Our End of Pregnancy Recommendations
At this stage in pregnancy we have a few things we'd like you to start doing to help get your body ready for labor. It's so exciting to be so close to meeting your baby!
1. Evening Primrose Oil (EPO)
EPO is the oil from the seeds of the evening primrose plant. Evening primrose oil is used for many different medical conditions such as rashes and headaches. It also happens to be helpful in preparing your body for labor and softening your cervix.
You can get a bottle of gel capsules at Whole Foods or health food stores. The dose is not important, but most are 1300mg.
Here's how to take it:
From 35-36 weeks : 1 capsule orally daily
36-37 weeks: 1 orally, 1 vaginally at night
37+ weeks : 1 orally, 2 vaginally (morning and night)
To use it vaginally, use a clean needle to prick a hole in the capsule to release the oil and insert the entire capsule into your vagina. Some oil will leak and that's fine. Wear a pad, it might be a little messy.
You can also use the oil as a lubricant for intercourse. Having intercourse is also useful to help soften the cervix because there are prostaglandins in semen. So go for it and have sex too!
2. Red Raspberry Leaf Tea (RRLT)
Red raspberry leaf has been used medicinally for centuries. There is some clinical evidence that shows that drinking RRLT in pregnancy will lead to smoother labor and delivery. It is thought that it helps strengthen your uterus.
We recommend drinking RRLT, hot or cold, at least once daily. It's very yummy.
3. Dates.
We know this may sound strange, but there was a small study that shows that women who ate 6 dates per day had shorter and more efficient labors.
Therefore, we'd like you to try and do this! Starting at 37 weeks, please start eating 6 dates every day. They taste delicious in yogurt or oatmeal, smoothies, or just plain. We have a great recipe for date granola bars (another mama's recipe).
4. Perineal massage (more relevant for first time moms).
Perineal massage can help to reduce tearing during delivery. Here is a handout about how to do it. If you feel inspired to try it, start this at around 36 weeks.
Also, if you are interested in picking up some postpartum/breastfeeding related books, here are a few recommendations:
The Breastfeeding Mother's Guide to Making More Milk. by Diana West and Lisa Marasco
The First Forty Days. The essential art of nourishing the new mother. by Heng Ou - This book is WAY MORE than just a cookbook. It talks about the postpartum period and how you can take care of yourself as well as your baby. We really love this book.
After the Birth...A Woman's Way to Wellness: A Complete Guide for Postpartum Women. by Robin Lim. A beautiful book about the postpartum period. Including physical and emotional changes you might experience as a new mama. Note: Get the1995 Edition, not the newer one.
Finally, here is an amazing article about "baby's second night" which can explain some of the changes that occur with baby's sleep on the second night of life. Remember to read this when you've gone home from the hospital that first night - very helpful!
As far as the baby's position goes, there are a few recommendations:
1. Evening Primrose Oil (EPO)
EPO is the oil from the seeds of the evening primrose plant. Evening primrose oil is used for many different medical conditions such as rashes and headaches. It also happens to be helpful in preparing your body for labor and softening your cervix.
You can get a bottle of gel capsules at Whole Foods or health food stores. The dose is not important, but most are 1300mg.
Here's how to take it:
From 35-36 weeks : 1 capsule orally daily
36-37 weeks: 1 orally, 1 vaginally at night
37+ weeks : 1 orally, 2 vaginally (morning and night)
To use it vaginally, use a clean needle to prick a hole in the capsule to release the oil and insert the entire capsule into your vagina. Some oil will leak and that's fine. Wear a pad, it might be a little messy.
You can also use the oil as a lubricant for intercourse. Having intercourse is also useful to help soften the cervix because there are prostaglandins in semen. So go for it and have sex too!
2. Red Raspberry Leaf Tea (RRLT)
Red raspberry leaf has been used medicinally for centuries. There is some clinical evidence that shows that drinking RRLT in pregnancy will lead to smoother labor and delivery. It is thought that it helps strengthen your uterus.
We recommend drinking RRLT, hot or cold, at least once daily. It's very yummy.
3. Dates.
We know this may sound strange, but there was a small study that shows that women who ate 6 dates per day had shorter and more efficient labors.
Therefore, we'd like you to try and do this! Starting at 37 weeks, please start eating 6 dates every day. They taste delicious in yogurt or oatmeal, smoothies, or just plain. We have a great recipe for date granola bars (another mama's recipe).
4. Perineal massage (more relevant for first time moms).
Perineal massage can help to reduce tearing during delivery. Here is a handout about how to do it. If you feel inspired to try it, start this at around 36 weeks.
Also, if you are interested in picking up some postpartum/breastfeeding related books, here are a few recommendations:
The Breastfeeding Mother's Guide to Making More Milk. by Diana West and Lisa Marasco
The First Forty Days. The essential art of nourishing the new mother. by Heng Ou - This book is WAY MORE than just a cookbook. It talks about the postpartum period and how you can take care of yourself as well as your baby. We really love this book.
After the Birth...A Woman's Way to Wellness: A Complete Guide for Postpartum Women. by Robin Lim. A beautiful book about the postpartum period. Including physical and emotional changes you might experience as a new mama. Note: Get the1995 Edition, not the newer one.
Finally, here is an amazing article about "baby's second night" which can explain some of the changes that occur with baby's sleep on the second night of life. Remember to read this when you've gone home from the hospital that first night - very helpful!
As far as the baby's position goes, there are a few recommendations:
- Sit on a birth ball, or turn your straight-backed chair around & sit on it backwards (leaning over the back of the seat). Absolutely no reclining or relaxing in a slouch on the couch. (sorry!)
- Walking regularly.
- Side-lying release twice a week.
- Miles Circuit starting at 37 weeks (read the "when should I do it" section) if the baby still seems to be face up.