Birth Preparation - 5 Natural Things That May Help You in Labour

Preparing for labour may feel overwhelming, but there are several natural remedies and techniques that can help support you through the process. From raspberry leaf tea to kerb walking, you can incorporate these things into your daily routine in the final weeks of pregnant, to help you approach childbirth with more confidence. While every labour journey is unique, these natural tools are gentle ways to help your body prepare for the marathon that is giving birth. 

1. Raspberry Leaf Tea – Strengthening the Uterus Naturally

If you’ve heard about raspberry leaf tea during pregnancy, you might wonder why so many pregnant people swear by it. This herbal tea is believed to tone and strengthen the uterus, linked in studies to a shorter second stage of labour - where you are pushing.  This is thanks to a compound called fragerine, which is naturally found in the leaves of the raspberry bush. It has been shown in studies to help the majority of women have a shorter and slightly easier labour.

Raspberry leaf tea is often introduced in the later stages of pregnancy (around 32 weeks or later), starting with a cup a day and gradually increasing to two or three cups as the due date approaches. We blend our raspberry leaf tea - The Final Push - with peppermint, as on it's own raspberry leaf is earthy and a little like a bitter green tea - not to everyone's taste.  The peppermint improves the flavour and can also support heart burn and digestion. 

Of course, it's essential to consult your healthcare provider before introducing any herbal remedies to ensure they are suitable for you, but for many expectant mothers, raspberry leaf tea is a simple and enjoyable way to get the body ready for the big day.  It's never a guarantee but hopefully it can help.

2. Kerb Walking – A Wobbly Way to Encourage Labour

It might sound strange, but kerb walking is a great way to encourage your baby to move down into the pelvis, helping labour progress. The idea behind kerb walking is that the uneven stride created by walking with one foot on the pavement and the other on the kerb causes a shift in your pelvis. This asymmetrical movement can help open up the pelvic area, potentially aiding the baby in descending further down into the birth canal.  Similarly, you could bounce on a yoga ball, to try to create the same style of movement.

Kerb walking is particularly popular when women are close to or past their due date and are looking for a natural way to get things moving. While the evidence is mostly anecdotal, many women find it beneficial - and there's no harm in trying! Just be sure to wear comfortable shoes, and if you feel unsteady, it’s a good idea to have your partner or a friend accompany you.

3. Eating Dates – Nature’s Sweet Labour Booster

Dates are not only delicious, but they might also help prepare your body for labour. Multiple studies have suggested that eating dates in the weeks leading up to your due date could potentially help with cervical ripening, reduce the need for medical induction, and even lead to a shorter first stage of labour.  It's the perfect snack to have with raspberry leaf tea that is linked to the second stage!

This natural remedy has roots in traditional Middle Eastern cultures and is thought to promote the body’s natural production of oxytocin—the hormone that helps stimulate contractions. Dates are also rich in fibre, which can aid digestion and help prevent constipation, a common discomfort late in pregnancy.

Many experts recommend eating around six dates a day from 36 weeks onwards. We love making them into a healthy snickers - stuffed with nut butter and covered in chocolate. But if you find them a bit too sweet on their own, you can add them to smoothies, salads, or even bake them into healthy treats. Like raspberry leaf tea, it’s a good idea to check in with your healthcare provider before incorporating dates into your routine, but it’s definitely a delicious option to explore if you aren't diabetic.

4. Breathing Exercises – Finding Calm and Focus

While labour is a physically demanding process, it’s also a mental and emotional challenge. Breathing exercises are one of the most powerful natural tools you can use to remain calm, focused, and in tune with your body during labour. Deep, rhythmic breathing helps to reduce tension, ease pain, and encourage relaxation, making it easier for your body to do its work.

Practicing specific breathing techniques ahead of time can also help you feel more prepared when contractions start. There are various breathing patterns you can try, such as slow, deep inhales through the nose and controlled exhales through the mouth. One popular method is the "4-7-8" breath, where you inhale for a count of four, hold for a count of seven, and exhale for a count of eight. This can help regulate your heart rate and calm anxiety.

Breathing exercises not only assist with pain management but also ensure your muscles, including your uterus, are getting enough oxygen, which can help make contractions more effective.  We love The Positive Birth Company and Pop That Mumma as two fantastic hypnobirthing options that incorporate breathing techniques in their approach.

5. Having Sex – The Natural Way to Get Things Moving

It might be the last thing on your mind as you near your due date, but having sex may be able to stimulate labour. It's almost like a natural sweep! On top of this, semen contains prostaglandins, which are hormones that help to soften and ripen the cervix, which can potentially help dilation. Additionally, the act of sex, particularly orgasm, can cause the release of oxytocin—nature’s labour-inducing hormone.

Even if sex doesn’t directly cause labour to start, it can be a comforting and intimate way to connect with your partner during this final stage of pregnancy. The oxytocin released during orgasm can also help with relaxation, which is really important when your body is preparing for labour.

Of course, it’s important to ensure that you are comfortable and that sex is safe for you and your baby, so always consult your healthcare provider if you have any concerns. It’s completely normal if sex isn’t something you want during the later stages of pregnancy—there’s no pressure, just another natural option to consider.

Acceptance

It's also important to note that there’s no way to predict exactly how labour will go - everyone's experience is unique and unfortunately, we can't control the result. Hopefully these natural techniques can help you feel more in control and supported as you approach the big day. They are all low-risk options that may assist your body’s natural process. As always, it’s important to listen to your body and work with your healthcare provider to create the best plan for you if you have any concerns. Every journey is different, and with the right tools, you can feel more empowered as you prepare to meet your baby!