Rasberry Leaf Tea and Epi-No - worth trying? Who's had success (or not?)

[CathyS]

I am planning my 2nd VBAC in about 5/6 weeks. (I had to change hospitals to do it, but I can't wait!!). I tore slightly with my son's vbac in 1999 (my first labour). I am wondering whether I should try rasberry leaf tea and Epi-No to help with labour and to prevent tearing?

Who's had experience with these (one or both)? Also, are the rasberry leaf tablets as good as the tea itself?

[Just Me]

I used raspberry leaf tea before my first labour - I still got a 2nd degree tear. I took it to try and induce labour but not sure if that helped or not but I did go into labour at 39 weeks. I had a 40 hour labour because my baby was posterior so I am not sure if it helped my uterus to contract better or whatever it is meant to do. OP babies make things a bit different though, I think.

I figured that there is no harm in drinking the tea (except that you have to have a few cups of it everyday and sometimes I just did not feel like it). I'm not sure how the tablets compare.

Sorry - probably not an overly useful post ... hopefully someone else has some better info

[CathyS]

It's good to hear all responses, positive or not. That way I can make an informed decision. Thanks Townsvillegirl!

[LimeSlice]

I cant really comment from personal experience - I ended up with emerg c/s after 36 hours labor lol but there is an essential oil you can use on your perineum that will also help prevent tearing, helps to soften the skin for birth etc...

There is some posts I made ages ago in here Herbal Treatments in the Final Weeks
lots of info so I wont re-type it

HTH and good luck with your 2VBAC!!

[tan32]

I used Rasperry leaf tea. I tried to make sure i had a few cups a day.
My bub was 10 days late, i had a natural birth and labour of 55 minutes, bub was born posterior and i had no tearing.

[*EJ*]

I used the raspberry leaf tea tablets. I went to our local health food store at about 38 weeks to buy the tea and i was told by the ladies in the store that tablets are more effective, you take one morning and evening whereas with the drink you'd have to have at least 8 cups a day to have the same effect.
I then questioned if it was worth buying them as it was $20 a bottle and i was so close to the end anyway but they also said it's good to take after birth as it helps the uterus contract back down.

I have no info or experience in the vbac side of things. Good luck though

[Willow]

Can't comment on the epi-no, I have been very fortunate to have avoided any tearing or stitches both births. I did however have 'success' with RLT. I drank at least 3-4 cups a day and gradually increased that as I approached my EDD (I doubt I ever drank as many as 8 though). My first labour was long and drawn out, 72 hours. My second was only 5 from first niggle to birth.

I will say though that my second labour was much, much more intense and I'm not sure if that's a good thing or not!

[Fleur]

Nice to read all the posts, I am planning on using the tea but don't know when to start, or if it is suitable when planning a VBAC?
Cathy, will be very keen to hear how it goes for you!
Best of luck

[LimeSlice]

Jasp - RLT is not going to put you into labour, and is perfect for a VBAC.
RLT is very simply used for uterine preparation. You can drink it throughout you pregnancy and will not send you in to pre-term labor or anything crazy, unless you were already going to go into labor - it is not really an induction tool, except that it will help to soften the uterus ready for contractions, and allow the bubs to engage and move down lower.
This wont happen until your bubba is ready and of a certain size anyway though iykiwm.

So if it were me for a VBAC I would go the RLT anytime from where you are now, 1-2 cups a day will be more than enough, and then around your due date, up it to 4-5 cups a day.

HTH

[milliesmum]

I started taking the RLT capsules at about 38 weeks and ended up going into labour on my due date (our girl was born the next day)

I also used the epi-no from about 37 weeks and still ended with a small cut because my OB thought I was going to tear upwards but our girl had a big head

I will use it again because it helped towards me feeling in control as I knew I'd done as much preparation as I could and it was a considerable outlay

[*The_Mrs.*]

I asked my mother her take on these two things. Raspberry tea leaf, and evening primrose oil. She has her PHD in nutrition and specializes in supplements and holistic nutrition. So here is what I learned.

Raspberry Tea Leaf-
It can be taken as early as 32 weeks pregnant. Some say earlier though due to the fact it can not cause pre term labor. The RLT is used to tone the uterine muscles. It can help you with labor and contractions. It can also help with bleeding afterwards and help shrink your uterus back down to size. It can also help with breast feeding to make your milk plentiful. It can not help you go into labor early this is a old wives tale. there are two ways to take this. I suggest the tablets as you only need two a day. But if you are a tea drinker go ahead you need at least 8 cups a day to get the job done.

Evening Primrose Ol-
this can be taken orally from 34 weeks on and vaginally 36-38 weeks on. You can also just get the oil and use it for a perineum massage. This helps your cervix to soften and prepare for effacement and dilation. It has also been known to help prevent tearing.

Ladies I strongly urge you to take these two things as I will. They are both completely natural and safe.

[*becstar*]

I used RLT and I had pretty good labours, fairly quick, no tears.....BUt I attribute that to my babies all being in the 6lb category I don't think it has anything to do with the RLT.

[MamaPan]

I used RLT and EPO (when I remembered) for my last preg - and I will do so this time too...
My labout was just under 4 hrs, I did have a tear but it wasnt bad.. no idea if it helped but it certainly didnt hinder... worth a shot I say.
in fact i better get out and get my tea today so i can start drinking (though i dont think i ever did 8 cups)