Raspberry Leaf Tea (RLT) & Evening Primrose Oil (EPO) FAQ

[wavescrash]

Just figured I'd update some on my personal experience with it for those new to reading the thread.


32 weeks - I started taking 480mg RLT capsules, 2 per day.
35 weeks - Same amount of RLT but started taking 500mg EPO, 1 per day orally.
36 weeks - Upped it to 3 RLT capsules and 2 of the EPO. I did 1 orally and 1 internally.
37 weeks - 3 RLT capsules and 2-3 EPO capsules orally (I've given up inserting them, just because haha.)
38 weeks - I'm 38w tomorrow and will keep it the same.

When I started the RLT capsules, I noticed an increase in the amount of BH I was having but after asking around was told it's normal. At 35 weeks I had my first internal and was told I was not dilated and still thick. Frustrated so I started the EPO a week earlier than I'd planned to. At 35w5d I was checked again and found out I was dilated 1cm and 50% effaced. At 36w5d, I was still the same At 37w5d I was dilated to 2cm but still 50% effaced. I go back at 38w5d so we'll see if there's any change.

I've started DTD before bed instead of inserting the EPO so I don't know if that makes any difference as they are said to have the same effect on the cervix.

 

[Pocky]

Bahhh! I got my EPO pills sorted out and now i've got nice normal 500mg ones.

But on the box it says one a day, and "DO NOT EXCEED THE STATED DOSE" ?

Are we using different types of EPO pills or are ladies just ignoring the instructions? xD

 

[StarSign]

.....
But on the box it says one a day, and "DO NOT EXCEED THE STATED DOSE" ?

Are we using different types of EPO pills or are ladies just ignoring the instructions? xD

They are quite ignoring the instructions which apply towards some "general" use.

 

[HellBunny]

Just started today with RLT, not sure if its too late? I suppose i can only try and see if it makes a difference during labour! lol.
How many tea's should i be having a day? I've had 2 so far x

 

[HellBunny]

With the EPO caps, do you take them orally.. or internally? Sorry i've no clue lol

 

[wavescrash]

With the EPO caps, do you take them orally.. or internally? Sorry i've no clue lol

You can do both.

When inserting, obviously make sure your nails aren't too long/jagged and your hands are clean. Insert it as far as you can go and try to stay off your feet. When I insert it, I do it just before bed (it will drip out as it dissolves) and put on a pad or pantyliner just to be safe.

 

[HellBunny]

Thanks for the info , hopefully it will work for you too!

 

[JessPape]

Bumping, since I noticed a few more threads starting about RLT and EPO! Also bought my EPO, will be starting them tomorrow (with my GP's approval)

 

[Rigi.kun]

Thank you for sharing

 

[MrsHunipossum]

Bumping as starting EPO today and dont want to loose thread x

 

[leahsbabybump]

wow this thread is still going lol i was reding this when i was pregs with my 10 month old lol
btw i tried rlt did nothing for me and you have to be careful with some oils as they have high content of vit e which is bad for bubs

 

[JessPape]

Bumping again, as ive seen a higher increase in posts about both.

 

[Rigi.kun]

Bump-idy-bump

 

[PitaKat]

My midwife said it was fine to start taking 500 mg of EPO when I was 34 wks, so I bought some, but just realized it's 1000 mg. Should I wait till I'm 36 weeks to start taking it?

 

[StarSign]

My midwife said it was fine to start taking 500 mg of EPO when I was 34 wks, so I bought some, but just realized it's 1000 mg. Should I wait till I'm 36 weeks to start taking it?

I'd do every other day instead of waiting two weeks.

 

[HellBunny]

My EPO came today, they contain Vitamin E, is this still ok?x

 

[wavescrash]

Just wanted to say that I started taking RLT capsules at 32w. I delivered at 38w1d and only pushed for about a half hour, maybe a little less even. Granted it was my second delivery and she was on the small side, I think the RLT played a huge part in helping me with that

 

[Pocky]

My EPO came today, they contain Vitamin E, is this still ok?x

Mine are the same so i'll be interested in an answer to this one too :O

I've been half-heartedly inserting two of a night time (though not even every night as i'm a bit unsure).

I keep feeling a bit crampy in the mornings though and don't know if it's related or means I should avoid them or what

 

[PitaKat]

Bumping

 

[kuriazuri]

Bump!