Imagine this scenario: You’re past your due date and you know that you can’t afford to wait too long else the risks to your child will increase. At the same time, you don’t want to have to go through any medical procedure, or be forced to take drugs.
In short, you need a method of natural labor induction that is going to work – and you need one fast.
When it comes to these methods however, most seem far fetched or ineffective. And of course, very few have any form of real data backing them up so it is tough to ‘guarantee’ that labor will be induced.
Some however, do have a track record of being extremely effective:
· Blue and Black Cohosh
Since medieval times, midwives have been using certain herbs as methods of natural labor induction – and both blue and black cohosh are renowned for their properties.
Black cohosh and blue cohosh can be found in tincture form and have been known to help strengthen contractions and even trigger them (thus inducing labor). Unfortunately, the downside is that their side effects are not fully documented, and that can be cause for concern.
Black cohosh in particular has been known to thin the blood, and this could lead to excessive blood loss during labor. If you feel you must use such herbs, it is best to use them in the presence of a doctor or medical expert.
· Evening Primrose Oil
Technically speaking, evening primrose oil is not a method of natural labor induction but it does help ripen and ready the cervix, which can lead to the onset of labor.
While you should only apply it directly to the cervix at 36 weeks, you can start taking it orally even before that, at around the 34 week mark. Needless to say direct application is more effective, but if you historically have had difficulties going into labor then starting on the oral capsules earlier on could help.
· Acupressure
Of all the options that you’ll find for natural labor induction – acupressure is probably the most consistent. In fact it is so effective that you shouldn’t use it until you’re ready to go into labor.
All that you really need to perform acupressure is a knowledge of the pressure points that can help trigger contractions.
These pressure points are the Haku (in the webbing between your thumb and forefinger), the BL60 (about four fingers width above your heel), and the Bladder 32 (halfway between the buttocks crease and the spine).
Applying pressure through these points by softly massaging them should be enough to bring you into labor – assuming your body is ready for it. I recommend checking out this maternity acupressure guide which will help you induce labor with acupressure.
To guarantee natural labor induction, you should first figure out why you aren’t already in labor – and the initial port of call should be checking to see if your cervix has ‘ripened’ enough in preparation. A doctor can help you with this. If it hasn’t, you could try the evening primrose oil that has been recommended.
Assuming your body is ready to go into labor however, the single most effective way to trigger it would be acupressure – so be sure to remember the pressure points that you just learned about.
Being able to perform natural labor induction so conveniently will definitely come in handy!
