Herb Question for the Midwives/Doulas **xposted from my DDC**

[Lizzie9984]

Xposted from my Nov. DDC---I've been experiancing prodromal/prolonged early labor since Tuesday of last week. It was suggested that I post this question here.



At this point, I need one of 2 things to happen---Either these contractions gotta stop for a while so I can REST, or the babe needs to come OUT! I'm at my wits' end here, so pooped out it's not funny anymore.....My question is, I have Motherwort on my herb shelf, and I'm aware of the labor properties of it----Would a cup of Motherwort tea be advisable?

I wouldn't be askin' if I wasn't at the end of my rope....

[AmieV]

The only thing I can find in my midwifery book is Motherwort for afterpains from breastfeeding after the birth.

Truthfully, what my midwife recommended when I had the same issue was a glass of wine and a bath. If you're opposed to alcohol (which, if you think about it...it's still better than what you'd be given in the hospital, which is a narcotic), other calming herbs are hops, skullcap, passionflower, hawthorn and chamomile. These are recommended for lowering blood pressure in pregnancy but I bet they'd help with general relaxation too.

[herbanmama]

:

A glass of wine and warm bath are what I would suggest. Hope you find some relief soon!

[daintyfrump]

Motherwort is fine. It could provide some peace, get the labor started or just be a warm cup of tea.

Glass of wine, red seems to work best, few droppers total of valerian, hops, and/or skullcap tinctures to relax and sleep.

Warm bath.

Drink lots of water.

Could be the baby's position isn't optimal. spinningbabies.com is a good resource for helping the baby move into place, usually by giving the baby more room in the pelvis to wiggle around. Once the baby finds its comfy place labor tends to pick up.

[courtenay_e]

Too, some women (not all) find that if they journal/do some emotional work they are able to kick into active labor...is there anything that you can think of that might cause you to be "hung up"?

I had prodromal labor for six weeks with both of my kids. One was posterior (though she turned during transition) and the other was perfect LOA. I think that some babies just need a slower labor. *shrug*

I am soooo sorry that you are experiencing this! I know how exhausting it can be! The midwife I assist for recommends red wine and a bath. Other midwives in the area use benedryl...

Positioning can be an issue, so it might be something you address. Chiropractic is known to be helpful, and yes, do check out spinning babies.

Good luck, mama! Have a GREAT birth.

[Jane]

Is the baby really low? Sometimes that triggers contractions, but since they aren't coming from your pituitary, it doesn't lead to "real" labor (Defined as: getting the baby out! - they sure can be "real" contractions and not be "real" labor).
Some suggestions that I have seen work:
A belly belt to support the muscles
Lots of water
A left-lateral position - pillow under back and belly, one or two between your legs
Knee-chest for a while to get baby up out of the pelvis for a while
1/2 glass warm wine, a bunch of water, and a deep bath - take a towel with you if you can't get under the water in your bath. A warm towel over your chest is part of the "treatment"

There are induction options ranging from mild (homeopathic and acupuncture) to medium (nipple stimulation) serious (castor oil) to a sure thing (rupturing the bag). ONly you can decide if you want to consider it and how far you'd go. The danger of induction is if you get labor going and the baby still doesn't come. You can get into a lot of bad situations with induction, so I think it should be used v. sparingly.