Labor prep herbs: 5W vs. PN6 vs. Gentle Birth, etc.

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Re: Labor prep herbs: 5W vs. PN6 vs. Gentle Birth, etc.
« Reply #150 on: October 23, 2008, 05:21:57 PM » by kilikina

I started my gentle birth this week! So far, I haven't noticed any more contractions than usual. My stomach did feel a little sick after I took it the first time, but that is the only thing I have noticed....
I am counting down the days now - I have always thought that labor was so exciting! Weird, huh?

We have been praying for 7 months for a great homebirth this time Grin

Last time when I stalled at 4 cm, we had to go to the hospital (long story) anyway we are hoping the Gentle Birth will help get us over that 4 cm wall we always run into! Undecided

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Re: Labor prep herbs: 5W vs. PN6 vs. Gentle Birth, etc.
« Reply #151 on: October 23, 2008, 07:28:02 PM » by Kitty

I'm so excited to hear how things go for you, Carly, LTRM, and kilikina!

Praying the GB helps you past the 4, kilikina...I have good reason to think it will.

Hooray for His provision, LTRM! Cheesy

Go Carly!

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Re: Labor prep herbs: 5W vs. PN6 vs. Gentle Birth, etc.
« Reply #152 on: October 23, 2008, 07:47:37 PM » by floydian

Wow Carly and LTRM....

Are yall already almost due. That went fast!!! Kiss

Hope these work well for yall.

You too kilikina, I just haven't kept up with your pregnancy.

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Re: Labor prep herbs: 5W vs. PN6 vs. Gentle Birth, etc.
« Reply #153 on: October 23, 2008, 09:02:10 PM » by lovetoreadmom

Quote from: kilikina on October 23, 2008, 05:21:57 PM

II am counting down the days now - I have always thought that labor was so exciting! Weird, huh?

Not at all! I feel the same way, though it makes me a little nervous at first. However, I get over that part quickly and focus on the "task" at hand.

Quote from: kilikina on October 23, 2008, 05:21:57 PM

We have been praying for 7 months for a great homebirth this time Grin

Last time when I stalled at 4 cm, we had to go to the hospital (long story) anyway we are hoping the Gentle Birth will help get us over that 4 cm wall we always run into! Undecided

I understand, though for me it's 7cm. I'll be praying for you as I'm not far behind. I'm kind of curious with this one, as I've been two weeks early with my other two, and I wasn't taking anything like GB for those. We'll see, I guess.

Thanks, Yooper and Floydian. It is hard to believe how quickly it's gone, though right now I'm so ready that I'm trying to make sure I don't "bring it on" too soon.

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Re: Labor prep herbs: 5W vs. PN6 vs. Gentle Birth, etc.
« Reply #154 on: October 25, 2008, 07:23:50 PM » by CarlyB

Thanks Yooper and Floydian....Yep almost due. As my beautiful ticker says I have less than 3wks.

I have to say I have been induced with all of my 4 children after being "overdue" and this is an experiment to see if 5W changes anything with labor/delivery. With that being said... the 5W has made my BH con. closer together and stronger, but in the long run I am just praying for a healthy baby that comes on her clock...even if I am hoping this helps it tick a little faster Grin

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Re: Labor prep herbs: 5W vs. PN6 vs. Gentle Birth, etc.
« Reply #155 on: November 03, 2008, 02:08:27 PM » by CarlyB

Thought I would check in since I have about 1wk until my due date.

I am still taking the full dose but after about the first week or so my BH contractions have become more spaced out but still there and stronger than before 5-W. I think my body has just gotten use to the 5-W after a week.

Maybe in a week or two I will check in again...if I am still "with child" Grin

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Re: Labor prep herbs: 5W vs. PN6 vs. Gentle Birth, etc.
« Reply #156 on: November 03, 2008, 11:41:42 PM » by lovetoreadmom

Okay, I've had the GB for about a week, and I'll start taking it on Thursday. The brochure/pamphlet that came with it says to take it in water, but does anyone know how much? Would eight oz. be okay?

