Red Raspberry Leaf Experiences

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Red Raspberry Leaf Experiences
« on: June 25, 2007, 12:40:57 PM » by earthymomof2

Hello ladies,

I'm soon embarking on the second trimester of my 6th pregnancy (3rd baby). I used herbs this first trimester to calm and sooth my womb, since I am prone to early miscarriage.

Now I'm transitioning into the second trimester and wondering whether or not I should use red raspberry leaf tea. I've read through some of the threads, but I'm still looking for more specific info from some of you on your experiences with it.

I'm 11 weeks and I've already been feeling some tightenings like BH contractions. Not painful, but definately there. I know its early, but I think my uterus is rather irritable, or maybe just plain strong, and that's why I notice it so early already. I tend to get bouts of pretty strong, uncomfortable, but not painful contractions throughout my pregnancies, and then have pretty quick labors at the end. I dilate a lot in the last few weeks, but have never had a baby earlier than 39 weeks.

Could any of you with similar experiences with BH contractions let me know if you were comfortable using RRL tea and if you noticed an increase or decrease in your contractions. I've read that it is a relaxer and strengthener all at the same time, and I'm just having a hard time grasping how that is possible.

I suppose I could just brew up a batch and drink it for a few days and see what happens, but frankly, I'd like a little more info (albeit anecdotal) before I go ahead and do that.

Thanks in advance. Sorry, HB if I missed a thread related to this.

Sarah

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Re: Red Raspberry Leaf Experiences
« Reply #1 on: June 25, 2007, 01:44:27 PM » by denim&lace

I drank red raspberry all the way through my 2nd and 3rd pregnancies.

I have had BH's with all three pregnancies. In my first pregnancy it started early in the second trimester and continued up until I went into real labor at 34 weeks. This pregnancy was very hard, the labor was unbearable (hospital labor, 3 days flat on my back, not allowed to get up, hospital error almost cost me life and child, episiotomy as far as they could go) almost ending in a c section and I most definately had an epidural to get me through.

With #2 I was drinking RR tea and while I still had BH contractions starting early in the 3rd trimester, they were not as uncomfortable or as strong. He was born full term after about 5 hours of labor. MUCH BETTER pregnancy, labor and delivery. I still had meds, but only because of the fear factor from #1. No tearing, no episiotomy, very, very quick recovery.

With #3 I drank RR tea... but was also under extreme amounts of stress. I started BH contractions in the late 2nd trimester but again not as uncomfortable or as strong. About the time the stress came to a peak I went into preterm labor (at @ 30 weeks). In the hospital, steroids, antibiotics and meds to stop labor for almost two weeks. The day I was suppose to be released my water broke and baby was born 2 hours later. No meds, no tearing. He was 7 weeks early according to the doctors and 4-5 weeks early according to my estimate. He weighed 4lb 14 oz... (can you imagine if he'd been full term? Shocked

) Praise God he never needed help breathing or anything more than a warm incubator.

In my opinion the RR tea took the edge off the BH's... that point where the contraction is strong enough to make you stop and take a breath. It obviously didn't 'get rid of' the BH's though. The big difference for me was labor and delivery, where I believe my real contractions did their job better and hurt less.

HTH's

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Re: Red Raspberry Leaf Experiences
« Reply #2 on: June 25, 2007, 01:54:55 PM » by blackbird

What herbs did you use in early pregnancy? I am also prome to early misscarriage and would love to know. thanks!

Quote from: earthymomof2 on June 25, 2007, 12:40:57 PM

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Re: Red Raspberry Leaf Experiences
« Reply #3 on: June 25, 2007, 02:25:14 PM » by KristenA

the owner of BulkHerbStore told me to start using Red Raspberry at 16 weeks.

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Re: Red Raspberry Leaf Experiences
« Reply #4 on: June 25, 2007, 02:54:05 PM » by earthymomof2

Quote from: blackbird on June 25, 2007, 01:54:55 PM

What herbs did you use in early pregnancy? I am also prome to early misscarriage and would love to know. thanks!

Blackbird,

I used tinctures of False Unicorn, Black Haw or Cramp Bark, and Wild Yam as well as progesterone in the first trimester. I'm 11 weeks now and still on the progesterone and taking the herbs I just mentioned as needed.

Another friend told me that RRL made her contract more but they weren't as crampy when she did get them. She suggested chammomile which is helpful in soothing a "cranky womb". I may substitute chammomile for the red raspberry until the last 6 weeks or so at which point I'll go for the RRL.

