Rasberry leaf tea.

[mumzyof2]

Not sure if its an old wives tale, but drinking it in the late stages of pregnancy is supposed to make sure you dont have stitches. i drank loads of it in my first pregnancy - and didnt need stitches. Im just wondering if it actually works, or will I be wasting my time and money this time round?

HI Mumzy, This is my first time, but just thought I would let you know that my midwife swears by Raspberry tea in the last stages.
I have bought the tablet form cos I know I wont drink any herbal teas.

I have heard it works and did drink it with first but didnt get chance to see if it worked.
They say not to start till 36 weeks though.
L

It tastes so disgusting. The first thing I did after being told I was having elective section was to chuck the raspberry leaf tea bags in the bin.

Where do you get the tablets from?

I got the tablets from the same herbal shop I got the tea from.
I didn't have stitches with either, tho had a tear with DD2 that I wish they had stitched up

Im drinking the tea and have to say that I actually like the taste, although appear to be very much in the minority. I thought it's only properties were to help soften the cervix but will be pleased if I don't have to have stitches as don't fancy the perineum massage much!

I didn't drink it with my first pregnancy and established labour was 19 hours and I tore and had an epesiotomy. Drank it with my second and established labour was 40 minutes and I still tore. Make of that what you will.

Drank the loose leaf variety in last PG from week 35, 3 cups a day, because someone said it made contractions more efficient... and had a 2nd degree tear and stitches (albeit with a ventouse delivery). This being said, I was induced and had an 11 hour labour that was very efficient until the last hour, so I'm taking it again (flavoured tea bags this time, much tastier!).

i used it with dd2 and will be with this dc, the second stage was much quicker (this could of course be because it was my 2nd) i started it from about 32 wks which is what it said on the box. i heard it strengthins your uterus and makes contractions more efficiant. had tonnes of bh which i didnt have with dd1 as well.

I used it on Ds cos someone told me it helps you go into labour on or near your due date...I had Ds a day early..maybe a coincidence, not sure!
I, however, did tear and needed stitches too!
Am now 38 weeks today and havent taken it yet..maybe I should....

That's interesting about making your cervix soft. I was in the same amount of pain when I went into hospital as I was when I was 5 cm dilated with dd but was told I hadn't dilated at all. I took myself home in agony thinking my pain threshold must have got really low and had the biggest show in the world which must have been my whole cervix plug. I just made it to the hospital in time and was fully dilated on arrival and pushing!