Gentle Birth Formula
If you were to search for “ways to induce labor” or “how to have a quick birth” your results and suggestions would be numerous. Everyone is always looking for a tried and true way to create a better, easier, shorter labor. The fact is, we can’t really control any of those things. Some people are blessed with amazing labors, others are not. The longer I am in the business of birth, the more I believe that there is just not much that will totally change your labor and birth path outside of medical intervention (which is totally fine when needed or desired!). That said, there are small things we do that may make the path a little softer, a little gentler.
Talk to any midwife and they will tell you all about their favorite “labor prep” formula. Some have created their own blends, while others rely on the formulas already on the market. I don’t actually have a personal favorite to be quite honest, and as a rule, don’t routinely recommend a labor prep for my clients. I believe in letting nature take its course and that a well-prepared and nourished body will work beautifully when in labor. I would never discourage a client from taking a labor prep formula if it was not contraindicated for their health, however!
As a student, the labor prep formula I saw work best was called Gentle Birth Formula by Mountain Meadows. It is a 4 oz tincture that contains a blend of herbs that prepare the uterus and cervix for labor. Reviews boast shorter, less painful labors, and decreased bleeding overall. This supplement comes in 3 formulas. Original, without Blue Cohosh for those with hypertension (high blood pressure), and without Red Raspberry Leaf for those already taking a RRL supplement.
New mother sits in birth pool while holding her newborn and smiling.
Why does this formula work?
Well, we could start by looking at the ingredients and what they each contribute to the overall blend.
Organic Blessed Thistle Herb- helps prevent bleeding loss, blood clots and supports increased lactation
Organic Red Raspberry Leaf- relaxes and tones the uterus, stimulates lactation postpartum,
False Unicorn Root- normalizes and balances hormones, tones uterus, stops postpartum hemorrhage
Partridge Berry Herb- tones the uterus, influences nervous system, relieves pain
Blue Cohosh Root- estrogen-like properties, relieves menstrual and childbirth pain,
Organic Ginger Root- anti-nausea, anti-inflammatory, reduces risk of blood clots, relieves pain,
Organic Skullcap Herb- strengthens nerves, decreases stress, decreases pain, decreases PMS symptoms
Organic Motherwort Herb- can soothe stress during pregnancy, labor, motherhood, dissolves blood clots
Organic Wild Yam Root- anti-nausea, reduces painful cramps,
Bayberry Bark- decreases bleeding
Vegetable Glycerine- used to extract and stabilize plant product
Distilled Water- used to extract and stabilize plant product
Approximately 5-10% Organic Grain Alcohol- used to extract and stabilize plant product
When taken according to manufacturers directions, it’s easy to see why this product could be a good supplement to take in pregnancy. As always, check with your PCP prior to starting any and all supplements to ensure they are appropriate for your specific health needs. Let me know in the comments your experience with Gentle Birth, or any other labor prep, and if you think it’s worth using for pregnancy and birth!