I plan on doing either the RRL or Chamomile with nettles, oatstraw, and spearmint and making it up into iced tea. I can't wait. I've been waiting all this time to start the RRL (I really enjoy the taste) and then I started feeling some small BH type contractions already and I began to get really cautious about taking the RRL, so I'm looking for an alternative.

« Last Edit: June 25, 2007, 03:02:14 PM by earthymomof2 »
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Re: Red Raspberry Leaf Experiences
« Reply #5 on: July 02, 2007, 12:24:05 AM » by barrybunch

Hello Ladies,
I am in week 12 of my 6th pregnancy. The first 4 deliveries were very "normal", but the last one we had some complications. It seemed like my uterus just didn't want to be in labor.... I ended up on pitocin Tongue

, and after 3 or 4 hours, when they started taking me down off of it (as they thought I might have to have a C-Section, because the baby was in distress from the cord around his neck), my pit-induced contractions just stopped! I was realy surprised. I should mention that I was 10 days "over due", and so we were not forcing my body into an early labor. My current midwife seems to think that this is all within the realm of normalcy; but I am worried that my uterus may be getting "too pooped to pucker"!
My question is this: Will RRTea help to tone and/or strengthen my uterine muscles?
Thanks so much, In Him,
katie

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Re: Red Raspberry Leaf Experiences
« Reply #6 on: July 02, 2007, 07:13:43 AM » by floydian

Quote from: barrybunch on July 02, 2007, 12:24:05 AM

I had #6 in October. I believe RRL plus Evening Primrose Oil both really helped me have a shorter, easier labor. I had fewer BH contractions until I got to the end.

I also believe that my pains after birth were much less intense.

One thing I noticed when pregnant with #5 is that if I exercised and drank plenty of water that I did not have as many contractions during the day.

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Re: Red Raspberry Leaf Experiences
« Reply #7 on: July 02, 2007, 08:31:18 AM » by PreachersWife

Quote from: barrybunch on July 02, 2007, 12:24:05 AM

My question is this: Will RRTea help to tone and/or strengthen my uterine muscles?
Thanks so much, In Him,
katie

From what I understand, Red Raspberry specifically strengthens the uterus, and I can't imagine a time when it would not be good to take during pregnancy (although there may be some instance??). KristenA stated (above) that the BHS recommended starting it at 16 weeks.

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Re: Red Raspberry Leaf Experiences
« Reply #8 on: July 02, 2007, 09:48:43 AM » by ndmomof6

This is my experience with RRL tea...I started drinking it after my last birth (an emergency c-section) to help get my uterus back in shape. I had such bad contractions that I couldn't even get out of bed! My midwife had me stop drinking it and the contractions stopped.

I wanted to start drinking it with this pregnancy to help tone my uterus to avoid another c-section (plus, I have a history of miscarriages), but my midwife told me to wait until the last 6 weeks. I'm supposed to drink 1 quart daily for the last six weeks. That way I'm close enough to delivery should it send me into labor.

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Re: Red Raspberry Leaf Experiences
« Reply #9 on: July 02, 2007, 09:54:02 AM » by africamissy

Quote from: barrybunch on July 02, 2007, 12:24:05 AM

I am worried that my uterus may be getting "too pooped to pucker"!

LOL

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Re: Red Raspberry Leaf Experiences
« Reply #10 on: July 02, 2007, 10:29:04 AM » by BJ_BOBBI_JO

What all is raspberry leaf good for? Isn't it also supposed to help the digestive tract?

Thankfully I no longer have a uterus but when I did I had to stay away from raspberry leaf tea because it gave me uterine cramps. But if I'm remembering correctly it has some strong qualities to it. What are they?

I have tons of black raspberry vines around here. I know their leaves can be used for tea as well.

Now that I am uterus free I could try it again for other purposes and not have to deal with the uterine cramps it gave me before.

