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

[x Helen x]

I used RLT from week 35, started on one tablet a day and gradually increased to 6 a day. Worked for me, I went from 1cm to giving birth in 3 hours! Only pushed for around 3 minutes.

 

[Mazzy17]

I got the tea bags for RLT so im doing 1 cup per day until 34 weeks then bump it up a cup every 2 weeks. For EPO i have 1000mg tablets so will take 1 per day from 37 weeks. Cant believe im preparing to have a baby already seems only yesterday i was POAS

 

[hollyw79]

I plan on starting EPO once I hit 34 weeks.. 1- 500 mg to start for the first week- then I'll do 2-500mg the 2nd week .. and then once I'm full term- 2000mg a day

 

[Bingo]

I'm 36+1 today. Is it worth starting EPO now or not bothering? If so, should I start with 1 1000mg capsule each day? I can't find 500mg caps anywhere. I don't want to insert them, only take them orally.

I've been drinking RLT for a couple of weeks. I meant to start at 32 weeks (as I did with my last pregnancy) but think I started at about 33. I didn't use EPO last time around.

 

[joo]

I'm 36+1 today. Is it worth starting EPO now or not bothering? If so, should I start with 1 1000mg capsule each day?

Most of the info I found on EPO recommended you begin at 36 weeks, so that's what I'm doing. Some people start earlier, but it's all down to personal choice. I have the 500mg caps and plan to just take orally for now, but if I'm brave enough towards the end I might insert (I'm squeamish). I was confused if I should take more of the 500mg or just buy the 1000mg anyway I'll just be starting on 1 a day at 36w, 2 a day at 37w, 3 a day at 38w, then either 4 a day orally or 3 orally and 1 inserted at 39+ weeks. Some people just take the 1000mg though:

I used:
EPO 1000mg orally 35-37, 2000mg orally + 1000mg inserted (most days) 37+

I'm 38 weeks and have been ... taking 1 x 1000mg EPO capsule orally for past fortnight, now 2000mg. Can't quite bring myself to do it vaginally!

 

[Bingo]

Thank you joo. I will pick some up today and give them a go. Maybe I'll pluck up the courage to insert at a later date.

 

[hollyw79]

I have no desire to insert them vaginally either

I'll stick with swallowing the EPO!

And I definitely think it's worth starting ANY time before labor! If it helps at all~ hey, why not!?

 

[Mazzy17]

I have no intention on doing EPO vaginally either

 

[Kyla]

Has anyone used a combination of EPO and Starflower Oil? I've read mixed reviews on it and I have a pack of these in the cupboard so wondering whether to try it or if I need to buy a pack of just EPO?

 

[jades91]

Iv just bought my first lot of RLT today, going to have one a day till next monday then 2 a day till the next monday then 3 etc... Is there anyone who it hasn't worked for it seems amazing that its this good but I don't hear people talk about it until I looked on here Xx

 

[Kyla]

Has anyone used a combination of EPO and Starflower Oil? I've read mixed reviews on it and I have a pack of these in the cupboard so wondering whether to try it or if I need to buy a pack of just EPO?

Anyone?

 

[jades91]

What is star flower oil for hun? Iv never heard of it x x

 

[Kyla]

Starflower oil (also known as borage oil) is similar to Evening Primrose Oil but has 3 times the amount of GLA than EPO. I'm guessing it would be ok since it does the same thing as EPO, but I'm worried it's too strong as I don't want to bring on labour, just to soften my cervix.

 

[Mazzy17]

Bump

 

[jades91]

Oh right, I'm not sure I can't help ! .. maybe ask the midwife or the person at the health food shop xx

 

[cbass929]

How many MG of EPO are you taking orally and (if) vag??

 

[Mazzy17]

1000mg orally

 

[Kyla]

Bumping this up

 

[Kyla]

Bumping up again

 

[LadyLupton]

I may be wrong but I think borage oils are not allowed for preg ladies.