally) and he came about a week early and was a short good VBAC, which my MW said was probably due to the 5W. I was also going to do accupuncture as my MW says that she has good results from it. Good Luck ------------- http://www.alterna-tickers.com"> 
|
Posted By: Delli
Date Posted: 26 September 2010 at 9:04pm
|
I used RLT, EPO (orally and internally) from around 36-37weeks.
Walking heaps and lots of sex throughout the whole of my pregnancy including right up until the day before birth 
Not sure if any of them helped as such but I'm with you Flissty on the may as well give it a go approach. Jude was born at 39w2d, reasonably easy, straightforward birth (as far as births go ). Whether it was anything to do with what I did beforehand, we'll never know. But may as well do the same this time, just in case ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
|
Posted By: fire_engine
Date Posted: 26 September 2010 at 9:16pm
|
Too tired for sex, LOL
Talked to my MW the other day. She recommends 5W and oral EPO from 35 weeks, vaginal EPO from 37 weeks and walking 20 minutes a day from 37 weeks. I'm walking 2-3 times a week already but will increase that now my hours at work have cut down - good for keeping my butt and thighs in shape (something resembling shape ) as well. ------------- Mum to two wee boys |
Posted By: 4thtymlucky
Date Posted: 30 September 2010 at 1:24pm
| I took a birthing tonic for a week, then acupuncture for a week starting at around 39 weeks and bubs came naturally at 41+3, it was good not to have to be medically induced... |