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Re: Red Raspberry Leaf Experiences
« Reply #11 on: July 02, 2007, 10:37:37 AM » by earthymomof2

I've decided to steer clear of RRL for now. I might drink it on occasion, but not as a tonic. I've mixed up a bunch of a different pregnancy tea blend. For me, I'm substituting chammomile for the RRL for its uterus relaxing effects, and I've added a little passionflower also for its antispasmotic and soothing effects. I have nettles, oatstraw and spearmint for nutrition and taste. I'll probably drink a cup or two a day and then use the RRL in the last 6 weeks

Passionflower is a little mixed when I looked on the web, but I realized the study all the medical reviews rely on was done in the 1930s and I believe (don't quote me on this, I couldn't find the actual study) they isolated a couple of compounds in the herb and gave it to animals and noted uterine stimulation. That's why there are so many cautions on the web against use during pregnancy. Otherwise it is know as an antispasmotic (calms smooth muscles). Shonda Parker also lists it in Naturally Healthy Pregnancy as specifically used for miscarriage prevention. BHS says the same.

RRL is very nutritious. I think its good for everyone and their brother as long as they don't notice any untoward affects. I believe some of us are just more sensitive to its active components and we have to be careful.

Just my 2 cents.

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Re: Red Raspberry Leaf Experiences
« Reply #12 on: July 02, 2007, 11:08:28 AM » by diaperswyper

I'll be making a pregnancy tea with red raspberry, oatstraw, red clover and stinging nettles. It has a lot of vitamins and minerals and also helps with energy, which i could use. I'm anxious to try it.

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Re: Red Raspberry Leaf Experiences
« Reply #13 on: July 02, 2007, 01:25:18 PM » by barrybunch

Thank you All, for the great imput! I realy appreciate being able to glean from other's experiences.
I'm still a little unsure about *when* to start using the tea.... I think I will do some more research. I am leaning toward waiting until the third trimester, but worried that if I do, I could be losing some valuable Toning Time. (lol)
Oh, if only drinking this tea would Tone and Tighten my loose tummy muscles and those nasty flabby places that have developed on the backs of my arms! Wink

Hope you all have a beautiful day...
In Him, katie

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Re: Red Raspberry Leaf Experiences
« Reply #14 on: July 02, 2007, 01:37:53 PM » by earthymomof2

Quote from: barrybunch on July 02, 2007, 01:25:18 PM

Oh, if only drinking this tea would Tone and Tighten my loose tummy muscles and those nasty flabby places that have developed on the backs of my arms! Wink

Hope you all have a beautiful day...
In Him, katie

LOL Then you should be over at the T-Tapp thread. I wish the RRL would do the same, but unfortunately... Undecided

« Last Edit: July 02, 2007, 01:50:28 PM by earthymomof2 »
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Re: Red Raspberry Leaf Experiences
« Reply #15 on: July 02, 2007, 02:02:34 PM » by barrybunch

Quote from: earthymomof2 on July 02, 2007, 01:37:53 PM

Quote from: barrybunch on July 02, 2007, 01:25:18 PM

Oh, if only drinking this tea would Tone and Tighten my loose tummy muscles and those nasty flabby places that have developed on the backs of my arms! Wink

Hope you all have a beautiful day...
In Him, katie

LOL Then you should be over at the T-Tapp thread. I wish the RRL would do the same, but unfortunately... Undecided

LOL

Thanks, Sarah.... maybe I will check that out! I hope all goes well with your pregnancy. Keep in touch with how you are doing; It sounds like we will be delivering around the same time.
God Bless...

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Re: Red Raspberry Leaf Experiences
« Reply #16 on: July 02, 2007, 02:58:34 PM » by earthymomof2

Wow, you're right. :-) I was 12 weeks yesterday. Seems that a few of us are due within a few days of eachother.

Have you ever used the RRL tea before? If you really want to use it prior to teh third trimester, you could just try a cup a day for a while and see if you notice anything negative with your body. I think it effects everyone differently, at least that's what I'm learning as I talk to people about it.

God bless.

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Re: Red Raspberry Leaf Experiences
« Reply #17 on: July 02, 2007, 04:56:57 PM » by sweetestday

I drank my own mix of redraspberry leaf, oatstraw, nettles, alfalfa and peppermint during most of my second pregnancy, and really drank a lot of it during the last few weeks. Wow, did I have a fast labor, and when pushing time came, baby came fast. If his little hand wouldn't have been up by his face, slowing things down, I think he would have shot out! Shocked

I did have more b&H with that pregnancy, but I don't remember it being overbearing.

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Re: Red Raspberry Leaf Experiences
« Reply #18 on: October 15, 2007, 12:42:21 PM » by SarahK

I realized I didn't post my experiences here. I make tea with 50% RRL and the rest a combo of alfalfa, nettle and peppermint. I usually drink a quart or so a day year around - pregnant or not & at any stage of pregnancy. I've done this for about 3 years or so. (?) I've had no problems from this so far.

