When should I start drinking Raspberry Leaf Tea?

[joey123]

I took the tablets for my last pg, and thought I would try the tea this time. I think I was well and truely into my 3rd Trimester before I started on the tablets. I have just started my 2nd trimester now. Should I start yet or wait? I have heard lots of different stories. Any suggestions?

[Arimeh]

I've been told to not take it before 36 weeks. I started the RLT, EPO and perineal massage all at 36 weeks last time, and will do it again this time.

My SIL took RLT from 28 weeks in her 3rd pregnancy and had her baby 2 weeks early. Not sure if that had anything to do with it.

[Alan]

I usually suggest you start RLT at around 28 weeks

[luna moth]

I heard 28 from one midwife, and 32 from another. So I took an average, and started at 30

Try eating a little bit of dark chocolate every three or four mouthfuls - ohhhhhhhhhhh yum.

[Arimeh]

Ooh and Joey, there is a clinic on the sunny coast that does an ezy-birth kit - the meher clinic? just google them. I did that too, they supply you stuff for before labour, while you are in labour and after the birth.. its really good stuff, so you might be interested in that? I'll be contacting them again when I get closer to 36 weeks

[glenny_c]

This is the first I have heard of RLT at the end, I was taking it during the lead up to IVF. How much should I be taking? How often etc???

[Alan]

Start with 1-2 cups a day and slowly increase up to 6 cups a day

[*Sparklez*]

Wat exactly does it do? Wats it for?? I was gunna ask the same question lol lucky I found this thread
Ppl would of thought I had lost it lol
Sorry for barging in ur thread Joey 123..

[Bloom]

I started with the tablets, 2 per day from 28 weeks, continued till birth.
Once I'd gotten to 37 weeks I also drank the tea - 3-4 cups a day - I don't like the taste so I would make it strong and let it cool down and then drink it as fast as I could.
Also evening primrose oil is meant to be good later in the pregnancy. My birth centre booklet had all the info on EPO and RLT in it - I'll see if I can dig it out, if I haven't binned it.

[joey123]

Thanks guys

Amali_baby, no problems at all. The more questions the better!

[glenny_c]

OK, Wow! I am learning so much!!!

So, start the tea at 28 week! When should I start using the EPO? And is it better taken orally or inserted vaginally? (sorry...)
Anything else I can do to help prepare for a natural delivery?

[joey123]

inserted is much more effective. can't remember when i started. someone else will know though.

[Arimeh]

Glenny - I inserted 2 tablets of EPO vaginally from 36 weeks to help ripen my cervix.
I also did a perineal massage too at the same time.

[Alan]

RLT increases the blood supply to your cervix thus making it able to work harder for longer.

EPO – Start it at 36 weeks. Take orally as directed also insert 2-4 high into your vagina at bedtime (as close to your cervix as you can). Put a pad on because things can get a bit messy when you stand up.

[Babyluv]

Hi Ladies,

Just wondering what EPO stands for ?
Also wondering is the RLT that you get from T2 ok? where else could I get it from and the tablets?
What do you ladies prefer, the tea or tablets?

Sorry to butt in but i'm very interested in anything that can help me achieve my natural birth

[delphmoon]

hi.

EPO- evenong primrose oil

I took the rasberry tablets from 36 weeks... i had a 4hr labour (first bubba). Not sure if it was th tabs but will definatly do the same for next baby

[Babyluv]

Thanks Delphmoon, where did you get your raspberry tabs from?

Also another possibly silly question about the EPO. I have natures own, liquid filled capsules, do you just insert these as is & they dissolve?
My EPO is 1000 mg, would you take 2 of these orally as well as inserting 2?
And the RLT what dosage should you have per day in tab form?

[delphmoon]

I cant tell you anything about the EPO as I didnt use them....but with the Rasberry tabs- I got them from the health food shop- about $8 I think and I took them as suggested, 3 tabs 3-4 times a day. I think it was 300grams each dose. I honestly feel they did make a difference as I ran out of tabs for 3 days and couldnt find them anywhere. Finally I found a pharmacy that stocked them and I took them for a day and started getting contractions..conincidence maybe?