Thanks,

LTRM

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Re: Labor prep herbs: 5W vs. PN6 vs. Gentle Birth, etc.
« Reply #157 on: November 04, 2008, 07:23:32 AM » by Kitty

I'm so excited for you two! Grin

LTRM--I put the dropper in a small glass of water. Probably less than 8 oz. I'm sure if it mattered specifically, they would have mentioned it, and I don't recall them doing so..I imagine it's more for your palate than anything to put it in water. Wink

Keep us posted as you're able. Praying.

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Re: Labor prep herbs: 5W vs. PN6 vs. Gentle Birth, etc.
« Reply #158 on: November 04, 2008, 10:17:14 PM » by lovetoreadmom

Quote from: Yooper on November 04, 2008, 07:23:32 AM

I'm so excited for you two! Grin

Keep us posted as you're able. Praying.

Thanks, Yooper. That makes sense. I usually go about 38 weeks (which would be Thanksgiving Day). I would prefer not to be in the hospital on a holiday, so I've been talking w/ the Lord about that one. We'll see what He decides.

Thanks for the prayers!!

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Re: Labor prep herbs: 5W vs. PN6 vs. Gentle Birth, etc.
« Reply #159 on: November 06, 2008, 08:26:15 AM » by lovetoreadmom

Yeah! I start my GB today. WOW!! That just makes it seem so much closer.

Hey, have you seen my ticker today. It's says I'm 35 weeks w/ just 35 days to go. Isn't that a cool number thing? I know, it sounds silly, but I just thought it was cool. Grin

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Re: Labor prep herbs: 5W vs. PN6 vs. Gentle Birth, etc.
« Reply #160 on: November 10, 2008, 11:15:30 PM » by madden365

So I started my GB last Monday - exactly five weeks out. I took 1/4 teaspoon a day and am ready to up it. What is everyone else doing? My midwife said one serving first week, two second week and up to three for the final three weeks. Is that what everyone else is doing?

Leslie

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Re: Labor prep herbs: 5W vs. PN6 vs. Gentle Birth, etc.
« Reply #161 on: November 11, 2008, 07:03:29 AM » by Kitty

Welcome to WTM and the GB crew, Leslie!

Here's a quote from earlier in the thread about dosage that may help:

Quote from: Yooper on May 20, 2008, 09:02:37 PM

Quote from: kisbaba_1 on May 20, 2008, 08:53:39 PM

i do have a question, though. the place i ordered from didn't send any info or instructions with the bottle. could someone tell me what the guidelines are for easing into the full dosage? i assume it's one dose a day the first week, 2 a day the second week and so forth. is that right??

From MMH brochure:

Week 1: 1/4 t. (2 droppers; one squeeze = 1 dropper), before morning and evening meals.

Week 2: 1/4 t., 3x/day before meals. Maintain this dosage until delivery.

Hope that helps!

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Re: Labor prep herbs: 5W vs. PN6 vs. Gentle Birth, etc.
« Reply #162 on: November 11, 2008, 11:47:58 AM » by lovetoreadmom

Quote from: Yooper on November 11, 2008, 07:03:29 AM

Welcome to WTM and the GB crew, Leslie!

Here's a quote from earlier in the thread about dosage that may help:

Quote from: Yooper on May 20, 2008, 09:02:37 PM

Quote from: kisbaba_1 on May 20, 2008, 08:53:39 PM

Not trying to be difficult or anything, but when I received my GB (4oz bottle) it seemed to me that the dropper could hold a lot more than 1/4 t. So I measured it out, and figured that one dropper (actually 1/2 of the dropper) measured to 1/4 t. Am I missing something here?

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Re: Labor prep herbs: 5W vs. PN6 vs. Gentle Birth, etc.
« Reply #163 on: November 11, 2008, 04:06:16 PM » by JuliaofSunnyside

Okay, 3 questions as I read through this thread:

Wild Yam - prevents early labor? Would it possibly cause a later labor?

