Rasberry leaf tea

[duckyisback]

Did you drink it? And do you think it makes a difference in labour?

Have been thinking I'll give it a try, do I just drink one cup a day?

[feesh]

What does it taste like? Was thinking of getting some, but I generally can't stand 'alternative' teas.

[Wishfulmakeupping]

My friend swore it worked for her- both times I sped things up by walking lots. Good luck :)

[Footle]

Tastes foul. Didn't help my labours. Don't use it before full term, because it does have an effect on some women.

[notquitegrownup2]

I started with a cup a day from - I think - about 36 weeks, and stepped it up to 2 a day from 37 weeks. DS2 was born at 38 weeks, and I had a muuuuch easier labour than with DS1 (I hadn't heard of raspberry tea then!)

Can't say for definite that it was because of the RLT, but it might have been.

Best of luck

[duckyisback]

Thank you.

I haven't tried it yet, will be going to get some later.

I only drink tea and water usually as I don't like the tastes of stuff but hoping i can just drink it if it will help.

Had a 3 day labour and very difficult birth with ds so hoping it might help speed things up a bit.

Am currently 36+1, due to be induced at 38 weeks so hoping I won't need to go through that!

[gunting]

I wasn't allowed to drink it but I don't think I'd have bothered anyway. It's dangerous for some people to drink it but only if you have certain issues so maybe check with a midwife before.

[Ditsy4]

Yes, don't drink it too early. I drank it and it was horrible. I put honey in which was better but I don't think it made any difference.

[jusdepamplemousse]

You can take capsules as it's hard to get enough into you to make an impact from the tea and the tea is pretty rank.

I took them with DD I think from about 32 weeks. First time labour, about 9 hours long, and she was out in 2 pushes when it came to it. I think that's a lot quicker than most first time labours but have nothing to compare to myself. I wouldn't really have wanted it to go quicker as it was pretty intense although obviously the less time in pain the better. Didn't make her come early but I didn't go far over due date like a lot of prims - she was pretty bang on time at 40+2.

[Spottyladybird]

I've been taking the tablets since 35 weeks, I'm now 38 weeks so we'll see. Last time I had a 37hour labour so trying to improve on that!!

[catmombaby16]

I'm
35+6 and want to try this but I can't find it anywhere?!

Where can I buy it from?!

[duckyisback]

Will look for the tablets instead then.

Midwife said it was fine to try, but there's no evidence to support it doing anything.

I was just going to look in holland and Barrett?

[CtotheB]

I used the tablets from 36 weeks, it's meant to soften the cervix apparently in the weeks leading to labour. My labour wasn't too bad, 9 hours and not much pushing so will definitely be using it again next time!

[Spottyladybird]

I got my tablets from holland and Barrett online.

[WickerHearts]

I got the tablets from Holland and Barrett as heard the tea is disgusting, and you have to drink a lot to get a decent dose. My midwife told me it strengthens the muscles in your uterus to give you more effective contractions.
I started at about 34/35 weeks taking half dose, and now taking full dose at just over 36 weeks. This is my first baby so will have nothing to compare this labour to, but anything is worth a go

[duckyisback]

Have got the capsules.

Double checked with the midwife and she says it's ok to use.

My last labour was 3 days, had about an hour of pushing, ds then got stuck and it turned into an emergency, so will try these and report back!

[derryjojo]

Be careful, not everyone can take rlt. I know I can't.

[duckyisback]

Does anyone know why certain people shouldn't take it?

The only NHS information I can find says that it is safe to take during pregnancy but there's no scientific evidence it helps.

The bottle also states it shouldn't be taken before 30 weeks, but no other warnings.

On Emma's diary it says that certain people shouldn't take it, but doesn't say why.

[gaggiagirl]

Ooh I found something yesterday that detailed who shouldn't take it.... After I had spent £4 on it I apparently shouldnt take it..... Hang on I'll find the link.

[gaggiagirl]

here we go, you have to scroll down a bit

[MilkyMamma]

Glad I read this, gaggiagirl I drank it religiously from 36 weeks for DS and made it to established labour with ease before they realized he was breech and I needed a section. I put the ease down to the tea!

I didn't realize you shouldn't drink/take if you've had a previous section, I was poised to start drinking it in the next few weeks!

[gunting]

It has the same effect as a LOT of oestrogen and I have fibroids and a genetic mutation the predisposed me to breast and ovarian cancer so I couldn't take it.

The fact you can't take it if you have a family history of hormonal cancer would worry me enough not to take it whether I could or not I think.

[duckyisback]

Thanks for that link. Looks like I wasted £7! Have a family history of ovarian cancer

[gaggiagirl]

So it seems there are actually quite a few serious reasons not to take it.
I can't take it for minor reasons compared to your reasons.
How about clary sage oil???? It's often mentioned as having similar labour bringing properties.

[duckyisback]

I haven't heard of that either! Will have a look into it

[jusdepamplemousse]

Clary sage oil - just to warn you - is the worst bloody smell in the world and it LINGERS.