If you have a cup of RRl tea and feel cramping or mild contractions, I would assume you are more reactive to it than I am and proceed with caution using good judgement based on sound advice.

Sarah K

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Re: Red Raspberry Leaf Experiences
« Reply #19 on: October 15, 2007, 12:53:33 PM » by SarahK

Quote from: healthybratt on October 15, 2007, 12:50:07 PM

Interesting. I only drank it mainly during the first trimester with my 2nd and 3rd babies. I drank it for morning sickness and that's usually the only time I get sick. Undecided

I never had any early contractions, spotting or bleeding Huh

You're weird.

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Re: Red Raspberry Leaf Experiences
« Reply #20 on: October 15, 2007, 01:19:01 PM » by Maria/NHM

Quote from: SarahK on October 15, 2007, 12:42:21 PM

If you have a cup of RRl tea and feel cramping or mild contractions, I would assume you are more reactive to it than I am and proceed with caution using good judgement based on sound advice.

Sarah K

I read up on RRL tea last pregnancy. I had heard a few stories about women that had trouble with contraction caused by the tea. I wanted the benefits but only if it was safe! It is supposed to help PREVENT misscarriage but some women do find that it causes cramping for them. I would agree with the above post. If you seem to react from it then maybe waiting to drink it till later in pregnancy might be wise for you. I personally drink it and it really helps with my morning sickness! I also experienced much less postpartum bleeding with the pregnancy that I drank RRL tea. Here is a portion of an article I read.

The benefits of drinking a raspberry leaf brew before and throughout pregnancy include:

~ Increasing fertility in both men and women. Raspberry leaf is an excellent fertility herb when combined with Red Clover.

~ Preventing miscarriage and hemorrhage. Raspberry leaf tones the uterus and helps prevent miscarriage and postpartum hemorrhage from a relaxed or atonic uterus.

~ Easing of morning sickness. Many attest to raspberry leaves' gentle relief of nausea and stomach distress throughout pregnancy.

~ Reducing pain during labor and after birth. By toning the muscles used during labor and delivery, Raspberry leaf eliminates many of the reasons for a painful delivery and prolonged recovery. It does not, however, counter the pain of pelvic dilation.

~ Assisting in the production of plentiful breast milk. The high mineral content of Raspberry leaf assist in milk production, but its astringency may counter that for some women.

~ Providing a safe and speedy pariuntion. Raspberry leaf works to encourage the uterus to let go and function without tension. It does not strengthen contractions, but does allow the contracting uterus to work more effectively and so may make the birth easier and faster.

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Re: Red Raspberry Leaf Experiences
« Reply #21 on: October 15, 2007, 01:24:18 PM » by Kitty

My Practical Herbalism books says many of the same things, and notes it has been taken freely during all phases of PG...he quotes Dr. Christopher, too, in support of it. I know my TM RRL PG tea makes no mention of it being unsafe for 1st trimester. Good advice to see how one reacts to it...it helps my nausea, too, and I stopped taking it (ran out) and then my spotting occurred. I think I'm going to brew me some...

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/97010/benefits_of_red_raspberry_leaf_tea.html

...sums up some of the debate...

Another article w/ some research...
http://www.pregnancy.com.au/raspberry_leaf.htm

« Last Edit: February 19, 2008, 09:06:16 PM by Yooper »
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Re: Red Raspberry Leaf Experiences
« Reply #22 on: October 15, 2007, 05:36:02 PM » by cecac

Well, as I said on the other thread, I'll ask the doctor tomorrow. Yooper, if you had bleeding when not taking it, then maybe I need to try it. I already know that I've got varicose veins down there, and I was thinking that my spotting is from an extra sensitive tissue issue in the cervical and outside area. RR tea might help this area heal up and tone up. I've also had clots passed in pre-labor, but that was during labor #8--it was just proof to me that I'm real sensitive in the cervix area. Since RR is a toner, I may try it and see.

I don't know about if they find a hematoma again. I'm not sure which herbs would help in that situation. I didn't do anything last time, I just waited until the size of the uterus shut the hematoma down.

