Natural Ways to Bring on Labour

The last few weeks of pregnancy can often seem to drag by. Mother feels more than ready to give birth but she must also remember that there could be reasons for the seeming delay. This includes possible miscalculation in dates or the affect of adrenaline in the body if mother feels stressed or nervous as this can potentially hold-up labour. Or, baby may not be ready yet to join the world.

Even so, the due date can pass by and mother is wondering about natural ways to bring on labour. She will hear all sorts of suggestions and will no doubt try one or two herself. Here are some safe and natural methods said to help induce labour.

Accupressure to Help Induce Labour

Accupressure involves applying pressure with fingers and thumbs to specific sensitive points of the body. This can be soothing for the mother and has no side effects when applied properly.

Points to apply pressure to induce labour are:

• Inside Heel - press just inside the heel of each foot
• Arch of Foot - apply pressure in the arch of the foot just in front of your heel. (Pain felt should never be intense); press firmly but ease off if it hurts too much.
• Between Big Toe and Second Toe - at about one finger-width below space between big toe and second toe apply pressure. The spot will feel quite tender.
• Thumb - press firmly on centre of thumb for at least three minutes then switch to other thumb.

Herbal Teas and Remedies to Help Bring on Baby

Some people use herbs to induce labour however this should be approached with caution as there can be side effects.

Herbs recommended to bring on labour include:

• Blue Cohosh - Helps tone-up uterus and prepare body for birth
• Black Cohosh - May help irregular contractions close to actual birth
• Partridge Berry - Helps reduce stress
• Evening Primrose Oil - Does not induce labour but can help soften cervix.
• Cramp Bark - A uterine toner and helps enhance relaxation
• Motherwort - Helps stimulate uterus
• Red raspberry leaf tea - A uterine tonic which has been used by Native Americans for thousands of years. This tones the uterus by encouraging Braxton Hicks contractions. It does not cause contractions and is therefore safe to take throughout pregnancy.

Note: the following herbs are not recommended during pregnancy and can be unsafe:

• Angelica, Borage Oil, Licorice Root, Mutmeg,Horsetail, Dong Quai, Goldenseal, Henbane, Comfrey and Nutmeg which in large doses can cause miscarriage.

Sex as a Means to Induce Labour

Perhaps having sex or making love is one of the most 'natural' and pleasurable of ways to induce labour. - Seemingly Semen contains prostaglandins which can stimulate contractions!

Walking to Induce Labour

- It is thought that the pressure of baby's head pressing down on cervix from inside stimulates the release of oxtocin to hopefully bring on labour. Walking can also help baby to engage.

Nipple Stimulation to Induce Labour

- Gentle rubbing or rolling the nipple with palm or fingers, or suckling nipple can encourage contractions. It is recommended that only one breast should be massaged at a time. Only massage nipple for five minutes and wait for 15 minutes before continuing with massage. Do not stimulate nipple during a contraction and do not use nipple stimulation after contractions are three minutes apart.

Relaxing bath or Massage to Induce Labour

A long relaxing bath or massage using essential oils can help relax you and perhaps stimulate the uterus in particular if you are overdue and it may be stress or anxiety that is preventing you going into labour.

Essential Oils that might Help Induce Labour Include:

• Bergamot - can help reduce pain and has a calming affect
• Clary Sage - For pain relief and may help speed up labour
• Frankincense - Calms nervous tension and helps balance emotions
• Jasmine - Reduced anxiety and pain
• Lavender - Calms, relaxes, reduces pains; may help speed up labour

Note that Essential Oils should be administered by a trained practitioner

Please be careful with your efforts to induce labour as although some will swear by one or more of the above methods, many also believe baby won't join the world until he or she is ready!