How To Get Labor Started Naturally

A week-by-week protocol for preparing your body to begin labor naturally. 

1.   Starting at 32 weeks

Drink 1 -2 cups of Red Raspberry Leaf tea per day

Recipe

•  Boil water and let it cool for a few minutes
• Add 1-2 teaspoons of loose leaf red raspberry leaf tea to a tea infuser or tea bag
• Place the tea infuser or tea bag in a cup and pour the hot water over it
• Let the tea steep for 5-10 minutes
• Remove the tea infuser or tea bag and enjoy your tea

2.   Starting at 37 weeks

Eat four large pitted Medjool dates each day to increase uterine sensitivity to oxytocin

Serving ideas

• Slice each date vertically and remove pit. Fill with one tablespoon cream cheese and top with a raw, unsalted pecan or walnut

• Remove pits and blend dates into a green or fruit smoothie

• Blend dates and use as sweetener in baked goods

3.   Starting at 38 weeks

Insert one 1000 mg capsule of Evening Primrose Oil in the vagina nightly

Tips

• Some people should not use EPO: use only after discussing with your care provider

• Place the capsule as close to your cervix as possible, before bed

• DO NOT use EPO if you have a history of blood clotting disorders or postpartum hemorrhage

4.   After 40 weeks

To avoid medical induction, nipple stimulation can be used after your due date has passed, with the approval of your birth care provider. Complete this protocol no more than three times in a 24 hour period, with at least one hour in between sessions

 Nipple stimulation by hand

• Sit upright in a comfortable position. Uncover breasts and apply unscented oil such as jojoba or olive oil to areolae and nipples

• Starting with the right breast, use your thumb, pointer, and middle fingers to massage, sliding fingers from the edges of the areola to the nipple, pulling gently and rhythmically. Do not pinch or squeeze too hard; it shouldn’t be painful. Breathe slowly and rhythmically. Continue massaging and tugging the right areola and nipple for five minutes, then switch to the left breast. Alternate between the right and left breasts every five minutes, for no longer than 30 minutes

• When your uterus begins to tighten, STOP the nipple stimulation until the contraction ends, and then continue for a total of five minutes per side. Do not stimulate the nipples during a contraction

• Stop if you feel any pain, or if uterine contractions begin to last longer than 90 seconds each

• Wait at least one hour before the next 30 minute session

Nipple stimulation with your partner

• Sit upright in a comfortable position and uncover breasts

• Starting with the right breast, partner can use lips and tongue to stimulate the nipple gently; this should feel comfortable, with no pain. Breathe slowly and rhythmically. Partner should continue for five minutes, and then switch to the other side, alternating between the breasts at five minute intervals, up to 30 minutes

• It may be easier for your partner to alternate between using their mouth and massaging the nipple with their fingers, in the manner described above

• Only stimulate one nipple at a time, and pause when the uterus begins to tighten. Once the contraction ends, they can resume stimulation. Do NOT stimulate the nipples during a contraction

• Stop if you feel any pain, or if uterine contractions begin to last longer than 90 seconds each

• Wait at least one hour before the next 30 minute session

Nipple stimulation with a battery operated vibrator

• Sit upright in a comfortable position and uncover breasts. Apply unscented oil to the areolae and nipples

• Starting with the right breast, turn the vibrator on to a comfortable setting and apply it to the areola and nipple. Massage in a circular motion. Breathe slowly and rhythmically, continuing stimulation for five minutes. Switch to the other side, and alternate for five minute intervals, up to 30 minutes

• Only stimulate one nipple at a time, and pause when the uterus begins to tighten. Once the contraction ends, resume stimulation. Do NOT stimulate the nipples during a contraction

• Stop if you feel any pain, or if uterine contractions begin to last longer than 90 seconds each

• Wait at least one hour before the next 30 minute session

Nipple stimulation with a breast pump

• Sit upright in a comfortable position and uncover breasts. Apply unscented oil to the areolae and nipples

• Starting with the right breast, turn the vibrator on to a comfortable setting and apply it to the areola and nipple. Massage in a circular motion. Breathe slowly and rhythmically, continuing stimulation for five minutes. Switch to the other side, and alternate for five minute intervals, up to 30 minutes

• Only stimulate one nipple at a time, and pause when the uterus begins to tighten. Once the contraction ends, resume stimulation. Do NOT stimulate the nipples during a contraction

• Stop if you feel any pain, or if uterine contractions begin to last longer than 90 seconds each

• Wait at least one hour before the next 30 minute session

5.   Other ways to help your body go into labor

• Take a 20 minute walk each day

• Hypnosis can help! Find a qualified hypnotist and ask for a session devoted to getting labor started

• Have regular vaginal intercourse. Allow semen to remain in the vagina so that it can help soften and thin the cervix over time

• Orgasms cause contractions which tone and strengthen the uterine muscles

• The combination of nipple stimulation + orgasm + semen on the cervix kills three birds with one stone! Regular sex during the last few weeks of pregnancy is the safest, most fun, and most effective way to encourage labor to begin

Affirmations for Starting Labor Naturally

My body knows how to birth

My baby knows when to be born

I am ready to welcome my baby

I am prepared for a safe, joyful, comfortable birth

My birth location is a safe, peaceful birthing nest

Everything I see in my birthing space relaxes and reassures me

Everything I hear in my birthing space calms and soothes me

I walk into my birthing space with excitement and confidence

My birthing space is sacred and supportive

My birth choices belong to me

My birthing body belongs to me

My care provider is safe and supportive

My partner knows exactly how to love and support me

I trust the wisdom of nature

I am waiting patiently for labor to begin

My heart is open and ready to meet my baby

My cervix is open and ready to release my baby

I see my cervix softening and opening for my baby

My baby is in the perfect position for birth

I see my baby moving down deeper into my pelvis

The more I relax, the better I feel

The deeper I breathe, the better I feel