A labor
Hey mama, I am Trish— AKA Labor Nurse Mama. I am a labor and delivery nurse with over 15 years of high-risk OB experience. I am also a mama to 7 kids and have given birth to 6. This means I am quite familiar with the postpartum period and how to navigate it. I am the online birth class educator for Calm Labor Confident Birth and The VBAC Lab birth classes and the mama expert inside our Calm Mama Society a pregnancy & postpartum membership community! I am passionate about your birth and motherhood journey! You can find me over on IG teaching over 230k mamas daily. I am passionate about your birth and motherhood journey!
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Related Post: The Four Stages of Labor Explained
So, this one is one that is slightly less disgusting but still produces some gross effects.
Disclaimer: Talk to your provider first and Do not do this unless you are at/past your due date.
The German labor cocktail or labor-inducing drink with natural ingredients is best used after 40 weeks.
I'm sure this is not making you happy to hear, but I promise this is the best. The thing about all types of labor inductions (self or medical) is that they won't work if you are not ready for labor. Most experts say you should be full term before trying anything to start labor.
Be patient, momma. I know, I know. It's so hard and so maddening to be pregnant for 40 weeks.
Your vagina feels like it is falling out. I get it. But YOU CAN DO THIS.
The German midwife's cocktail or concoction is a product of Germany. In Germany, birth is entirely different than here in the states. It seems like it is more laid back and more conducive to the natural process.
The thought is that this is from Germany, where most deliveries are by a midwife and might not include a labor nurse. What? Not cool.
What is cool is the support that Germany offers to new parents. Things like paid maternity and paternity leave
Read this FIRST: Six Signs of Labor
Apparently, the midwife would offer pain relief at the hospital, such as homeopathic remedies, TENS units, and even acupuncture? I swear, I should have had a baby in Germany.
Let's say your labor stalls out, or you are past your due date and prefer not to use medications to induce labor; what happens then?
You get on your silk robe and feathery slippers and grab your Midwife cocktail, that's what!
Apparently, they offer the midwife cocktail straight up in your hospital room. ( update: I have heard they are no longer regularly offering this)
I have heard that the Midwives Brew has up to an 85% success rate, and many of my students will tell you it worked well for them!
When you're at the point of really wanting that baby out, you are willing to try even this not-so-bad blend!
How long after drinking the Midwive's cocktail does it induce labor?
If it is going to work, it is usually within a few hours up until 24 hours after drinking it. Most women say they begin to feel the side effects soon after drinking it. It really depends on you and your body's readiness for labor.
If you are at full-term and have a low-risk pregnancy, then yes, it is safe. However, I would also consult your provider before drinking the midwives brew. This is a safe way to naturally kick start labor for the low-risk pregnant woman. However, there are some common side effects you should be aware of!
Castor oil, which is a key ingredient, is a laxative. My mom told me her mom used to dish our teaspoons to her whenever she had anything going on. Feel sick, drink it, can't poop, drink it...headache.. You get the point.
Castor oil causes the muscles in your intestines to have spasms which in turn cause the uterine muscles to contract: aka contractions.
The other ingredients in this recipe help lessen castor oil's side effects when it is done alone. The almond butter binds to the oil, and the lemon verbena calms the intestines. (The ingredients also mask the horrific taste of the oil!)
The most common side effect of the midwives brew is nausea, diarrhea, and painful contractions.
Remember that for some mamas, it induces severe diarrhea and can lead to dehydration. (Again, make sure you have your medical provider's guidance when choosing whether this is the right move for you!)
This is for you if you are full-term, healthy, and have no risk factors!
Steps to follow:
First off, I am going to tell you that castor oil is no joke. I drank it with two of my pregnancies, once in this concoction. The first time I drank castor oil was due to a random elderly woman. She told me to drink it like a shot (STRAIGHT) and follow it with a Coke. I still can't drink coke and it's been many years.
Needless to say, I drank it around 3 in the afternoon, and after many bouts of severe diarrhea and endless vomiting, I gave birth around 1 A.M. the following morning. (Read below for my experience with the midwives brew or midwife's cocktail)
As seen on SCARYMOMMY: The Golden Hour After Birth And Why You Should Protect It at All Costs
First, brew the tea and let it steep for 10-15 minutes. Then mix everything in a blender. You can add ice but it tends to work better at room temperature and ON AN EMPTY STOMACH.
Do not go out and about. This can hit you at any time. The German midwife's cocktail hit me within 4 hours, and that was that. I was not doing hot, and the contractions were INTENSE! But I had him 50 minutes after getting to the hospital, about 8 hours after drinking this mixture.
Apricot juice substitutions:
Peach schnapps peach champagne, which I'm not condoning!
The lemon verbena is needed, as it is soothing for your tummy. I have found it at all-natural food stores or on amazon.
You can use peanut butter, but the almond butter binds better to castor oil.
It is your choice to repeat the drink. However, it is important to wait a few days. It does cause side effects, namely dehydration, so do not overdo it.
Comment below with your thoughts and experiences with the German Midwife'fs Cocktail!
1.Nipple Stimulation (This is the most proven and effective way to naturally stimulate labor) (it works but stimulating oxytocin levels to increase!) Many scientific studies support nipple stim!
2. Sex: Semen must be inside you, as the orgasm and the semen work to soften the cervix.
3. Walking: Get moving girl!! *Try stairs and curb walking*
4. Pineapple (no thanks!)
5. Eggplant
6. Spicy Food
7. Acupressure
Let's say this concoction works and you go into labor. Are you ready for birth? Do you have the education you need to make decisions as they are presented to you? Join us inside our birth class Calm Labor Confident Birth and we can not empower you. We meet weekly for a "happy hour" hangout and you have access to a labor nurse and a doula!
Follow me on Instagram for more labor induction tips and tons of birth advice!
