Labor induction is a concern for all expectant mothers, especially those whose due dates are imminent or have already passed. Even if medical methods of labor induction exist, the majority of women prefer the natural way. Midwives Brew is one such natural method of inducing labor, a popular herbal tea reported to cause contractions.
But does it work? Is it safe? In this article, we examine ingredients, is it effective, risks, and what the experts have to say about Midwives Brew so you can make a wise decision.
What is Midwives Brew?
Midwives Brew is a labor-inducing beverage that many women have tried in an effort to induce labor. It consists of some specific ingredients in an effort to stimulate the uterus contractions.
Origins and Historical Use
Midwives Brew does not exist historically, but the formula has been in use for decades by birth activists and midwives as an alternative method of medical induction. Midwives Brew is used to open the cervix and induce contractions, thereby its popularity as a highly recommended solution to past-due pregnancy.
Key Ingredients of Midwives Brew
The classical recipe for Midwives Brew uses the following ingredients:
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Castor Oil :
The active ingredient that has been found to stimulate bowels and possibly lead to contractions.
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Almond Butter :
Added for ease of digestion and absorption of castor oil.
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Lemon Verbena Tea :
Added as a soothing herbal tea for taste and easy digestion.
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Apricot Juice :
Added for taste and for hydration.
The above mixture is a stimulating effect on the digestive system, which subsequently leads to uterine contractions.
How Midwives Brew Works
Midwives Brew is relatively easy to work due to the availability of castor oil. Castor oil is a purge, and as a working stimulant to the bowel, it cramps the intestines and leads to spontaneous uterine contractions.
Role of Individual Ingredients
Castor Oil:
Stimulation of the bowel will lead to uterine contractions.
Almond Butter:
Relaxes digestion and thereby makes it easy to tolerate the effect of castor oil.
Lemon Verbena Tea:
Stops nausea and is a digest stimulant.
Apricot Juice:
Adds flavor and stops dehydration.
How Long Does It Take to Work?
Some women have contractions within a few hours, but for others, it might take longer or not work at all. The success depends on individual body reactions and pregnancy states.
Midwives Brew Recipe & Preparation
If you’re considering trying Midwives Brew, here’s a step-by-step guide to making it:
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp castor oil
- 2 tbsp almond butter
- 1 cup apricot juice
- 1 cup cooled, brewed lemon verbena tea
Instructions:
- Brew lemon verbena tea and refrigerate.
- All ingredients complement each other.
- Side the mixture on an empty stomach for maximum assimilation.
Best Time to Take It
Take Midwives in the morning or early afternoon so that the body has sufficient time to assimilate it.
Midwives Brew Success Rate: What Moms & Studies Have to Say
There are few scientific reports on Midwives Brew per se, but data on castor oil may provide some clue. Some research suggests that castor oil will induce labor in women but with unreported success rates.
What Moms Say
The majority of mothers swear that Midwives Brew successfully stimulated their labor within 3 to 6 hours. Others produced no effect but nausea or diarrhea.
Scientific Perspective
Castor oil research shows that it may perhaps increase the chance of labor in 24 hours, though not conclusively. Women are managing fine and women don’t as well.
Risks and Side Effects of Midwives Brew
Despite Midwives Brew being extremely popular, it has some side effects and risks too, and most of these are due to castor oil.
Potential Side Effects:
- Nausea and Vomiting : Very likely because castor oil is very bitter.
- Diarrhoea : Quite serious as it leads to dehydration.
- Dehydration : Exceeding diarrhoea means body fluids loss.
- Uterine Distress : Castor oil uncontrollable contractions are on the wait in severe conditions, harmful for the infant.
Who Should Refrain From Its Use
- Pregnant women having high risk
- Gastro-intestinal issues or risk of dehydration patients
- History of Caesarean section (on the basis of risks of uterine rupture)
Always consult your doctor or midwife first before attempting Midwives Brew.
Other Natural Induction Techniques
If Midwives is not to your taste, there are several other natural inductions techniques:
- Walking and Exercise : Makes the baby move downwards.
- Acupressure and Acupuncture : Have the potential to induce contractions.
- Spicy Food : Have very mild stimulating effects on the digestive system.
- Red Raspberry Leaf Tea : Tones muscle of uterus.
- Sex and Nipple Stimulation : Can stimulate oxytocin release, which results in contractions.
These actions are less severe and more step-by-step than Midwives Brew.
If Natural Induction of Labor Fails
When nature fails to initiate labor and the latter persists in its failure to commence, medical induction is called.
When is Medical Induction called?
- If pregnancy has exceeded 41-42 weeks
- When complications are present (e.g., preeclampsia, low amniotic fluid)
- If the health of the baby is at risk
Common Medical Induction Methods
- Pitocin (Synthetic Oxytocin) – Causes contractions.
- Membrane Stripping – Initiates release of natural prostaglandins.
- Breaking the Water (Amniotomy) –To speed up labor.
Always consult with your physician what is ideal.
Expert Views: What Do Doctors & Midwives Say?
Midwives like Midwives Brew but advise, especially due to the unstable nature of castor oil.
OBs and docs are more cautious since castor oil contractions are strong and stressful for the baby. They will attempt safer, proven medical procedures if induction is not viable.
Conclusion
Midwives Brew is yet another controversial natural labour induction method but dangerous and uncertain in effect. There are women who are believers in it, but there are other women who just undergo side effects and not a onset of labour.
Just make sure that you have consulted with your doctor initially before you use Midwives so you can check if it is okay with your condition. There are actually some natural and medical methods of inducing labor, so choose one which would be best for you and which would give you a healthy baby and birth.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
I am able to take Midwives Brew early, under 40 weeks, can’t I?
No, unless your doctor or your midwife tells you to.
How long I will be laboring after consuming it?
3-6 hours for some; nothing for others.
Is it safe in any pregnancy?
No, particularly with high-risk pregnancy or previous complicated one.