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

[HHenderson]

Was told today by my nurse to stop taking my tea. I still have 2.5 unused boxes. I told her Ive been drinking it for 7 days and have had diarrhea for 4 days now like 4 times a day. Im still not convinced I should stop I will ask my actual doctor at my two week check up.

 

[Mrsmac02]

I stopped taking the capsules for this same reason, had a dreadful stomach from the day i started taking them. Obviously my system just doesn't like it

 

[HHenderson]

Ugh I was hoping something extra would help being a vbac. But Im not sure if I was told to stop because I am a vbac or because it was making me go so much.

 

[Mrsmac02]

Something tells me you're advised not to take them after a previous c section but don't quote me on that.

I'd absolutely love a bit of a helping hand with the pushing stage but I can't cope with an upset stomach for the next five weeks! I'll need to think of a plan B xx

 

[HHenderson]

Yes I read you arent supposed to just in case but I havent had a c-section is almost 9 years so you'd think its healed to the max. But a cup a day I didnt think would be as much as people take 4x a day. Id be pooping blood lol yuck

 

[steph.]

bump! Any more birth stories from people who have taken it?

 

[Ninagrrl]

Wanted to say that there is very conflicting information on taking RLT if you are planning a VBAC. Some sources say it increases risk of uterine rupture but I can't seem to find any further information against it like statistics, and other contributing factors like type on incision or if induction meds were used as these also increase risk of uterine rupture.

However, in my research I have found literally hundreds of personal experiences that are positive RLT VBAC births that were quick, without interventions, and had no complications. There are even some women that were told to drink RLT to help prepare for a VBAC. What I didn't find were negative personal stories of RLT VBACS.

That being said, I am planning on drinking RLT and have been cleared for my VBAC.

 

[wrightywales]

Stalking this thread

 

[IsabellaJayne]

Stalking!!

 

[pebbie1]

I drank rlt in both my pregnancies. With my daughter I was dilated from 2-10cm's in half an hour, whole labour was 3.5 hours. With my son I dilated to 10cm's in about half an hour too and whole labour was 2hrs 40mins. So I definitely say it works! I started drinking it from 32 weeks x

 

[steph.]

I drank rlt in both my pregnancies. With my daughter I was dilated from 2-10cm's in half an hour, whole labour was 3.5 hours. With my son I dilated to 10cm's in about half an hour too and whole labour was 2hrs 40mins. So I definitely say it works! I started drinking it from 32 weeks x

Pebbie your first labour sounds very similar to mine. I took rl capsules and epo and went from 3cm to birth in 45 minutes, whole labour was just over 3 hours. Its reassuring to know that your second labour wasnt too fast! I was in two minds whether to take them this time, but my OB and midwife said I should so I am, but was having visions of a roadside birth!

 

[A1983]

It certainly didn't work for me! But take me as a one off ha ha

 

[jodspods]

Stalking!!

Got some rlt capsules from my best friend who used them and gave birth to her first baby at 37 +1!

 

[bebbe]

I've taken EPO and RLT since 35 weeks to help with my scheduled induction. I will come back and update once I have had my baby (induction booked for this Tuesday, or of course if I have her before).

I would say so far its all positive though as at 37w I had a sweep and cervix was soft, stretchy, 1cm dilated and midwife could feel baby's head and said she could have broken my waters. So maybe taking EPO, RLT and bouncing on the ball helped this? The sweep caused me to have brown discharge and start to lose plug, but so far hasn't started labour. But as I say, I'll come back and update once I've had her. It'll be interesting to see how dilated I am when I go in on Tuesday morning!

 

[J.D.]

I'm taking both to help with a planned induction. I don't have a date yet, but I've been told it's an induction or a c section and I really want to be active immediately afterwards (I have tickets to Wicked!) so I really want to avoid the section.

Unfortunately they don't do internal exams here until you're in labour, so I don't know if it's doing any good, but maybe they'll do one next week at my appointment to see if I'm favourable.

 

[pebbie1]

Lol. I was in hospital due to high bp already. But as soon as my waters went they told me to call my hubby and tell him to come over ASAP! He only had a 10 minute drive but when he arrived I already was on gas&air and dilating fast hahahaha
Good luck with it all! X

I drank rlt in both my pregnancies. With my daughter I was dilated from 2-10cm's in half an hour, whole labour was 3.5 hours. With my son I dilated to 10cm's in about half an hour too and whole labour was 2hrs 40mins. So I definitely say it works! I started drinking it from 32 weeks x

Pebbie your first labour sounds very similar to mine. I took rl capsules and epo and went from 3cm to birth in 45 minutes, whole labour was just over 3 hours. Its reassuring to know that your second labour wasnt too fast! I was in two minds whether to take them this time, but my OB and midwife said I should so I am, but was having visions of a roadside birth!

 

[hakunamatata]

Bump

 

[hakunamatata]

Just got my raspberry leaf tea today - very excited! Anyone else planning on drinking some?

 

[jodspods]

I'm 32 weeks tomorrow and have h&b rasp leaf capsules....do I start taking one a day now and build up each week or do I wait til 34 weeks? Any advice is much appreciated! X

 

[vtjess423]

I just saw this thread which is great as I've been curious about it since I've heard a lot of people talking about RLT and EPO. I don't know if anyone has any experience with RLT but I do have a question based on some of the info in the first post. It says not to drink the tea if you have high blood pressure. Anyone know why? I'm interested in taking it but I'm on meds for high blood pressure so I'm wondering if its not a good idea then. I have an appointment with my OB on Friday so I may see if she has any information on it but I thought I'd ask here as well. I did a google search as well but some of the sites I found actually says it may temporarily decrease your BP so not sure how to take that. Anyway, if anyone has any experience with high bp and RLT, I'd appreciate any info. Thanks!