Raspberry leaf tea....

[MrsMar]

How on earth does it work? My midwife said that it is known to "tone up the uterus" and the result is a quicker more efficient labour. We were talking in the antenatal class about going over term and the things we can use to bring on labour. Raspberry leaf tea was one of them, which I had heard before, but I didn't realise it can help tone up your uterus. How on earth does it do that? Does it tone all your muscles? Can I guzzle it and not worry about going to the gym after having the baby ;) Anyone have any clue? My midwife suggested we all take it from 36 weeks anyway.

[BandofMothers]

It causes your uterus to contract, hence none before you're due.
I found it did make it contract somewhat, but after a whole box and tablets I was still 13 days overdue
Tastes like crap too. After the first cup I thought, that's not bad why do people say it's awful. As I threw the box away, I vowed if I ever even smelled it again I would be sick.

[SanetJvv]

A very food book is The Gentle Birth Method of Dr Gowri Motha (think thats her name)
It explains how this works and many other alternative ways to prepare yourself for labour. Maybe its all in the mind, but it definately worked for me, I followed her instructions and advice and I had two amazing birth experiences.

[cupcake78]

I have just bought some but only 32 weeks so can't take any yet. Sounds lovely I can't wait.

[BandofMothers]

It is actually supposed to ease the pain of the contractions during your labour too, but i would high;ly recommend the tablets, NOT the tea.

[JoMa]

it's not so much known to bring on labour, just to make it more effective when it does happen, that's why you can take it from 36 weeks, you don't have to wait to go overdue to take it.

[BandofMothers]

I started about 37 wks, it is supposed to help induce labour. Or so I was told.

Anyhoo, it's vile, but hope it helps.

[Annie75]

If you get the loose leaf tea, it's actually quite er, nice. Use a teaspoonful to about two cups of water in a teapot and leave it to brew for about 5-8 mins. It tastes pretty innocuous in my opinion and somehow I reckon the real stuff must always be more effective... Don't add anything to it. It tastes fine warm, too. Though maybe I've got a taste for weird tea...

[choufleur]

If you dont like the taste (i didnt thought it was foul). You can get capsules. Not sure how well they work though i took it and tried various other things, but was still overdue by 6 days.

[Lucylou21]

It tastes horrid at first but you get used to it! I'm definately going to drink it again with my second as I want to beat my six hour labour time. I'm not sure if it actually helped but it made me feel more confident!

[scoobydoo33]

Hey guys, I have been advised that you can start taking it daily from 32 weeks (preferably in capsule form) and it will help speed up the second stage of labour, the delivery of your baby....hey, it's worth a try!

[MrsMar]

Thanks for all the replies. I think I'll get the capsules and tea and see which is more tolerable. A six hour labour first time out sounds great lucylou!

[lulumama]

i added honey to the tea, which made it palatable

had a 3 1/4 hour established labour, so that will do for me!

[MrsMar]

was that first labour lulumama?

Good tip about the honey, I presume it doesn't interfere with the tea's uterus toning abilities?

[lulumama]

no, second one..sorry !!! but much , much better than my first labour

honey won;t interfere with it

also, you can drink it during labor and after, which can help the uterus contract down

[MrsMar]

I'm definitely going to try it then... I'll be making up my thermos before going to the hospital

[annalouise19]

The herb Raspberry Leaf can help to cause contractions as it stimulates the uterus. Therefore, it is best not to have it too much before week 37 or 38. It can also help with after-pains which I really suffered from with both pregnancies. Mama Tea do a raspberry leaf tea that tastes lovely!