Raspberry Leaf tea/tablets

[LittleMissSnowShine]

So I was in Holland and Barrett last week and I stocked up on some raspberry leaf tablets and a big box of the tea.

The tablets are huge, big, powder-filled capsules. Gag!

Which have people found more effective - the tea or the tablets? Or neither? And when did you start taking them? I'm 29+3 now and some people have told me to start taking them at 31 weeks but is that too early???

Thanks!!!

I was told not to take them before 35 weeks by my midwife. I took the tablets as I hate the flavour of the tea. They strengthen the uterus and can shorten the second stage of labour. I had a second stage of 3 minutes so totally believe in their effectiveness I took 2 tabs a day for 1 week then increased by 1 tab a week until at 39 weeks I was taking 5 a day which my midwife said was a good does.

5 a day? wow!! going to have to get over my hatred of taking tablets lol

At least I have another 5 weeks to psych myself up tho, if I follow what you did. Second stage of only 3 mins? i'll have what she's having

I started taking the tabs at 32 weeks, just 2 a day and upped it to the maximum (according to the packaging) of 6 a day from 35 weeks. I really enjoy the tea as well though, so have been drinking a few cups of that a day and reducing the tablets accordingly.

Like oops says it reduces your second stage (my entire labour was logged as 2 hrs 45 mins with dc1) and is also very good for after birth in order to help your uterus boing back to shape. I've recently read that it's excellent for the early stages of breastfeeding as it apparently can improve the quality of your milk.

It's a miracle herb!

I thought it was a load of rubbish?
But I am starting to take them for my second (38 weeks)
With my first, my established labour was 2hrs 30.
I couldn't remember how many to take, so glad this thread is here.
I have only been having a drink of the leaf tea with breakfast.
Then a tablet with lunch, then tea.
But I think I will increase the tablets if 5 are allowed?
Hope it works this time?

Hmm..32 weeks you say... I guess I'll ask MW but my community MW is kind of...taciturn to put it politely lol and I suspect she'll be really dismissive about the whole idea of taking them at all. Think might give it a go from about 34 weeks and see what happens!!

Hello

Just wanted to say I tried the raspberry leaf tea thing - turned out I couldn't stomach the taste of the tea and the capsules were HUGE!!

That said, my labour was very short (got to hosp at 9.45pm, DD arrived 1.14am). DD is my first child and think I was incredibly lucky. That said, glad I didn't make myself continue with the tea or tablets.

Give the tabs or tea a try, but if you don't like them don't worry too much - who knows you may be lucky and have a short labour anyway!