Labor Induction

Red raspberry leaf tea has been through the herbal version of the phone tree game. One person says, “Red raspberry leaf is traditionally used in late pregnancy to support labor.” The next person hears, “It makes contractions stronger.” A few repeats later, the message turns into, “Don’t drink it or it could cause a miscarriage.” That is a pretty big leap. Red raspberry leaf has a long history as a nourishing herb, especially during pregnancy and postpartum. But somew

Massage can be incredibly helpful at the end of pregnancy. It can ease discomfort, help the body soften, and support better movement. What it cannot do is force a baby to be ready. In my work, the goal is not to push the body into labor. The goal is to help the body find alignment, balance, and ease so it can do what it is already preparing to do.

My initial training gave me a solid understanding of prenatal massage techniques and the physical changes women experience during pregnancy. However, it was during this time that I first heard about doulas. I was told that if I wanted to specialize in pregnancy, Maya Abdominal Therapy was essential. That first prenatal class was not the last step but the first step toward deeper knowledge.