[pinkpeony]

For those that have gone down the EPO (oral and otherwise), acupuncture, ciro, nipple stimulation.

When did you start all this stuff. I will be induced somewhere between 38 and 39 weeks, so I really only have another 3-4 weeks to go before I am induced.

I have been having RLT and EPO orally for a few weeks now.

[MickeyBoo]

From around 34 weeks I started the EPO and because I was being induced at 38 weeks I started inserting two EPO capsules nightly from 36 weeks, as well as taking 2 in the morning. I had been taking RLT in tablet and tea form from 28 weeks and had been gradually increasing the dosage up to the 4 tablets three times a day, so by 36 weeks was on the full dose.

Nipple stimulation is really something to do in the prelabour stages as it can encourage mild irregular contractions that are already happening.

Aside from that perineal massage nightly to help with the actual delivery part.

I never did the chiro or acupuncture, however there are two pressure points in the webbing between your thumb and forefinger, and also one on your ankle that can encourage your cervix along as well, if you google it you should be able to find pictures and guidelines.

[pinkpeony]

Thanks MB - TMI question. Is it just the distance of a tampon? Sorry I have no idea, I didn't do it last time.

I might get the RLT tablets, I am starting to gag at drinking it.

[mummaorange]

oh i will be watching this like a hawk as i am 30 weeks and hopefully vbacing

what does raspberry leaf tea do?- i thought it helped "tone" your uterus so contractions are more efficient, is that right?

and evening primrose oil tablets soften the cervix yeah? can i start those now or should i wait till 34 weeks?

sorry to hijack your post op

[pinkpeony]

No worries. This is my second and I am hoping to go into labour naturally.

I have heard RLT can help with after pains by toning the uterus - happy to be corrected.

[mummaorange]

i have had 1 vbac, then had another csec so this is another vbac hopefully for me! i did NOTHING extra to go into labour with my VBAC dd, it just happened.

[Mayanme+1]

I had acupuncture before my 2nd (after using it successfully for a labour that wouldn't establish. It was a course of 4 sessions, one a week for the last 4 weeks before due date. Worked for me, but doesn't for everyone. Not sure if it helps with a planned induction, but an acupuncturist would probably be happy to talk to you about it.

I triel RLT with my first. It gave me such terrifyingly strong BH that I stopped after a couple of days.

All the best

[pinkpeony]

Mayandme - I have found that too. I have had heaps more pain this time - at the top, the pain in the pelvis is still the same.

Was that tablets or tea?

[MickeyBoo]

Pinkpeony Sorry if TMI I found that if I inserted while lying on the bed it was easy enough to feel the top of my cervix, I just put the capsule alongside it. Pierce it before you insert, and the gel capsule dissolves overnight. Just lie on a towel as sometimes the oil can leak out.

The RLT just tones your uterus, it should have no effect on your cervix whatsoever. I found that the tablets were a lot more effective than the tea. The only difference I noticed was that my Braxtons were stronger and held for a longer amount of time. I never had 'contractions' after taking RLT. I also started at very low doses and very gradually increased it over time. All of my labours were relatively easy and short, and the afterpains weren't bad either, I expected a lot worse after #4 but his was the best one so far. It also helps to promote breastfeeding and milk supply, so taking the tablets after birth can be helpful too if you plan on breastfeeding.

EPO is a natural prostaglandin, which is similar to the stuff they use in the gels to induce labour in hospital. The difference being the hospital uses a synthetic and much more concentrated version. All I found that it did was help to soften my cervix and move things along so that at 38 weeks I only needed one dose of gel and then they could break my waters. Both times I have gone through that my cervix was almost there but I can't be sure if doing the EPO would have pushed it that little bit more to go on my own naturally. Having sex and keeping the semen inside is good as semen is another natural prostaglandin.

[Red Cabbage]

I began Arnica drops (30c) 4 days before my due date, drank RLT, and kept up with as much BD'ing as possible. My labour was an easy one, with a quick birth. Recovery has been one of the quickest I have experienced.

This post has been edited by Red Cabbage: 24/01/2012, 12:07 PM