Perineal Massage and Raspberry Leaf Tea- when to start?

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Does anyone know when I can start doing/ taking these things?

Anything that might help on D-Day is worth a shot!

Thanks

perineal massage is from 34 weeks onwards.

I was under the impression that Raspberry Leaf tea should only be drunk to start labour so from when you are due or thereabouts to get things going.

I'm 30wks and have started perineal massage as I can still get to things! (only just mind....) and I'm rubbish at remembering to do stuff like that so figured I'd better start early.

Raspberry leaf tea is supposed to help tone the uterus and pelvic muscles, it does not bring on labour or promote contractions - some people say its ok to drink from the start of the third trimester, whilst others suggest you wait until about 35/36 weeks.

I was told by my midwives that raspberry leaf tea can actually help to get things going (if you are lucky) so personally I wouldn't want to drink it too early.

Although also been told it has no effect on some people.

The tea doesn't start labours, it is a tonic that works on the uterine muscles, and is meant to increase effectiveness and decrease pain of contractions when you do go into labour. I drank it from 38 weeks until delivery (both times over a week overdue) and I'm certain it helped, the labour I didn't drink it before was much harder work and more painful. This pregnancy I've had a cup a day from 34 weeks, and I will have 2 cups a day from 36 and then maybe 3 when I get close to my due date (figure I'll be late again otherwise I'd increase it sooner)... I have never done perineal massage and never torn (v. fast labours, 3hrs, 2hrs and 45minutes from 3cm dilated to baby in arms) but have heard that it is supposed to be helpful.