Whilst no natural remedy will ‘force’ your body into labour before it is ready, there are some things you can do to help encourage the onset of contractions and prepare your cervix for labour. Many of the remedies below help encourage the body’s natural labour hormones. The release of these hormones will be at a rate your body can naturally tolerate, as opposed to hospital inductions which use very strong concentrations of these hormones (which often leads to an intense and overwhelming labour), so feel free to try all of the methods below.
Evening Primrose Oil
Evening Primrose Oil contains natural prostaglandins which help soften the cervix in preparation for labour. Take three 500mg capsules daily, from Week 36.
Raspberry Leaf Tea
Whilst this will not induce labour, it will help tone your uterine muscles and help create effective contractions when labour starts. Drink four to six cups daily, from Week 36.
Acupuncture and Acupressure
Specific acupuncture points can be used to help encourage the onset of labour. These points help your baby engage and get into the best position for labour, help soften the cervix, and trigger contractions. Acupuncture will also relax you, helping you get into a positive frame of mind for the journey ahead! You will also be coached on points you can massage at home, as acupressure is also very effective.
Nipple stimulation
Nipple stimulation is extremely effective, as it triggers the release of the hormone oxytocin, which stimulates contractions of the uterine muscles. This is why breastfeeding after labour encourages the expulsion of the placenta. Using a hand breast pump is an easy way to encourage oxytocin. This method can also be used during labour if contractions slow down.
Sex
Even though you might not feel like it! Sperm contains the most concentrated source of natural prostaglandins which help soften the cervix and encourage contractions.
Exercise/Keeping active
It is a good idea to go for frequent walks and bounce on your birth ball. This will encourage baby down, and keep a bit of pressure on your cervix. Gravity is your best friend! Too much time spent lying down will keep the pressure off your cervix and, therefore, less impetus for labour. Don’t overdo it though – you do need to rest pre-labour. This is also key in labour – keeping active (walking/moving) will help keep the contractions strong and effective, and staying upright will help move the baby down (walking/squatting/on all-fours/bouncing on birth ball)
Homeopathy
Try taking Caulophyllum 30c every hour (up to 10 doses) after your due date. Reduce the dose if contractions get too strong.
Mental preparation – your affirmation
Often, it is our own fear and anxiety that is halting the onset of labour. In nature, animals will not give birth until they feel safe, and labour will often stop if the female feels fear or anxiety (such as the presence of a predator). We humans carry the same primal instincts, and our labours cannot commence until we feel ready subconsciously (not to be confused with the frustrations of being overdue!). This is also the reason why labour can slow on arrival to hospital – fear kicks in when we leave the ‘safe’ environment of our homes. In order to help clear mental-emotional blocks and reduce our fears, write a personal affirmation on how you want your labour to be, believe it and trust that it will happen; carry it with you, and read it frequently before and during labour. Use only positive statements. An example of an affirmation is:
‘I will go into labour naturally around my due date. I will feel calm, confident, safe and empowered throughout my labour, and will tolerate my surges well. My baby will also tolerate the labour well, and will be born naturally, safely and easily. I will remain strong and focused throughout labour, and will feel supported by those around me. After the birth, my baby and I will be content and healthy. I will feel ecstatic.’
Fiona O’Farrell is a licensed acupuncturist and naturopath and runs The Gate Clinic in Greystones, Co. Wicklow. She specialises in women’s health, pregnancy, and fertility. For more information call 01 201 7210 or visit www.thegateclinic.ie.
