Perineum massage is from 34 weeks onwards as far as the midwife advised. I'm gonna give it a go (when I remember), not sure how effective it will be, but figure it can't hurt to try!
As for the other stuff - not sure to be honest, I'll check back in to see if you get some more answers
My midwife suggested raspberry leaf tea from 32 weeks last time, DD came early so Im going to wait to 34 weeks this time. Seemed to help me, had a posterior bubs vaginally without intervention/ analgesia. Reminds me I need to buy some
I used all of this stuff last time and intend to do so again. Here's what I understand:
RL tea or tablets - you can start any time in the last trimester. I have just started, and using tea is more gentle than the tablet form, but some people don't like the taste. Make sure it's raspberry LEAF tea though and not just the fruit tea. It's not available in the supermarket. Personally I don't think it tastes bad, just bland. The good thing about the tea is that you can slowly build up your dose. Start at one cup a cay and work up to 4 or 5 in the last few weeks. This should help tone the uterus so that when you do have contractions they are stronger and more effective. Be careful though - if you feel you are getting strong BH contractions then slow down teh usage. I just upped to two cups a day, and found that I was getting lots of BH so cut back to one for now (as I drink it after three minutes of brewing and with teh tea bag in).
Perenium massage - can be done any time. It won't make you go into labour, just helps the area get used to stretching so you'r less likely to tear. I did this much earlier last time... better get onto it! Not omething I look forward to though... I didn't tear with a bub over 9lb so I think it helped!
EPO - this is something you shoulod not start until 34w as it can bring on labour. I used 1000mg capsules last time. Started out at 34w with 1 capsule orally and then took one morning and night by the 37w mark. At 40w I got desperate and also took it "bodily" - it stinks though when you use it like this. Put it in just before you go to bed so it stays in as long as possible and wear a pad. Be warned: That first morning (or midnight!) wee will be yucky...
You can also use clary sage essential oil at about 38 weeks. Try burning it in a candle thingo (preferably when your partner is out - mine complained no end about the smell!) or put it on a hanky under your pillow or just inside your pillow slip so you are breathing it while you sleep.
Exciting times ahead! I hope you fuind this info useful and you are able to avoid a medical induction.
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How do you prepare your body for birth?
- it stinks though when you use it like this. Put it in just before you go to bed so it stays in as long as possible and wear a pad. Be warned: That first morning (or midnight!) wee will be yucky...
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