Raspberry Leaf Tea???

[jaynel]

Hi i'm 35 weeks pg and ive been told if i start drinking raspberry leaf tea now it will soften my cervix, is this true and is it harmful?. i dont want premature labour i just want to ensure i actually go into labour as my previous one was horrendous and i ended up with emergency c section due to lack of progressing, i really want a natural birth and hope this will help me, any ideas?

Hi Jaynel If you Google around there are lots of websites talking about it. What does your midwife say?

I'm 33 weeks and have started drinking it today. As far as I know, it helps make labour faster, but it doesn't bring on labour...

I bought some flesh leaves from Neal's Yard (after others on here said they liked it) and actually quite like the taste.

I am also hoping for a VBAC :-)

RLT tones your uterus which makes each contraction more effective. Different MW give different advice, I was told to start it at 32 weeks, then 35, then 36! There's quite a bit about it on the internet, but as far as I'm aware, it doesn't start labour!xx

It does not harm you to take it early but I was told the reason that it is not recommended too early is that if you go into labour it is harder to stop the contractions if you have been drinking RLT. It is widely recognised to improve the ability of your uterus to contract.

I began at 36 weeks and found it really helped with labour. I was only pushing for about an hour with my DD.

I loved the taste when I was drinking it but since giving birth I have not been able to drink it again! I am hoping this aversion passes though as I am pregnant again and would like to try it near the end once more.

I havent spoke to my midwife about it yet, do you think i should?.
Also whats the best to get, the bags or leaves or is it the same thing?

With DD1, I drank it from 37 weeks, although I was induced for medical reasons I had really strong contractions and my labour was only 6 hours 40 mins. My contractions did tail off a little at the end and I needed ventouse but I had been Nil by mouth for 24 hours before labour and couldn't eat during labour so was completely exhausted. Had I been able to eat I think it would have been quicker and not needed ventouse, no idea if the tea helped. I like herbal tea anyway so I would drink it again in the future. Worth a shot though, doesn't do any harm. Good luck

Thank u

Hi Jaynel,

The recommended time to start drinking RLT is 34 weeks. However, whether you get it at Neal's Yard or a health food shop, take note of the 'dosage' recommended on the box as they differ. I'd get the teabags, its just easier.
It doesn't bring on labour, just tones the uterine muscles making them contract more effectively in labour.
Go for it. Can't do any harm, only potential good. Best of luck.

Thank you everyone x

the lady at my health food shop said the leaves were better as it was purer. The teabags were mixed in with other 'herbal stuff' but yes read the box and check !
I think they also recommend you start with one cup a day and build up to say 3-4 cups a day so week 34 1 cup, week 35 2 cups etc.

I've alo heard if you absolutly hate the taste not to force yourself - your body knows what it needs, if it tells you it doesn't need it don't do it. You could always try it again later.