Natural Ways To Kickstart Labour...

Only five percent of babies make their grand entrance into the world on their given 'due date'. Considering a normal pregnancy is anywhere from 37 - 42 weeks, there is a big variety in the timeframe. I like to think about the given date as a guess date, or estimated date, or even due month, because once that given date comes around you often find you are inundated with calls and messages asking if you've had the baby yet... like you're not going to tell people!

Once you do get to around that 40 week mark, you are usually well and truly ready to meet your little bundle of joy. If you're looking to bring labour on naturally, you may find some of the following techniques kickstart your body, and baby, into action. Also consider the fact that your body and your baby work together when it comes to labour and will know when the time is right. So it is recommended that you let nature take it's course Dr. Sarah Buckley states "Any method to induce labour before mother and baby have signalled their readiness for birth (by actually going into labour), is not natural." Even though we are going to look at some natural ways to bring labour on, it is always advisable to discuss with your care provider first.

SEX... LOTS OF SEX
This is often thought of as a joke, however, sex for natural induction is a serious matter! Semen contains prostaglandin which is necessary for preparing the cervix for labour and birth by softening and thinning it down. Prostaglandin can also cause uterine contractions. ​Also when you orgasm you release oxytocin, which is one of the hormones that plays a role in starting uterine contractions.

Avoid sex however if your waters have broken as this will increase the risk of infection.

NIPPLE STIMULATION
If your body is ready for labour, you may find that nipple stimulation works a treat. When your breasts are stimulated oxytocin is again released, as it also causes milk to be ejected from the breast. As well as helping to initiate labour, oxytocin also helps labour to progress.

Support the whole breast and place your thumb and middle finger on the outer edge of the areola (the darkened area around the nipple), massage in a circular motion, gently but firmly.

​ACUPUNCTURE
Acupuncture is the traditional Chinese medicinal practice of inserting very fine needles into specific pressure points along the meridian lines of the body. It stimulates the energy within the body to act on specific organ function including uterine activity and encouraging baby into action.

ACUPRESSURE
Acupressure works the same way as acupuncture, except instead of needles, acupressure requires physical pressure to be applied to points that run along your body’s meridian system. Acupressure can start and augment labour, as well as provide discomfort and pain relief and promote calmness during labour.

​There are several pressure points that can be used, but prior to doing so, always ensure you access correct instruction from a trained professional. Debra Betts has an excellent download on acupressure points in pregnancy and labour.

EAT DATES
​I know this sounds weird... however according to several studies, eating dates for four weeks in the lead up to labour found that there was a significant reduction in medical induction and augmentation of labour. The study found that spontaneous labour occurred in 96% of women who ate dates compared to 79% of those who did not. Labour appeared to be shorter, cervical dilation on admission to hospital was higher and there was a much higher incidence of intact membranes.

GUIDED MEDITATION AND AFFIRMATIONS
The use of affirmations and guided meditation combined with relaxation breathing throughout your pregnancy has the huge bonus of developing a calm and positive mindset in the lead up to labour, that will have you relaxed and able to cope with labour and birth confidently. Fear has a negative affect of labour progress by promoting the release of adrenaline as well as other stress hormones which inhibit the flow of normal labour hormones resulting in a slowing or complete halting of labour. The more relaxed and calm you are, the more calm your baby is and the easier your body can do what it was wired to do. Practice guided meditation and affirmations throughout your pregnancy.

RASPBERRY LEAF TEA
The use of raspberry leaf tea (also available in tablet form) in the later stages of pregnancy is believed to help stimulate the uterus and encourage the onset of labour. It strengthens and tones the uterus in preparation for labour, and also has the added benefit of aiding postnatal recovery and breastmilk production.

Drink the tea regularly (and in moderation) from about 32weeks, gradually increasing the amount as you get closer to your guess date, as it takes time to build up in your system. Check with your health care provider if you are thinking about trying raspberry leaf tea as there are certain circumstances that it is best avoided - previous precipitous labour, previous or planned caesarean birth, previous premature labour or bleeding in the second half of your pregnancy.

Finally, before trying anything that may bring labour one, always confer with your health care provider to discuss possible risks. Although regarded as natural methods, any time we interfere with nature it increases the risk of potential complications. Even though you may be feeling frumpy, tired, over being pregnant, the idea is to let nature take it's course as your body and baby know when the time is exactly right.

Take the extra time to put your feet up, get yourself pampered and ensure you are fully prepared for the journey ahead.