Birth Prep

Throughout pregnancy, our requirements change as we move through the different trimesters. The third trimester requires a certain level of preparation to ensure that an individual is nutritionally supported for birth.

My top tips to prepare the body for birth include:

〰️ Raspberry Leaf tea - known as a 'partus preparator', raspberry leaf tea assists with strengthening & toning the uterus for birth. In herbal medicine, we have a specific dosing schedule for consuming raspberry leaf tea in the lead up to birth, so best to consult your healthcare practitioner

〰️ Dates - 3 Medjool dates daily from 36 weeks has been associated with positive labour outcomes including higher chance of natural labour onset & shorter first stage of labour. Dates are naturally high in sugar, so ensure you consume them alongside a source of protein (eg. nuts or cheese)

〰️ Collagen - supports skin elasticity and promotes wound healing. Add collagen to smoothies, yoghurt, porridge or coffee

〰️ Probiotics - taking a high quality probiotic supplement during pregnancy can positive influence the bacteria that baby is exposed to during a vaginal birth, as well as influence baby's digestive & immune health

〰️ Magnesium - magnesium needs increase in late pregnancy, and can help to support common complaints such as leg cramps, anxiety, constipation, fatigue & poor sleep

〰️ Cease fish oil at 38 weeks - under the guidance of your healthcare practitioner, it is advised to cease taking a fish oil supplement in the lead up to birth