Someone quoted a company rep from Tri-Light herbs saying that these formulas work because they cause more Braxton-Hicks contractions, so if you already have these, it may cause them to become overwhelming. I get a lot of BH ctx, and still go overdue. Anyone know about this or could this be because it's a company rep speaking?

Seems like Gentle Birth is the most favored one on this site - is this because of Yooper's diligent research or are there other factors for anyone?

These aren't herbs that I'm familiar with, so my head is spinning a little. I have so much reading to do before my first homebirth!

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Re: Labor prep herbs: 5W vs. PN6 vs. Gentle Birth, etc.
« Reply #164 on: November 11, 2008, 04:22:01 PM » by JuliaofSunnyside

Actually, it looks like the herbs in the Gentle Birth that actually help reduce pain in labor are red rasp., blue cohosh and motherwort, I wonder what if I just took those (already taking RRL). I guess the wild yam and the false unicorn may be helpful, also.

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Re: Labor prep herbs: 5W vs. PN6 vs. Gentle Birth, etc.
« Reply #165 on: November 11, 2008, 05:08:24 PM » by Kitty

Quote from: lovetoreadmom on November 11, 2008, 11:47:58 AM

LTRM--I think if you depress it once and pull up the formula, the amount pulled would = only 1/2 a dropper or 1/8 t. I don't think you CAN fill the dropper w/ one squeeze. Let me go check... Wink

Nope. One squeeze only gets me 1/2 dropper, no matter how I do it. And that 1/2 dropper = 1/8 t. for me. The site does say that one squeeze = a "full" dropper, even though it's only half full, and that is + 1/8 t. b/c you need 2 to get 1/4 t.

http://www.mountainmeadowherbs.com/details/gentle_birth_details.php?osCsid=b848e40dc82e0ffe142c2f0c087599e6

I did run out a few days short of 5 weeks, so my measuring must have been pretty close.

I think they need a better/labeled dropper or different instructions. Undecided

Hi, Julia!

Wild Yam is also "...relaxing and soothing; among the best of herbs used to relieve discomfort in late pregnancy and pain in childbirth." AS far as causing later labor? Good question. I'll see what I can find. I have gone overdue w/o it, and then this one came on his due date.

Re: BH...It seems like most everyone's BH (on this thread) got a bit more intense during the 1st few days of the formula, but settled down.

I think GB has been preferred b/c of the amazing testimonials...AND b/c it does seem like a milder formula than others. That's why I chose it anyway--especially w/ my C-S history.

I am so excited for your 1st homebirth! No matter what you decide, keep us posted, please. Grin

Quote from: JuliaofSunnyside on November 11, 2008, 04:06:16 PM

...Wild Yam - prevents early labor? Would it possibly cause a later labor?

Someone quoted a company rep from Tri-Light herbs saying that these formulas work because they cause more Braxton-Hicks contractions, so if you already have these, it may cause them to become overwhelming. I get a lot of BH ctx, and still go overdue. Anyone know about this or could this be because it's a company rep speaking?

Seems like Gentle Birth is the most favored one on this site - is this because of Yooper's diligent research or are there other factors for anyone?

These aren't herbs that I'm familiar with, so my head is spinning a little. I have so much reading to do before my first homebirth!

I'll post this again for everyone's benefit:

Quote from: Yooper on March 29, 2008, 05:14:18 PM

I started my Gentle Birth Formula today...there's a great brochure with it that describes the work of the herbs:

Blessed Thistle Herb--female tonic to enhance the health of the liver, improve circulation, & to stimulate & enrich lactation.

Red Raspberry Leaf--uterine tonic used in preparation for giving birth; used to reduce the pain in childbirth; strengthens the lining of the uterus and stimulates uterine muscles. Traditionally used to enrich colostrum.

False Unicorn Root--widely used to balance hormone levels & to enhance function of uterus; prized by herbalists for its normalizing effect on the ovaries. Helpful in late term edema (swelling/water retention).

Squawvine Herb--its bitter compounds relieve pain & anxiety; been used to relieve postpartum depression.

