The doula I am working with has recommended that I drink some blue cohosh
tea (which I can get from my health food store) to induce labor. I am 38
weeks +3 days, the OB's ultrasound yesterday showed head measurement of 101
mm and guesstimated weight of 8 lbs, 14 oz (plus or minus 10%). My OB said
nipple stimulation and two acupressure points are fine for me to use--she
said that can't hurt anything even though she doesn't think they'll work.

The doula told me about the blue cohosh after my OB appointment. I have it
referenced to use in a midwifery book, but I don't have any further
references to it. Can anybody tell me what it is and whether it will have
any direct effect on my baby? I know it is supposed to cause uterine
contractions, which I definitely want to start now, but I have no idea what
other effects it might have.

I'm trying to avoid a repeat cesarean. The sooner I can go into labor
without the baby getting any bigger, the better chance I'll have. But I
don't want to be induced again, because I know (baby is larger than
previous one) that will lead to more interventions that will lead to a
cesarean.

Any information about blue cohosh would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Amy

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Amy Shelton, La Leche League Leader
Area Leader's Letter Editor for LLL of AL/MS/LA
A Mother's Love--breast pump rental station
http://iquest.com/~ashelton/index.html
Huntsville, AL
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