The Midwives’ Secret to Inducing Labor

For years now, midwives have been known to use a tincture made up of blue and black cohosh. This mixture has been known to be capable of inducing labor. These herbs, when combined, are said to be capable of getting the slowest of labors to move slightly faster. They can also help in starting up a post term labor.  Before you do indulge in these herbs, it would be advisable that you talk to your doctor or your midwife.

About Blue Cohosh:

This herb is also known by the name papoose root. It is said to have been used by Native Americans to help in kick-starting labor. The root of the blue cohosh herb is said to be collected during autumn and then it has to be dried.  The most common way of consumption is by means of a tincture produced from it; but it has also been known to be available in the tea or capsule form.

Blue cohosh isn’t known to increase the number of contractions. It is, by nature, an antispasmodic. This would mean that it is helpful when a miscarriage is threatening to raise its ugly head. Consumption of blue cohosh at such a juncture would mean that the uterus could be relaxed and it would help in reducing the contractions when the time isn’t right for birth. Blue cohosh could also be used to help and prevent false labor (Braxton Hicks contractions).

During the birth process, this herb can be used to ease the whole procedure. Blue cohosh is known to help in coordinating the contractions of the uterus and this will help in making each contraction count.

About Black Cohosh:

Black cohosh is known to be a member of what is called the buttercup family. It is also known by the name ‘snakeroot’.  Just like blue cohosh, the roots from black cohosh will also be used for various uses. This herb is available in the capsule, tea and tincture form. Black cohosh is said to work on the body in a way that is similar to estrogen. However, there isn’t significant evidence to back this fact as yet. It has, however, been used in the past to help better estrogen levels in women who have recently undergone menopause.

Blue and Black Cohosh in Combination to Induce Labor:

The combination of these two herbs is said to be highly effective when it comes to inducing labor during a post term pregnancy.  It would be advisable that methods such as these, to induce labor, be tried only after the woman has completed 40 weeks of gestation. This could be seen as a precaution to having a preterm baby.

The combining of these two herbs will be even more effective in the case of women who already suffer from irregular or weak contractions. What these two herbs do is that they will strengthen the contractions of the uterus. Unlike the more conventional forms of inducing labor, these herbs will help your body out in  way that is more natural and in keeping with the body’s rhythm. This would mean that the labor is moving at a rate that is considered natural and safe, and it won’t get overwhelming for the mother-to-be to deal with.

Tips to Keep in Mind While Using the Tincture:

• Continue activity after using this tincture. You could try walking around the house or you might even want to go shopping to the nearby mall. The chances of contractions continuing will be better depending on how active you are.
• If you stimulate the nipples, it could help in strengthening the contractions. You could ask your partner to do this for you, or you could do it yourself. If you’re a nursing mother, then nursing your child throughout the day will do well.
• Sexual intercourse is another good method of inducing labor in conjunction with the tincture. The cervix will get softened owing to the prostaglandins in the semen.