Blue Cohosh Root--has a normalizing effect on the overall muscle tone of the uterus and is used to bring on effective contractions.

Ginger Root--enhances other herbs in their action on the system, relieves nausea.

Scullcap Herb--anti-spasmodic and very calming.

Motherwort Herb--traditional late pregnancy herb; predominantly a womb remedy, it encourages more coordinated contractions of the uterus when otherwise they could be painfully spasmodic or insufficient. Motherwort has a reputation for preventing miscarriage and relieving false labour pains. See thread on Motherwort

Wild Yam Root--relaxing and soothing; among the best of herbs used to relieve discomfort in late pregnancy and pain in childbirth.

Bayberry Bark--its astringent properties reputedly have a positive effect in the cardiovascular system, making it useful in suppressing bleeding.

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Re: Labor prep herbs: 5W vs. PN6 vs. Gentle Birth, etc.
« Reply #166 on: November 15, 2008, 10:23:37 AM » by JuliaofSunnyside

Thought I'd mention that I found the Gentle Birth Formula also sold here:

http://www.birthwithlove.com/categories/itempage.asp?prodid=Gentle+Birth+Formula-Mountain+Meadow+Herbs

It's only $28 for 4oz. as opposed to $34 at Mountain Meadow Herbs. I called to get the shipping price and it's $4.80, which is much better than MMH's shipping price of $8 (for a 4 oz. bottle? I just ordered a camera and the shipping was only $5!) You could also order birth supplies at this site and probably save more on shipping.

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Re: Labor prep herbs: 5W vs. PN6 vs. Gentle Birth, etc.
« Reply #167 on: November 25, 2008, 11:50:46 AM » by JuliaofSunnyside

Hey, has anyone put theirs in hot water to dissolve the alcohol? I just got mine today and realized it has grain alcohol in it. I'd rather not have alcohol at all while pregnant. But I also don't want to destroy any beneficial properties in the hot water. I suppose I could just quickly put it in hot water and then add cold water when I take it.

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Re: Labor prep herbs: 5W vs. PN6 vs. Gentle Birth, etc.
« Reply #168 on: November 25, 2008, 12:14:09 PM » by Kitty

Thanks for posting the alternative place to get GB cheaper, Julia.

Quote from: JuliaofSunnyside on November 25, 2008, 11:50:46 AM

I didn't put it in hot water--supposedly you would lose about 50% of the alcohol. Anyone else do this?

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Re: Labor prep herbs: 5W vs. PN6 vs. Gentle Birth, etc.
« Reply #169 on: November 25, 2008, 01:24:02 PM » by JuliaofSunnyside

Quote

Thanks for posting the alternative place to get GB cheaper, Julia

No problem - I also ordered the supplies that my midwife recommended and saved some there, too - I didn't need everything in the kit and the shippng was lower.

So do you mean the hot water will only dissolve about 50% of the alcohol? I've been wondering about this with my elderberry tincture since it still smells alcohol-y after I add it to hot water.

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Re: Labor prep herbs: 5W vs. PN6 vs. Gentle Birth, etc.
« Reply #170 on: November 25, 2008, 03:45:37 PM » by Kitty

Yeah, I think it was in Rosemary Gladstar's Family Herbal book...

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Re: Labor prep herbs: 5W vs. PN6 vs. Gentle Birth, etc.
« Reply #171 on: November 25, 2008, 03:56:57 PM » by JuliaofSunnyside

I just researched it and couldn't find much. All I found was this one site that said to boil extracts for one minute to get the alcohol out:

http://www.ultimatewatermassage.com/oils/herbal-tinctures.htm

Not sure what this would do to the properties of the herbs.

Maybe I'll email the company. Right now I have to get back to cleaning the carpets, though ( - wonderful thing to do when one is 35 weeks pregnant Roll Eyes

« Last Edit: November 25, 2008, 03:59:11 PM by JuliaofSunnyside »
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Re: Labor prep herbs: 5W vs. PN6 vs. Gentle Birth, etc.
« Reply #172 on: December 03, 2008, 08:38:34 PM » by JuliaofSunnyside

What about the label on the back of the bottle that said "using some of these herbs in addition to this formula could cause post-partum hemmoraging"? Did that concern you all? Which herbs do you think they could be? The blue cohosh maybe? I'm taking Supermoms, which have milk thistle, as does the Gentle Birth, and I also add red raspberry to my daily herbal tea, I just haven't figured out which one could cause postpartum bleeding.

