What is raspberry leaf tea supposed to do

[Mustang27]

I’m 35 weeks and I keep thinking oh yeah I need to start drinking/taking this but what is it actually supposed to do for labour? Obviously I’m aware I could google this but I was hoping to get some real life experience so that I can decide wether it’s worth trying and what way I’m supposed to take it as I think you can get it in pill form too although I may have imagined that.

Any help and pointers would be appreciated.

I believe it is a uterine tonic that is supposed to help the uterus contract more efficiently in labour.

I mainlined it in first pg and had a 75 min largely painless labour but I think that wad mainly genetics.....

It’s supposed to help give you a shorter pushing stage.

I took the tablets and drank the tea and had 3 hours of pushing before DC was pulled out with forceps. Less to do with genetics and more to do with baby's position etc

I was told it was supposed to 'soften your cervix' and make labour a lot easier.
I drank it throughout pregnancy 1, and - oddly - the midwife said 'oh you've got a lovely soft cervix'

I started drinking it at 35 weeks in all 4 of my pregnancies started on one cup and built up to about 6 a day

My labours were 45mins, 15mins, 13 mins and 15mins from my first pain to delivery

Did it work? Who knows I could of had exactly the same labours without it but after my good first labour I decided I wouldn't take the risk of not having it

I was told it strengthens the uterus for the pushing stage. DC1 was out in 2 pushes? Total antidotal data I’m preggo with No2 & will drink it again. Mainly because it isn’t rank!

I took it from 33 weeks in both my pregnancies (tablet form) from my understanding it’s supposed to strengthen contractions making them more effective?
Dd1 was born after 4hours, contractions started every min from the get go.
Dd2 I was induced and when I finally had the drip put in after days of waiting on a ward she was born in 6 hours, 3cm to fully dilated in one contraction .
Of course it could all be a coincidence but I like to think it was the tablets and I would 100% have them again.

Ok I’m convinced! Anything is worth a try and there are some convincing labours on here.

Holland and Barrett my best bet?

I've not taken it in previous pregnancies but have been drinking it since 37w this time. Am now at 40w so will hopefully be able to compare the labours soon...!

I got mine from holland and Barrett usually have offer one but two boxes and get one free

I got the organic stuff buy one get one for a penny. 2nd cup in and it’s really nice. I expected to dislike it but it’s refreshing and pleasant, let’s hope it works

It's supposed to tone the uterus. Loads of bollocks, though, obviously. You can't ingest things that will tone your muscles for you. Sadly. I'd be in much better shape if you could.

Haha Isa you just made me laugh. How good what it be if eating toned muscles.

It would be everything I have ever dreamed of!

There is good evidence to start drinking from 28weeks, 1 cup a day increasing up as pregnancy progresses. Tablets don’t have the same effect and actual leaf tea is best

What good evidence and what is it actually supposed to do?

Im a bit late to it then Mummyme but iv had 3 cups today and finding it really palatable. Iv had hg throughout so it’s nice to enjoy a flavour. Especially one that’s supposed to help. Iv had a few midwife friends and a doula friend suggest it so it’s worth a try. I also accept that it’s likely a placebo but hey they work for a lot of people, so il take it lol.

Neals Yard Remedies sell the proper leaf tea, if you’re interested.

@Uhohmummy I have a Neals Yard in the closest town do you think there it’s a massive difference?

I’m drinking Heath&Heather

I’ve never had the tea bags so can’t be sure if the difference but I did really like the loose leaf tea - and I remember reading that’s the most potent version so might be worth a try?

Cool I should be able to nip in at some point over the next week so it’s worth trying them
Both. Thank you for the heads up.