Evening primrose oil... Merv's mum I need u ;-) (so I have been told!)

[Rowesb]

... ok same vein as the RLT qu, not in the aim of eviction but more to help down below out as things may be difficult due to scarring.... what do evening primrose oil capsules put up do? I have some left from TTC and was thinking that as they are in the cupboard I could give them a go... if they may help...

 

[Rosie's Mummy]

I think that they soften the cervix? I know that Merv's Mum used this. im wondering if its ok to use if you've had a previous section as I cant use RLT xx

 

[Rowesb]

so definatley worth me doing then... was thinking that that may be the case...

Merv's mum where are u????????????????????????????????

the dose I have got in are 1000mg... so where and when do I start with these then?

 

[Rosie's Mummy]

MM would know but I think you insert it high up and let it dissolve overnight

 

[Rowesb]

is that before or after the perineal massage

 

[Rosie's Mummy]

I guess you could incorporate it iykwim!! SO much to do, SO little time! I think we have to multitask!

 

[Rowesb]

... I can just see DH's reaction now as I ask him to incorporate the EPO into the routine

 

[Rosie's Mummy]

 

[Mervs Mum]

I'm here.....we are down to one laptop between 3 here!

I used EPO with my last two and I would again....it definitely helped to soften the cervix and MWs who examined me in the last few weeks of pregnancy all commented on how soft it already was

Here's some info for you....

Evening Primrose Oil and Red Raspberry Leaf Tea

Neither will actually induce labor. While some lay midwives will argue that statement about the Evening Primrose, which is the reason it is not recommended until 36 weeks or "full term", almost all sources with experience agree that it does nothing that the body was not ready to do on its own. I will repeat this at the end of this section, to make sure you understand this, as there is a lot of confusion and misconception surrounding these two substances.

Evening primrose oil is an excellent source of prostaglandins, which we already determined readies your cervix for labor. It can be taken orally as soon as 34 weeks, and can be applied directly to the cervix at full term (36 weeks). The general recommendation is two 500mg capsules per day until week 38, at which time you increase to 3-4 per day. The entire capsule can be inserted vaginally (inserted just before bed, it will dissolve before the first time you wake to use the bathroom), or you can use the oil on your fingers for your perineal massage, then also rub on your cervix (assuming you can reach it). Applying directly to the cervix is optimal, but the beneficial ingredients are absorbed through the external skin or the stomach also.

Red raspberry leaf tea is a uterine tonic used by Native Americans for thousands of years. It tones your uterus by helping to "focus" your Braxton Hicks contractions. Think of its job as helping your uterus do more effective exercising while you are pregnant. It does not "cause" contractions and can be safely used throughout pregnancy. It is contraindicated for those having complications "just in case", however, by most doctors who do not understand its use. Many women safely use it from the moment they learn they are pregnant at six weeks until months after delivery. (It helps to tone the uterus after delivery as well, shrinking it back to size more quickly and reducing bleeding.)

Again, neither of these actually causes labor to start!

I would used a 1000mg capsule each evening inserted from 36wks and upped that to 2 x 1000mg per evening from 38wks. I found sitting on the loo was the best position to get it high up toward my cervix - not easy at 36+ wks but so long as you do it last thing before bed you'll be fine and the pearls just dissolve. You'll have a little bit of an oil slick in your first wee in the morning and sometimes a whiteish, slightly cottage cheese looking discharge - not oodles just a little and I had it tested both times and it was fine.

 

[Rowesb]

Aww, thank Lisa

Just out of interest where did that come from? Although, I think I have decided from that and RM that I will be doing this...
I guess it would be interesting to see what my MW's say....

 

[mrsH2009]

I have a packet of raspberry leaf tea left i'll leave it at work for you

 

[Mervs Mum]

http://www.maternitycorner.com/mcmag/articles/preg0007.html

 

[titch]

right, gonna but some EPO on our food shop this morning. And raspberry leaf tea.

 

[Rowesb]

^ glad this has helped you Tiny!!

This is why I like this place... google would have ended up scaring me if that was the first place I looked

 

[amyjayne77]

You've inspired me!! I've just bought some and am gonna try tonight x

 

[Rosie's Mummy]

I guess I can use the EPO - it doesnt interfere with your contractions/uterus does it? At last, something 'normal' I CAN do! Blast that C-section..although I dont think Rosie would be here without it..double edged sword for me

 

[Mervs Mum]

No it doesnt cause contractions so you'll be fine

 

[Rosie's Mummy]

My OH is going to think I have lost the plot

 

[Rowesb]

Join me... My DH thinks I have climbed a tree!! He is certainly not convinced... In fact his face was a picture when I started talking about massage!

 

[amyjayne77]

I've just looked on e-bag and ordered some EPO capsules. They had loads to choose from!

I also ordered a bottle of the actual oil. I'm wondering if this will be ok for massage and "direct application" so to speak.....