« Last Edit: December 04, 2008, 08:41:00 AM by JuliaofSunnyside »
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Re: Labor prep herbs: 5W vs. PN6 vs. Gentle Birth, etc.
« Reply #173 on: December 03, 2008, 09:16:46 PM » by Kitty

I thought it was the RRL, Julia...I think we discussed this earlier, but I'm not sure. Huh

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Re: Labor prep herbs: 5W vs. PN6 vs. Gentle Birth, etc.
« Reply #174 on: December 03, 2008, 10:54:59 PM » by lovetoreadmom

That's what I've read about RRL from the MMH website and brochure for Gentle Birth. They warn against having another source of RRL for that reason. I bought the version that has ALL the ingredients in it, and I just cut out any other source of RRL altogether. When I spoke to one of the consultants at MMH, she said that's what they recommended but that each woman would know her own body, so it was up to her to make the final decision. To err on the side of caution, I went with their suggestion.

As far as blue cohosh is concerned, I've seen warnings about it causing or exacerbating high blood pressure if that's something that is a problem for someone, but it's not been an issue for me, so I've not worried about it.

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Re: Labor prep herbs: 5W vs. PN6 vs. Gentle Birth, etc.
« Reply #175 on: December 08, 2008, 07:43:09 PM » by Kitty

Bumping for my pal... Wink

[re: EPO and GB...]
http://www.mountainmeadowherbs.com/evening-primrose-p-411.html?osCsid=7df3fd1cd9f484e1b23fa5ec4bbbcfb1

Quote

Cautions: It is not suggested to use Evening Primrose Oil internally while pregnant if you have had more than one baby as it may cause a loose cervix and overdose may result in bad tears.

First time moms are suggested to not start using it until after 37 weeks gestation.

People with high blood pressure are discouraged from using Evening Primrose Oil internally as it may cause excessive bleeding.

Do not use Evening Primrose Oil if you are currently taking anticonvulsants, anticoagulants, anti-platelet drugs, phenothiazines or thrombolytics as it may lower seizure threshold and/or decrease effectiveness of these drugs.

We do not suggest oral use while taking our Gentle Birth Formula, especially for moms who have experienced heavy bleeding with previous births.

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Re: Labor prep herbs: 5W vs. PN6 vs. Gentle Birth, etc.
« Reply #176 on: December 11, 2008, 11:11:06 AM » by LKS

I am 35 wks today & just took my first dose of the GB Grin

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Re: Labor prep herbs: 5W vs. PN6 vs. Gentle Birth, etc.
« Reply #177 on: December 11, 2008, 02:47:06 PM » by cjanderin

I started mine too Cheesy

Have you taken it with any other babies LKS? I never have and probably wouldn't have bothered with this one either except a friend of mine gave me the rest of hers. I'm wondering what it will do for me since I have easy, superfast births anyway...

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Re: Labor prep herbs: 5W vs. PN6 vs. Gentle Birth, etc.
« Reply #178 on: December 11, 2008, 03:39:11 PM » by LKS

I haven't taken it before. I didn't know about it for my other babies. I generally have fast labors but I'm not sure I would call them easy.... Wink

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Re: Labor prep herbs: 5W vs. PN6 vs. Gentle Birth, etc.
« Reply #179 on: December 11, 2008, 04:27:06 PM » by cjanderin

I wouldn't call them easy when I'm in the middle of it either! But when one of them was over and done with in 45mins (from the absolute beginning to the baby coming out!) and getting the feeling that other mothers want to strangle me for complaining about my last labour being so long ... it was 2.5hrs!!! ... I kinda figure that I should term them "easy" Cheesy

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