~*Ways to help speed up the labor process*~

original poster fecia

The best natural way that seems to work for most mothers is to have sex!

After intercourse the woman should try to keep the semen around her cervix for as long as is comfortable. Semen contains the wonderful natural prostaglandins that help ripen the cervix. Orgasm also releases hormones to assist uterine activity.

More natural, at-home methods to stimulate labor include nipple stimulation, which helps aid the body in releasing its own natural oxytocin. This can be done by applying a warm towel to both breasts for five minutes or massaging one breast for 10 minutes. Gently roll the nipple (twist back and forth) and stop when you feel a contraction. If this is going to work, uterine contractions will usually be felt within 20 minutes.

I have also heard of having a warm bath, but because baths just make me relax I can't imagine how this may bring on labour.

Another myth is to eat a spicy, hot meal. In our community, this generally gives diarrhoea, which, with all the gastric motility, gives a woman one hell of a belly ache!

Raspberry leaf is very good for ensuring contractions are good. It may be taken as an infusion or by tablet. Scientific proof is being gathered via a double blind randomised trial through Westmead Hospital, Sydney, Australia. Midwives there have already run a pilot study. They believe tablets are best as the dose is more accurate than herbal infusions. This paper was presented at the 11th Biennial Australian College of Midwives' Conference, Hobart, Tasmania in early September.

Don't forget about simple relaxation! Anxiety produces hormones that may delay labor

Ive heard all of those. Never tried any. I was induced because of my blood pressure but next time around, Ill be sure to!

I know for a fact that having sex works the best.  

LouAnn1983 wrote: original poster fecia

The best natural way that seems to work for most mothers is to have sex!

After intercourse the woman should try to keep the semen around her cervix for as long as is comfortable. Semen contains the wonderful natural prostaglandins that help ripen the cervix. Orgasm also releases hormones to assist uterine activity.

More natural, at-home methods to stimulate labor include nipple stimulation, which helps aid the body in releasing its own natural oxytocin. This can be done by applying a warm towel to both breasts for five minutes or massaging one breast for 10 minutes. Gently roll the nipple (twist back and forth) and stop when you feel a contraction. If this is going to work, uterine contractions will usually be felt within 20 minutes.

[b]I have also heard of having a warm bath, but because baths just make me relax I can't imagine how this may bring on labour. [/b]

Another myth is to eat a spicy, hot meal. In our community, this generally gives diarrhoea, which, with all the gastric motility, gives a woman one hell of a belly ache!

Raspberry leaf is very good for ensuring contractions are good. It may be taken as an infusion or by tablet. Scientific proof is being gathered via a double blind randomised trial through Westmead Hospital, Sydney, Australia. Midwives there have already run a pilot study. They believe tablets are best as the dose is more accurate than herbal infusions. This paper was presented at the 11th Biennial Australian College of Midwives' Conference, Hobart, Tasmania in early September.

Don't forget about simple relaxation! Anxiety produces hormones that may delay labor

I think the original poster was a little confused with that part. Cuz she said she didnt know how relaxing would help her go into labor but then at the end of the post she says to not forget to relax...... lol... A lot of these sound helpful though. I might try a few. So far the sex hasn't worked but who knows.

One of my friends said I should bribe the baby to come out. I'm in my 40th week right now so I want her out.

Worked for me! My son came 6 days early.. thank god! Nipple stimulation works best is what I found out and I learned it from the Bradley Method classes... it is the most natural way to stimulate labor... works like Patocin - but without the drugs!

I agree, Had sex the night before i went into labor. work up in the morning to my water braking. 1 day before i was going to be induced. WOOT, never thought sex would be so handy. I have a sced c section this time around so not tryen for me * pouts* o well. lol due sep 2th but will have baby around sep 12th 39 weeks

sounds like a good idea. I'm on bedrest so i am not allowed to have sex due to a short cervix. But around week 38/39 if i make it that long.. then SEX FOR ME!  

the nipple stimulation definetly works. for me, i gently pulled on my nipples as if a baby was suckin on them...i did this for 2 days and went into labor 12 days early...i got tired of being pregnant and wanted my baby!!

I had sex all throughout all of my pregnancies so that's not a labor inducer for me...LOL

Stripping my membranes at the doc's office for 2 pg's seemed to do the trick though.

I'm 36 weeks and have had sex the whole way through ... obviously no baby yet ... when I get a little closer I plan on trying sex, nipple stimulation, and baby even the rasperry leaf thing, but for now I'm just waiting and hoping I don't go overdue.

I can say for sure that nipple stimulatin works. With my son I was a few days past due. I watched on TV about nipple stimulation tried it that night around 8 had 2 really strong contractions. Then about 30 minutes later had another one. Went home took a shower, went to bed. Woke around 1 or 2 am with regular 5 minute apart contractions. Went to the hospital at 7 am was 4 cm dilated 80% effaced. Had a healthy baby 12 hours later.

I obviously am nowhere near this, but wanted to comment on the nipple stimuation thing.

Apparently the affects of it can be VERY strong - similar to the affects of pitocen for inducing or augmenting (speeding up) labour, and some experts recommend to proceed with caution because it can cause such strong contractions.

Here's the link where I read it:

http://www.birthingnaturally.net/cn/technique/nipple.html

im allready a week overdue ---will definately try nipple trick tonight 
As i allready done hot baths,indian,curry -pineaple  running stairs .....and little fella is still show no sign .....feeling really tired.

OOOOOOOh mannn I'm going to try this! Thanks for the post=]