I'm about to have baby number six in 6 weeks. I've taken raspberry tea for the last few pregnancies(last three months only) and this helps speed up labors a lot. Any other suggestions for herbs or vitamins that do the same and/or reduce pain? I've been told that taking calcium helps - can anybody attest to this? And what dosage? Does anybody have experience with "hypnobirthing" (hypnotizing yourself during labor)? (Don't laugh!) Thanks.

-- Christina (introibo2000@yahoo.com), April 04, 2001

Answers

God bless you 4 was enough! I can't imagine doing it 6 times .I had very hard deliverys {3 c-sec}.Please post some pictures on the countryside friends picture page .Good luck .

-- Patty {NY State} (fodfarms@slic.com), April 05, 2001.

Homepathy works well, but you need to keep on hand possible remedies you may need during labour. I would consult a homeopathic practitioner for advice on what to keep on hand and when to use them. You can't choose one remedy in advance as they are tailored to your symptoms.

Nettle leaf tea is a good blood tonic and is thought to prevent post partum hemorrhage because it is high in vitamin K and trace minerals (including calcium). Moms usually drink it in the last weeks of pregnancy and until after labour. Oatstraw is also high in calcium if you wish to add more calcium to your diet--and is also quite safe in pregnancy.

-- amy (acook@in4web.com), April 05, 2001.

If you normally hypnotize well, hypnobirthing will probably work for you.

Don't let yourself become dehydrated during labor AND don't forget to empty your bladder often (delivering with a full bladder HURTS!!)

I took a good prenatal vitamin/mineral all through my pregnancies and lactations. I have to take a little extra magnesium though or I get leg cramps.

I'm taking a fully chelated multimineral now. I like it better than any other multi I've ever taken. It seems to take effect faster and last longer. I take Solaray Multi-Mineral Asporotate and an extra 200 mg of chelated magnesium. I took it during my last pregnancy and had a nice labor and very quick recovery. (I was bouncing down the halls 2 hours later.)

My favorite homeopathic remedies for labor and postpartum are:

Arnica - reduces swelling and bruising Hypericum - cuts and injuries to nerve rich areas (stubbed toes, etc.) Staphysagria - tears and post-op recovery

A good place to start learning about homeopathy is:

http://homeopathyhome.com

-- dmtaylor (dmtaylor@fanninelectric.com), April 08, 2001.

Calcium stops cramps in the legs, among other things. If its a natural and readily absorbed calcium, it couldn't do any harm at all.

Once you are in labor, blue and/or black cohosh tea will help to speed things along. Don't use it before, it causes contractions.

There are many herbs that will help, but the raspberry is probably the best and the safest right now - especially for internal use.

The only other caution.... STAY AWAY FROM RUE!!! yes, it will cause contractions, but it can also be poisonous in the effective dose. Don't take any internally OR externally!!!!

After delivery, dandelion tea will help get rid of any excess fluids, and a comfrey/arnica poultice will keep breasts from becoming sore and dry. The tea mixed with a little vegetable shortening will make a great cream.

-- Sue Diederich (willow666@rocketmail.com), April 09, 2001.