Blue Cohosh anyone?

[aidensmommy]

My friend was talking about taking blue cohosh to induce herself once she reached full-term. Not sure if I personally would be willing to take anything to speed things along (although I might feel differently in another month or so :rolleyes: ). Anyway....anyone have experience with this? Found some scetchy things about it on the internet, but also stories of midwives who rx it....

Does anyone know if it works?

[Fenway]

I've never heard of blue cohosh. I've taken black cohosh to start my period a couple times. It works every time.

I'm probably not much help but I thought I'd give my $.02

[EJM]

From what I read, this is one of the few natural induction methods that always has a huge warning about only using under the close supervision of a health care provider.

[lindzgirl]

I actually used Blue Cohosh to speed things up. I was 2 weeks overdue and desperate to get things going. It totally works. I was able to go into labor on my own 2 days later after I started taking it. I would recommend researching it and talking with a midwife or a nutritionist to get the correct dosage. I don't think most doctors even think about it because it is a natural remedy versus being induced by pitocin(which is what most doctors prefer). Hope that helps you! Good luck!

[Rico'sAlice]

My impression is that it does tend to work. People often talk about taking the black & blue in conjunction somehow. However it is definitely a serious induction method and therefore caries real risks- compared to stuff like walking or sex which mostly seem to really only work to tip you over the edge if you are already there.
Like Pitocin it can bring on contractions that are unnaturally strong and/or don't follow a natural rhythm.

There are a number of contraindications, known side effects, and other problems assosiated with OTOH there are some midwives that have recommended cohosh to their clients for years with positive results.

Blue Cohosh Controversy (http://www.gentlebirth.org/archives/blueCohosh.html)

I could see choosing cohosh over pitocin closer to 42 wks if facing some sort of deadline. But I wouldn't take it casually and would make an effort to consult a trained herbalist.

[aidensmommy]

I wish we had more access to midwives in our region....selection kinda limited :( I tend to agree with you, and don't think I would be willing to risk it myself, but I will let you know if my friend tries it and how it works.

I did see Clary Sage oil as a nice bath once you reach term....supposed to help speed things along (as any relaxing bath time at that point could)....seems like there are less side effects to that one....same with EPO. Other people say it doesn't work at all, so go figure :rolleyes: