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Author
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Topic: Raspberry leaf tea. Safe for VBAC?
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<Vic>
unregistered
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posted 11 May 2005 10:30 AM
Hi,
I'm pregnant again after an emergency caesarean in 2003. I am quite desperate to try for a vbac, even though my GP discouraged one (her own vbac attempt failed). In my last pregnancy I was induced, and had an epidural, and cannot help but think that these interventions lead to the emergency caesar. If I choose a trial of labour, could I use raspberry leaf tea safely? I've heard that it ripens the cervix? Has anyone used it after a cs? I really want to go into labour on my own.
Vic.
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<Rhona>
unregistered
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posted 11 May 2005 05:46 PM
Hi Vic
I used Raspberry leaf tea towards the end of my VBAC pregnancy. There was certainly no suggestion that it was unsafe, but I didn't do alot of research around it. On a side note, it is a concern that your GP doesn't support your choice - is she monitoring your pregnancy or will you see someone else? I thought I was prepared for my first labour which ended in a caesarean. For my VBAC I sought out a doctor and hospital that would support me in my VBAC - much better not to have to fight anyone in their beliefs from the beginning. Good luck.
Rhona
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<Vic.>
unregistered
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posted 12 May 2005 08:19 AM
Hi Rhona,
I'm actually a bit confused about who to see with the pregnancy. I just made an appointment with "anyone" so I could get a referral to an obstetrician. The GP told me an OB would cost me too much as I don't have health cover. I have an appointment with this GP tomorrow, and I have many questions to ask her. I just feel that finding people who support vbac is rather difficult! I thought maybe I could speak to a doula who specialises in vbac? It seems that all the negative feelings I've had about my previous caesarean have resurfaced.
Vic.
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Rhona
Junior Member
Member # 415
Rate Member
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posted 29 May 2005 04:36 PM
Hi Vic
I told many different people (incl obs, midwives and a doula)my c/s birth story and asked if they thought a VBAC was possible. All said yes. I also read many books and internet articles so that I felt comfortable with having a VBAC. I then thought about my first birth (c/s) and considered why it may have turned out the way it did and what, if anything, I could change for this birth, to meet my need for a natural birth and my emotional needs if a c/s was necessary. I discovered that being in a supported envirnment this time was really important, hence, find a hospital/doctor that will support VBAC and hire a Doula (highly recommend). I also thought induction might be an issue so I asked questions around induction for VBAC before choosing my hospital. If you are not comfortable with what one doctor says, then ask to see someone else - I did. But do lots and lots of reading so you know what questions to ask about their service. I hope this is helpful.
lots of luck.
Rhona
Posts: 10 | From: sydney | Registered: Mar 2004
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<georgie>
unregistered
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posted 30 May 2005 08:18 AM
Hi Vic,
I used Raspberry Leaf Tea from about 30 weeks and from about 37 weeks I took Raspberry Leaf Tincture (available at health food stores that have a naturopath). I went into labour on the due date and managed a VBAC quite easily with a posterior bub. I'm convinced the tea and especially the tincture helped the labour and also helped me go into labour on time. My first bub was 2 weeks overdue, large size and ended up being born by emergency c/s. I was worried I'd be overdue this time too, but I think thanks to the RL tincture and some acupuncture, it all went very smoothly. I must admit I was overdosing a bit on the tincture in the last week but the naturopath told me there was no risk to the baby, just a risk that it might bring the labour on. I said, bring it on!
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<AmyGirl28>
unregistered
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posted 02 June 2005 08:15 AM
From what I have read Rasberry Leaf strengthens your uterus, but does not induce labor. I understand that it is safe to take for your entire pregnancy regardless if it is a VBAC or not. I am 15 weeks pregnant with baby #2 and I have been taking Traditional Medicinals Pregnancy Tea that has Rasberry Leaf in it since day one. Right now I am only drinking one cup a day. In the third trimester I will increase it to 2-3 cups per day. I hope this answers your question.
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<jodie>
unregistered
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posted 06 June 2005 06:55 PM
I am 27 weeks pregnant with baby #2 and would like to have a vbac, I have been taking Raspberry leaf tablets since 15 weeks, my ob has told me big baby may need another c/s, It has been good to log on to this site and see that others have had a successful vbac.
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<AmyGirl>
unregistered
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posted 07 June 2005 01:30 AM
Jodi-
My suggestion would be to read lots of VBAC birth stories to give yourself confidence. I have also been listening to Hypnobabies CD's and it is really helping to reprogram my mind so that I can believe in my ability to give birth. Women have had VBAC's with 9-10 lb. babies. But, I'm not a medical professional, so I can't give professional advice.
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<georgie>
unregistered
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posted 10 June 2005 07:07 AM
jodie, my ob also told me that if my baby was big I might need another c/s. With my first birth, my son was 10.5 pnds and born by c/s. When I had a scan at about 37 weeks to check the size of my second baby, they said it was heading for a similar size. I thought I was going to end up with another c/s but she came on time and was smaller at 9 pounds. I was so determined and felt so empowered during the birth that I'm sure I could have pushed out a bigger bub. The body does so much amazing work during labour to get the baby out that I don't think a big baby precludes VBAC at all. The key for me was staying upright as long as possible and walking around during the labour. Also, I had no drugs and the midwife told me that if I'd had an epidural I probably would have needed an emergency c/s as I wouldn't have had enough feeling to push her out (she was posterior). Good Luck with it! Whatever the outcome, I think the journey to a VBAC attempt is very worthwhile.
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<j5abaer>
unregistered
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posted 14 June 2005 04:39 AM
I thought I'd post my story for whatever help it may be.
My 1st baby was c/s due to breech position. He was induced (they didn't know he was breech until after 5 hrs of pitossin) at 1 week late.
But #2 and #3 were successful VBAC's both at 41weeks.
#4 wouldn't budge and was born c/s at 16days over due. They thought she'd be too big for VBAC. (I didn't know about herbal options for inducing). But now I'm at 38wks with baby #5 right now. And I plan for a VBAC until my due date. My OB won't let me try VBAC after 40wks. So I might end up having another c/s.
I'm taking red raspberry leaf and Evening Primrose Oil (vaginally). And I'm going to try Dr.Christopher's prenatal tea all to help progress for a successful VBAC until my due date.
Does any one else a similar story? I'd love to hear.
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<Vic>
unregistered
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posted 17 November 2005 08:35 AM
Thanks for your responses Rhona, Georgie, AmyGirl, Jodie, j5abaer and aeneas.
I am now 33 weeks preg. and will be taking raspberry leaf tea at 36 wks. Will have to look into this "tincture" Georgie, as I have never heard of it.
The hospital that I'm having bub #2 seems VBAC friendly. I'm just concerned that I have to go in there early in labour to be monitored. I wanted to be as active as possible with this birth, and I don't want to be told that I have to lay on my back again...
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Akeesha
Junior Member
Member # 523
Rate Member
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posted 21 November 2005 12:57 PM
Hey Vic,
I just wanted to add to something you said on your last post. You said you were worried about being monitored etc and not being able to be mobile. I had that fear as well. (trying for vbac in around 7 weeks..hopefully lol)
I did alot of asking questions here and other sites and did loads of research and reading and then wrote up a complete birth plan outlining thngs that were most important to me. Monitoring was one of those and I have requested external monitoring only. Also only on intervals which means I can remain mostly mobile only having to sit or lie for short periods while they monitor me.
My ob also told me that monitoring is not a concrete way of determining stress on a baby because readings can be out. So perhaps you can have it in your birth plan too that if they call for an emergency c/s you can ask for a second opinion just to be sure.
I strongly recommend doing loads of reading and have it noted exactly what you want and how you want it. Remember that it's your birth and things should be chosen by you not told to you. I understand you have to listen to the professionals too, but remember that knowledge is power. Having a good positive state of mind is very important too.
Good luck with it all.
Lisa
33 weeks tomorrow!!!
Posts: 15 | From: Melbourne, Australia | Registered: Oct 2005
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<Vic>
unregistered
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posted 21 December 2005 11:14 AM
Hi Lisa,
I asked at the hospital about monitoring during the birth, and they said that I will be hooked up to one, but will have "some" movement. The main reason I have to be on the monitor is so they have warning of a rupture. I will also have a routine I.V. inserted (which I'm not keen on!). I think the main hurdle I have is going into labour by my due date. If I don't, I'll have to accept another caesarean.
When I found this website, it inspired me to go for a VBAC. If I have a successful VBAC, then I'll be doing my bit, and posting my birth story here to.
Good luck to you with your VBAC! Two weeks to go!
Vic.
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