[jakobsmom]

Just a little question about red raspeberry leaf tea.
With my son, the midwife recommended that I start drinking a bunch each day at about 28 weeks. Now with my second pregnancy I am beging todl to wait until 34 weeks. With my sone I had a fantastic delivery - he was born at 38 weeks - although I was on bedrest from 34-36 weeks for some preterm cramping.

Any sugeestions or experience on when to start. I had such a great experience with my son that I am tempted to start at the same time, even though my current midwife is worried.

 

[kerikadi]

I have heard that some people are concerned RRL could cause early labor but from what I have read those fears are unfounded.
With my last pregnancy I started drinking RRL at about 20 weeks, this time I waited longer but only because I had the stuff

I think you can start drinking it whenever you want.

Keri

 

[panda]

My midwife an birth class instructor recommended it to me and didn't tell me to wait until any specific time. I've been drinking it since 30 weeks or so without any ill effects so far.

 

[MaWhit]

You can start anytime, but if you have excessive cramping or contractions earlier than you'd like, lay off for awhile.

 

[Sustainer]

My midwife had me start drinking nettle, red raspberry leaf, red clover, oatstraw and spearmint tea starting at the very beginning of both my pregnancies and recommended continuing throughout pregnancy and beyond.

 

[Toshia]

Hello All

I am a HypnoBirthing® instructor. I give the information below as a handout in my class. Red Raspberry leaf does not cause uterine contractions as far as I know. It is a uterine tonic.Thiaos

RED RASPBERRY LEAVES (Rubus spp.)

Brewed as a tea or as an infusion, raspberry is the best known, most widely used, and safest of all uterine and pregnancy tonic herbs. It contains fragrine,
an alkaloid which gives tone to the muscles of the pelvic region, including the uterus itself.

Most of the benefits ascribed to regular use of Raspberry tea through pregnancy are traced to the nourishing source of vitamins and minerals found in this plant and to the strengthening power of fragrine - an alkaloid which gives tone to
the muscles of the pelvic region, including the uterus itself. Of special note are the rich concentration of vitamin C, the presence of vitamin E and the easily assimilated calcium and iron. Raspberry leaves also contain vitamins A and B complex and many minerals, including phosphorous and potassium.

The benefits of drinking a raspberry leaf brew before and throughout pregnancy include:

~ Increasing fertility in both men and women. Raspberry leaf is an excellent
fertility herb when combined with Red Clover.

~ Preventing miscarriage and hemorrhage. Raspberry leaf tones the uterus
and helps prevent miscarriage and postpartum hemorrhage from a relaxed
or atonic uterus.

~ Easing of morning sickness. Many attest to raspberry leaves' gentle relief
of nausea and stomach distress throughout pregnancy.

~ Reducing pain during labor and after birth. By toning the muscles used
during labor and delivery, Raspberry leaf eliminates many of the reasons for
a painful delivery and prolonged recovery. It does not, however, counter the pain of pelvic dilation.

~ Assisting in the production of plentiful breast milk. The high mineral content of Raspberry leaf assist in milk production, but its astringency may counter
that for some women.

~ Providing a safe and speedy pariuntion. Raspberry leaf works to encourage the uterus to let go and function without tension. It does not strengthen
contractions, but does allow the contracting uterus to work more effectively
and so may make the birth easier and faster.

This information is taken from:

www.susunweed.com

Herbal Allies for Pregnancy Problems
By Susun Weed