Medical induction can be a scary thought and can cause anxiety amongst many mothers. If you are looking at ways on how to self induce labor safely and naturally, here are some proven methods.
1. Walking. This method uses the pressure of the baby's head pressing down on the cervix as a means to start labor. Walking also helps get your baby into a better position for labor. There has not been any research carried out on this.
2. Eat spicy foods or pineapple. Pineapple contains the enzyme bromelain which helps to soften the cervix. Spicy foods increase digestion and may stimulate contractions and kick start labor into action. The most likely side-effect of eating large amounts of pineapple and spicy foods could be diarrhoea and heartburn. No evidence here either.
3. Having sex. Sex can help by releasing a hormone called oxytocin, which causes the utrine contractions. Additionally, semen contains prostaglandins, which will help soften the cervix. Not surprisingly there is not much evidence for this method either.
4. Castor oil is commonly mentioned but not recommended by health professionals because of the side effect of diarrhoea, nausea and potentially dehydration. Does castor oil induce labor? It acts as a powerful laxative. It is said to stimulate the digestive system causing the uterus to contract. Garry et al in 2000 showed that of 100 overdue women, fifty seven per cent went into active labour with just a single dose (60ml of castor oil).
5. Raspberry leaf tea contains the alkaloid 'fragine' which is said to strengthen and tone the muscles of the uterus. This helps them to contract more efficiently during labor. Research showed that taking raspberry leaf during the weeks prior to delivery helps to shorten the second stage of labor by making contractions more effective. There is no evidence to show that red raspberry leaf will encourage labor to begin. However, an Australian study has shown that it speeded up the second stage of labor and reduced the need for a forceps delivery (Simpson et al 2001).
6. Nipple stimulation releases the hormone oxytocin which initiates contractions and induces labour. A study conducted in 2005 (Kavanagh et al) showed thrity seven percent of women who used nipple stimulation into labour within 72 hours.
7. Acupressure works by stimulating specific points in the body which trigger the release of hormones and cause uterine contractions. A study in 2005 (Complement Ther Med) revealed that the number of women who went into labor was significantly higher in the acupressure group compared to those who were not using acupressure.
Read a review of Easier, Shorter and Safer Birth using Maternity Acupressure by Dr. Lena Leno.
Even more significant is the results published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 2004. This study showed that by stimulating one single acupressure point labor pains were significantly reduced and total labor time was much shorter. Unlike pain relief medications such as epidurals, acupressure does not slow down the labor process hence reducing the risk of complications to the baby. There is no evidence of any adverse effects on mother or baby.
Maternity acupressure has been recommended by midwives and health professionals as one of the most effective ways to self induce labor at home.
Start learning the techniques now with this easy to follow, step by step guide complete with illustrations. Click here to find out more.
Read a review of Easier, Shorter and Safer Birth using Maternity Acupressure by Dr. Lena Leno.
1. Walking. This method uses the pressure of the baby's head pressing down on the cervix as a means to start labor. Walking also helps get your baby into a better position for labor. There has not been any research carried out on this.
2. Eat spicy foods or pineapple. Pineapple contains the enzyme bromelain which helps to soften the cervix. Spicy foods increase digestion and may stimulate contractions and kick start labor into action. The most likely side-effect of eating large amounts of pineapple and spicy foods could be diarrhoea and heartburn. No evidence here either.
3. Having sex. Sex can help by releasing a hormone called oxytocin, which causes the utrine contractions. Additionally, semen contains prostaglandins, which will help soften the cervix. Not surprisingly there is not much evidence for this method either.
4. Castor oil is commonly mentioned but not recommended by health professionals because of the side effect of diarrhoea, nausea and potentially dehydration. Does castor oil induce labor? It acts as a powerful laxative. It is said to stimulate the digestive system causing the uterus to contract. Garry et al in 2000 showed that of 100 overdue women, fifty seven per cent went into active labour with just a single dose (60ml of castor oil).
5. Raspberry leaf tea contains the alkaloid 'fragine' which is said to strengthen and tone the muscles of the uterus. This helps them to contract more efficiently during labor. Research showed that taking raspberry leaf during the weeks prior to delivery helps to shorten the second stage of labor by making contractions more effective. There is no evidence to show that red raspberry leaf will encourage labor to begin. However, an Australian study has shown that it speeded up the second stage of labor and reduced the need for a forceps delivery (Simpson et al 2001).
6. Nipple stimulation releases the hormone oxytocin which initiates contractions and induces labour. A study conducted in 2005 (Kavanagh et al) showed thrity seven percent of women who used nipple stimulation into labour within 72 hours.
7. Acupressure works by stimulating specific points in the body which trigger the release of hormones and cause uterine contractions. A study in 2005 (Complement Ther Med) revealed that the number of women who went into labor was significantly higher in the acupressure group compared to those who were not using acupressure.
Read a review of Easier, Shorter and Safer Birth using Maternity Acupressure by Dr. Lena Leno.
Even more significant is the results published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 2004. This study showed that by stimulating one single acupressure point labor pains were significantly reduced and total labor time was much shorter. Unlike pain relief medications such as epidurals, acupressure does not slow down the labor process hence reducing the risk of complications to the baby. There is no evidence of any adverse effects on mother or baby.
Maternity acupressure has been recommended by midwives and health professionals as one of the most effective ways to self induce labor at home.
Start learning the techniques now with this easy to follow, step by step guide complete with illustrations. Click here to find out more.
Read a review of Easier, Shorter and Safer Birth using Maternity Acupressure by Dr. Lena Leno.
