Natural Ways to Start Labor
Updated: Jul 30
Are you being told that if your baby doesn’t come by 40-42 weeks you will have to be induced?
Do you want to try everything you can to avoid an unnecessary induction?
Check out my tips to use natural ways to initiate labor or to get labor moving along:
1. Food
Food is very important for us, it provides nourishment and helps us grow our babies. But how does this relate to initiating labour? Some say certain foods can thoroughly stimulate your digestive system, which can also stimulate the uterus. Some other say it has to do with hormones that are secreted while eating certain foods, like prostaglandin.
Some ideas to try are:
Eggplant Parmesan – Scalini’s, an Italian restaurant in Atlanta ensures over 300 babies have birthed their babies within 48 hours of eating their Eggplant Parmesan. You will get a copy of this recipe when you take my HypnoBirthing Childbirth Education Classes!
Ginger Cookies – if you would like to get a copy of my special recipe, follow this link!
Hot & Spicy foods (Mexican, Italian, Chinese)
Pineapple
Dates - eating 6 dates pr day for starting at wee 36 helps your cervix be ready for labour and birth (Razali, N., et al. 2017)
2. Sex, Sex, Sex - Make sure your water hasn’t broken before trying this!
I know at this point, having sex can probably be one of the least things you want to do. However, semen is a natural source of prostaglandin. Synthetic prostaglandin is used to “encourage the cervix to ripen”. So, having natural prostaglandin can only be more efficient than the synthetic version.
If you are not interested in having sex, you can do some nipple and/or clitoral stimulation. When doing this, and especially when the pregnant person reaches an orgasm, their body will release oxytocin and there can be an increase of uterine activity; which can lead into the beginnings of labour.
3. Walk, walk, walk
Walking and being upright can help your baby to move down onto your cervix so that they are in the right position for labour and birth. It also helps baby’s head to apply the right pressure in the right place so that the cervix can start thinning and opening.
4. Reflexology
Reflexology is an alternative medicine that involves the application of pressure to feet and hands without the use of oil or lotion. There are a few points that help induce labour.
5. Relaxation
There’s nothing better for you and for your baby than to sit down and relax. Relax and trust that your body and your baby know when the time is right. You can relax by listening to guided relaxations/meditations, having a warm bath with soothing music, or getting an amazing relaxing massage.
6. Hypnosis
A Hypnosis session can be extremely helpful to encourage baby to start the birthing process. It is also a fantastic way to relax and release any fears and limiting thoughts that can be affecting the birthing process.
When the pregnant person is stressed or scared of the birthing process, this fear/stress can increase the secretion of catecholamines, cortisol and adrenaline. The secretion of these hormones can stop oxytocin from releasing, which in turn doesn’t allow birth to begin.
If you are interested in having a hypnosis session to encourage baby to start the labour process, schedule an appointment here.
7. Visualization
Visualizing your cervix opening is one thing you can do.
You can also visualize your baby in your arms while you talk to them and tell them it’s time.
8. Acupuncture and/or Acupressure
Acupuncture is a form of alternative medicine that involves stimulating certain points on the body with a needle, to alleviate pain or help treat health conditions. Acupuncture is often thought as natural; however, it is a way to induce labour, which makes it a medical procedure.
You should have a conversation with your healthcare provider to ensure your cervix is ready and it is safe to try acupuncture before doing it.
Acupuncture to induce labour is very effective.
Acupressure is similar to acupuncture. It’s often thought like Acupuncture without needles. Book an Acupuncture session here.
Realistically, the best tip I can give you is to relax, trust your body and your baby and buy as much time as you can with your healthcare provider; unless there is a medical reason to be induced.
Resources:
Learn more about the Scalinis’ Egplant Babies: https://scalinis.com/eggplant-babies/
For more ideas on foods to try, check out this blog post: https://www.foodandwine.com/news/10-foods-expectant-moms-eat-induce-labor
For more information on Reflexology read this post. To find a Certified Reflexologist go to the Reflexology Association of Canada.
Learn more about Acupuncture here
Check out Mom Loves Best to learn some other great tips.
#all4mommy #gentlebirth #positivebirth #calmbirth #relaxation #instinctivebirth #informeddecisions #informationispower #HypnoBirthing