Natural labor induction

I have had several emails asking about labor salad and other ways I naturally got my body ready, it is great to know I have readers! I also naturally induced during 2 of my own pregnancies, so I thought this would be a fabulous blog topic! I had my water broken to induce my last pregnancy, and I am positive it only worked so well because of the preparation I had done for my body! I would like to add, that I would never try these prior to 36 weeks!

Preparing your body:

Evening Primrose Oil

Evening primrose oil is an excellent source of prostaglandins, which gets your cervix soft and ready for labor. It can be taken orally as soon as 34 weeks, and can be applied directly to the cervix at full term (36 weeks). At 38 weeks I started using 2000mg a day. I would take 1000 mg orally, and then I would vaginally insert 2 capsules right before bed. It dissolves before you wake up, but you may want to wear a panty liner in case of any leakage. 

Red Raspberry Leaf Tea

Red raspberry leaf tea is wonderful not only for preparation, but it also helps to tone your uterus after delivery, shrinking it back to size more quickly and reducing bleeding. It basically focuses your contractions, making them work better!

Load Up On Fruit!

Fresh pineapple, mango and kiwi all contain enzymes that help soften your cervix, plus they are delicious, so it’s a win win situation! You can also throw some into your labor salad when you are ready to go!

Getting Labor started:

Labor Salad

I swear by this, it has worked well for me and many other women I know! The greens in this are said to have pitocin like compounds, which mimic your body’s natural oxytocin hormone, causing contractions, here is what I put in mine:

Romaine Lettuce

Watercress

Red Cabbage

Fresh Basil

Fresh Oregano

Pineapple or other high enzyme fruit

Acupressure

There are 2 known pressure points that stimulate contractions: In the webbing of your thumb and index finger and Four finger-widths above the inside of your ankle bone.

To stimulate your hand pressure point, pinch the webbing of your hand and rub in a circular motion for 30-60 seconds at a time, taking a 1-2 minute break in between contractions.

For the calf, press firmly on the spot. It should feel sore if you've found the right spot. Press and rub in a circular motion until you have a contraction. When the contraction is done begin again.

Nipple Stimulation

This is one the most effective ways I have found to get labor going, provided your body is ready of course! I have always used a breast pump, which is the strongest and most effective way to stimulate your nipples. You HAVE to stimulate for at least 15 minutes on each side to get any benefit though! I pumped for 15-20 minutes on each side every hour for a few hours and my daughter was born that night :) Combine it with orgasm and you have a really powerful winner!

Get Busy and Get Busy!

I think everyone knows sperm has enzymes that get labor going! The longer it is exposed to the cervix the better, I put an instead cup in after sex and started walking! Movement helps so much! Walking, swinging on a swing, and doing a “hula” hoop motion all get that baby into position!

I would love to hear what has worked for you!