Maternity Blog & News | New Beginnings
Ways to bring on labour
Welcome to our October edition of Booble Blog. This month we’re exploring all the tips, tricks (and sometimes a little crazy) things women do to bring on labour when they’re overdue. Before we dive in, it’s important to note that most labour-inducing hacks are still only theories, so it’s best to consult your medical practitioner before you start experimenting. And, of course, waiting for your baby to come naturally is always the best option.For more information about labour, explore our Best Laid Labour Plans pregnancy guide. OK, let’s get into everything from chili to Chinese medicine: 1. Walking The theory of upping your steps in the last few weeks of pregnancy is that it can help draw the baby down into your pelvic area, and the pressure of the baby could prime your cervix for labour. Whether it works, we’re not 100% sure, but any exercise right now can only be a good thing, right? 2. Acupuncture For those who have never paid to be poked with needles, Acupuncture is the art of inserting thin needles into specific pressure points on the body. It’s said to relieve pain and discomfort while helping aid relaxation. When it comes to inducing labour, the needles can stimulate uterine activity, giving the body a polite nudge to get things moving. This one seems to have some weight behind it from a few different studies, so if you’re game, give it a stab! (see what we did there?) 3. Sex While sexy-time probably isn’t at the top of your ‘want right now’ list, sperm contains prostaglandins, a hormone that can help thin and dilate the cervix. So, if you can manage it, channel your inner George Michael and sing ‘I want your sex’ to your partner. If labour isn’t the end result, at least you’ve had some intimate time together, something you won’t get a lot of when your little one is here. 4. Evening primrose oil Many midwives suggest evening primrose oil for their pregnant mummas, since this herb can help the cervix thin and dilate. But of course don't use any herbs without getting the green light from your doctor or midwife. A word of warning, women with placenta previa should stay away from this one. 5. Castor oil This one is a little controversial. It’s said that by drinking a little bit, like only 1–2 ounces of castor oil, it can stimulate a prostaglandin release, which can help get labour started. The problem is that caster oil can also wreak havoc on your bowels, causing a bad case of diarrhea. So we’re a bit meh on this one. If you’re keen to try, maybe chat to your doctor first. But from what we've heard, this stuff does not taste pleasant! God’s speed. 6. Nipple stimulation What better way to get your nipples ready for breastfeeding than to squeeze them like a dairy cow? OK, no, that’s not what they say to do. Apparently if you massage and twist your nipples, this causes your body to release the hormone oxytocin, which brings on contractions. But some practitioners don't recommend this one, because it can cause painfully long and strong uterine contractions that could potentially lower fetal heart rate. 7. Spicy food This is an age-old theory that people still try today. The idea is that spicy food, like castor oil, irritates your intestines, which causes your uterus to contract. There isn’t really enough evidence to prove that it does in fact induce labour, but if you generally tolerate spicy food well, go for it. 8. Massage Probably our favourite labour-inducing hack, massage is thought to raise your body's level of oxytocin, that magical hormone that can bring on contractions. Why do we love this one? Because who doesn’t want a massage when your feet hurt, your back throbs and you just deserve one?! If nothing seems to be working and your baby just isn’t keen to leave his or her warm little womb, then it’s probably time to chat to your doctor about next steps and options to move forward. And don’t forget that your baby could still come at any time, so make sure you have that hospital bag packed and ready to go! Finding yourself Googling everything from boobs and bums to bubs and bibs? Visit our New Beginnings website, where you’ll find a range of helpful articles, products and tips for navigating this new chapter of your life - mummahood.
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Exercises you can do during pregnancy
Curious if it’s safe to run, lift, or keep exercising during pregnancy? This guide breaks down what’s safe (and what’s not) by trimester—plus easy workouts, expert tips, and how to stay active safely for you and your baby.
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Booble Blog: When does morning sickness end?
Feeling queasy all day long? You’re not alone. Morning sickness affects up to 80% of pregnant women and can strike at any time—not just in the morning. Discover what causes it, how long it lasts, and natural remedies that can actually help.
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Booble Blog: Is it normal to have such vivid dreams while pregnant?
In this edition of Boogle Blog, we discuss the subject of dreams and why, when we’re pregnant, our mind wanders into some crazy places. If you’re pregnant and have woken up in a sweat wondering why you were pashing your year 10 high school teacher in your sleep or fighting off a one-legged dragon to save your baby, you’re not alone. Wild and sometimes worrying dreams are completely normal and extremely common among expecting mums. So what causes us to dream big while our bellies are growing? Hormones or irregular sleep? There are many theories as to why we dream so vividly when pregnant. Some point the finger at hormones, others say that the change in our sleep patterns are to blame. Both play a starring role in our books, and when you break it down it’s easy to see why. Hormones As we know, hormones cause a roller-coaster ride of emotions during the day, but some researchers also theorise that the increase in vivid, detailed dreams may be linked to higher levels of progesterone that arise later in the pregnancy. A 2015 study found that sleep tends to increase during the first trimester, but decreases as the pregnancy progresses. Right before giving birth, our body also produces a lot more oxytocin, which can make insomnia worse. Just what we need before having a newborn, right!? Fragmented sleep As you’d know if you’re in the later stage of your second trimester or now into your third, sleep is starting to become fragmented, with your baby getting bigger, your back getting sorer and your bladder in overdrive. It’s this constant waking that causes us to not quite slip into a deep sleep, and stay in what they call REM sleep (rapid eye movement), which means you’re not only more likely to dream, but way more likely to wake up during or right after a dream, meaning you’ll have a better chance of remembering it, in every vivid detail. Should we worry? The short answer is, no. Dreams are our subconscious mind exploring every scenario possible, to see if we’re equipped for procreation or a zombie apocalypse. Neither of which anyone can truly prepare for. And while dreaming is something we can’t control, there are a few things you can do to try and limit the night terrors, and move those dreams into something a little more PG. Set the mood. Creating a bit of a ritual for yourself each night is a great way to tell your mind and body that it’s time to wind down and chillax. Try lighting a scented candle, running yourself a bath and playing some chill-out tunes. Stick to a routine. Going to bed and getting up at the same time each day can improve your sleep health. Easier said than done some times, we know. Switch off. We know it’s hard, but try limiting your device usage in bed. Wordle can wait till the morning! Keep active. Regular physical activity during pregnancy can help you fall asleep more easily, and has been known to help with restless legs. Prevent heartburn. To avoid heartburn, try eating small, frequent meals and avoid eating three hours before bedtime, if you can. Sleeping on your left side with your head elevated can also help ease heartburn symptoms. If you continue to have trouble sleeping during pregnancy, or your dreams are starting to make you feel anxious, have a chat with your OB or health care provider, and see what they would recommend to put your mind at ease. Finding yourself Googling everything from boobs and bums to bubs and bibs? Visit our New Beginnings website, where you’ll find a range of helpful articles, products and tips for navigating this new chapter of your life - mummahood.
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New Beginnings At PBC Expo Melbourne
We are very happy to invite you to come and visit us at the Pregnancy, Babies and Children's Expo that is happening at MCEC South Warf Melbourne from Friday the 8th to Sunday the 10th of July. This is a great opportunity to come and try on our New Beginnings maternity bras and get recommendations from our team. Not to mention there'll be some very special expo only deals for you to take advantage of! Click here for more information and to register for tickets. The entry is free!
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