Six Pregnancies, Secrets of a Gentle Birth, and What’s Next in Modern Medicine?
It’s no secret I’ve been around the block a few times with pregnancy… okay, six times. But only in the last two have I found a supplement worth sharing that made a huge difference in labor. It was the Gentle Birth tincture, an herbal supplement that includes a blend of ingredients to help prepare a woman’s body for labor. Recommended by a local midwife (who hopefully we will be interviewing soon!, I found it incredibly helpful for toning my uterus and supporting my body as I moved into the final weeks of pregnancy. This is the same supplement that helped me feel more confident and prepared for the physical demands of labor—and I want to share my experience with you.
Gentle Birth is made with several herbs known for their benefits in preparing the body for childbirth. Some of the key ingredients include red clover. This herb is often used for balancing hormones and improving circulation, both of which are crucial for a healthy pregnancy and smoother delivery. It also contains dong quai known as “female ginseng,” Dong Quai helps support the body by improving blood circulation and relaxing the muscles, making labor potentially more manageable. Often included in Gentle Birth formulas, Blue Cohosh promotes contractions and can help trigger labor. However, I opted for the version of the tincture without this herb due to its intensity, which can sometimes lead to overly strong contractions.
Using Gentle Birth in the final weeks of my last two pregnancies helped tone and prepare my body for labor in a natural, gentle way. It promoted more efficient contractions and helped ease some of the physical discomforts that accompany late pregnancy. But while this supplement made a difference for me, I want to stress that I’m not a medical professional—just a mom sharing what worked for me. And anyone who has had a bay would want the secrets to a better one, right?
Always consult with your healthcare provider before introducing any new supplement or method during pregnancy.
On top of a secret to my last two smooth labors– one of the most exciting trends I’ve noticed in recent years is the rise in home births. Over the last decade, home births in the United States have increased by nearly 20%. More women are seeking natural, hands-on birth experiences that allow them to remain in the comfort of their own homes. While I didn’t give birth at home, I embraced several practices commonly used by women who choose this route, incorporating them into my own experience.
Homebirth offers several benefits that many women find appealing, including the opportunity for fewer medical interventions, more freedom of movement during labor, and a more relaxed, intimate environment. In fact, studies show that home births tend to have lower rates of C-sections and interventions compared to hospital births, offering a more natural experience. This is one of the reasons home births are becoming more popular, as they often align more closely with a woman’s personal birth preferences.
For me, even though my births weren’t at home, I borrowed some of the tactics used by home birthing mothers to prepare my body. One of the practices I found especially helpful was walking. Following a routine of walking at least three miles a day, inspired by the Spinning Babies program, helped prepare my body for labor by encouraging optimal positioning for the baby and improving circulation. This simple practice eased some of the discomforts of late pregnancy and may have helped with the efficiency of my labor.
Perhaps we’re at the cusp of finally being open to integrating natural birth practices into modern medicine. I live in a small farm community where traditional wisdom often merges with modern healthcare, and I can see the benefits of blending these two worlds. We are starting to recognize the value of holistic care, which supports not only the physical well-being of a mother but also her emotional and mental preparedness for labor. At least, that is my prayer for Northwest Kansas!
As birth rates continue to decline, it’s clear that we need new ways to approach childbirth that balance the strengths of both modern and natural medicine. The integration of natural birth practices, such as those used in home births, could offer new opportunities to improve outcomes and empower women in their birth journeys. It’s time we take a closer look at these practices in rural communities and consider how they could be applied more widely in today’s medical systems. I’m looking forward to a future interview with Sarah Sowers of No Greater Love Midwifery Services soon.
For me, using Gentle Birth was a powerful and supportive tool in preparing for labor. I hope that by sharing my experience, others can explore whether this gentle, natural method works for them, too. While each woman’s journey is unique, the trend toward natural birth practices is something that’s clearly making an impact. Whether you choose home birth, a hospital birth, or something in between, it can be a huge encouragement to have more options available to help guide us through one of life’s most amazing experiences.
Disclaimer: This article is based on personal experience. I am not a medical professional, and I encourage all expecting mothers to consult with their healthcare provider before making decisions about birth preparation and supplementation.
Simply Blooming Grace 