Red Raspberry Leaf Tea

Well, ladies, I am going to have my baby tomorrow regardless. My due date is today, I am dialating, cervix is thin and I am having contractions on and off. My midwife is having me come in to the hospital tomorrow and she is going to strip the membranes, get things started, etc.

She suggested I drink some raspberry leaf tea in the meantime to see if anything gets jumpstarted...

I've heard of this method before, but I was curious as to HOW raspberry leaf tea is supposed to speed things along? Does anyone know if this has ever worked for someone?

Wish me luck! :)

Love you guys so much!

[cugirl]

From what Ive read about red raspberry leaf tea...it does not start labor or help things progress.  It does help strengthen the pelvic and uterine muscles so that once labor does start the muscles will be more efficient.  
Hope everything goes well tomorrow.  I have a drs appt tomorrow..and Im hoping he will tell me he will induce or do a csection this week instead of waiting till next wenesday.

[kcooper]

The tea does not induce labor, doesn't even really bring on contractions.  It is to strengthen your muscles and you can drink it throughout your pregnancy. I tried it with my first, never induced, by I had nice labors both times I was induced by the doctor.  I tried everything...castor oil is the only thing I believe works, but is super gross! I tried it with my 2nd son and convinced the hospital I was in labor with all of my frequent and hard contractions, but they died after having them all night and I never dilated.  William took a ton of pitocin to be forced out of there! He was a stubborn little guy and 12 months later he still is!

Good luck!

[cugirl]

Oh yeah there was a post a couple days ago about red raspberry leaf tea...It was titled:
Red raspberry tea - amberk 10/22/2006

[cugirl]

I think Nolan's going to be stubborn too...thats what we get for having boys! LOL.  I read somewhere that you could rub the castor oil on your tummy to help induce...Ive never heard that before..always drink it.  But I wonder if it would really work?   Im not planning on trying it but just wondering.