Cara

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Re: Red Raspberry Leaf Experiences
« Reply #23 on: October 15, 2007, 08:51:36 PM » by TheBearsWife

I was one of those who experienced the cramping, unfortunately. I had been very sick and after reading about it's benefits, was hoping it would help things settle down. I think I drank it when I was about 12 weeks along. Within 2 hours, my uterus was cramped and stayed cramped for several hours. Needless to say, it scared me as I had suffered a miscarriage prior to this pregnancy.

So...I opted to wait until I was about 33 weeks along. Then I drank 3-4 cups per day until delivery. I do think it helped the efficiency of my contractions during delivery.

Just my experience!

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Re: Red Raspberry Leaf Experiences
« Reply #24 on: October 16, 2007, 12:05:47 AM » by StephTallent

Forgive me if this was mentioned previously in the thread. I didn't have time to go back through and read the entire thing.

My midwife explained to me that she believes the main reason red raspberry leaf provides so much pain relief during labor is because it is the most efficiently absorbed source of calcium out there. Just like kids can experience muscle cramps when going through growth spurts, or athletes when their bodies are depleted, the pain of contractions can increase enormously with insufficient calcium. A fast easy way to get that calcium is through Red Raspberry.

I took it (at her recommendation) during my entire pregnancy. Never noticed it causing any cramping. I experienced a ton of BH contractions the last six weeks of pregnancy but not in correlation with taking RRL. As a matter of fact taking it seemed to be the only thing that brought me relief some nights. Roll Eyes

I tried keeping the tea made up but often would be so busy I would forget. In those times I took the capsules of it a couple of times a day. Since it was my first birth I don't know from personal experience if the amount of bleeding I had was light/heavy/normal, but according to my midwife it was light. I am more than willing to give the Red Raspberry credit for helping with that. Cheesy

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Re: Red Raspberry Leaf Experiences
« Reply #25 on: October 16, 2007, 08:43:11 AM » by lotsaboys

Quote from: StephTallent on October 16, 2007, 12:05:47 AM

That's probably why I've heard it recommended by a midwife to take a strong infusion of RRL as soon as labor starts.

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Re: Red Raspberry Leaf Experiences
« Reply #26 on: October 16, 2007, 11:45:29 AM » by earthymomof2

I started this thread early on in my pregnancy. I did avoid it (though I had a cup here and there without any problem) until now. But I'm nearly 28 weeks now and starting to think about using the RRL tea regularly. It sounds so good and its the time for hot drinks so it sounds great. I'll probably wait one more month and then begin. I need the calcium anyway and since its so well assimilated, I think it will be fine. Of course, I'll watch for any negative reaction, but by then I'll be close to term anyway and a few extra contractions could be a good thing. :-)

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Re: Red Raspberry Leaf Experiences
« Reply #27 on: October 17, 2007, 04:41:01 PM » by healthybratt

Quote from: SarahK on October 15, 2007, 12:53:33 PM

Quote from: healthybratt on October 15, 2007, 12:50:07 PM

Interesting. I only drank it mainly during the first trimester with my 2nd and 3rd babies. I drank it for morning sickness and that's usually the only time I get sick. Undecided

I never had any early contractions, spotting or bleeding Huh

You're weird.

what's weird about that?

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Re: Red Raspberry Leaf Experiences
« Reply #28 on: October 18, 2007, 08:12:02 AM » by SarahK

Quote from: healthybratt on October 17, 2007, 04:41:01 PM

Quote from: SarahK on October 15, 2007, 12:53:33 PM

Quote from: healthybratt on October 15, 2007, 12:50:07 PM

Interesting. I only drank it mainly during the first trimester with my 2nd and 3rd babies. I drank it for morning sickness and that's usually the only time I get sick. Undecided

I never had any early contractions, spotting or bleeding Huh

You're weird.

what's weird about that?

Nothing specifically RRL realated. You're just weird.

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Re: Red Raspberry Leaf Experiences
« Reply #29 on: October 18, 2007, 11:21:39 AM » by lotsaboys

Quote from: SarahK on October 18, 2007, 08:12:02 AM

Quote from: healthybratt on October 17, 2007, 04:41:01 PM

Quote from: SarahK on October 15, 2007, 12:53:33 PM

Quote from: healthybratt on October 15, 2007, 12:50:07 PM

Interesting. I only drank it mainly during the first trimester with my 2nd and 3rd babies. I drank it for morning sickness and that's usually the only time I get sick. Undecided

I never had any early contractions, spotting or bleeding Huh