Women were asked for natural ways to induce labor. There are so many wives tales it’s hard to find what really works. Most women want to avoid inductions and c-sections. Here are some ways to get the baby train moving naturally.

Sexual intercourse – This works in two ways to induce labor. First, female orgasm can bring on contractions. Second, semen contains prostaglandins. Prostaglandins work to help ripe and soften the cervix.

Nipple stimulation – Stimulating the nipples triggers the production of natural oxytocin. Oxytocin contracts the uterus.

Accupressure – Accupressure may be helpful in inducing labor. Some pressure points you can try are the roof of your mouth, the webbing of your fingers between your pointer finger and thumb, and above the ankle about four fingerspaces above is a pressure point.

Massage – Find a massage therapist qualified to work with pregnant women. Many will know various points to massage to induce labor. This is why massage is not recommended during the early stages of pregnancy.

Stripping the membranes – This can only be done by a health care provider. Your doctor or midwife will separate the bag of waters from your cervix and this is thought to help encourage labor to start.

Raspberry Leaf Tea – Raspberry leaf tea is not actually known for its labor inducing properties, but it is believed to be helpful in toning the uterus and helping with labor.

Cinnamon stick tea – Take cinnamon sticks and boil them into a tea and drink. It actually tastes good so even if it doesn’t bring on labor it may help you to relax.

Evening primrose oil – Evening primrose oil comes in small capsules similar to vitamin E. It is believed to help soften and ripen the cervix.

Yoga – Many places offer special classes for all stages of pregnancy.

Walking – Walking may help to get baby to drop into proper position.

Visualization/relaxation – Relaxation can help with labor induction. Try doing relaxation exercisers. They are also good practice for when labor actually begins.

Pineapple, cumin tea, eggplant parmesan, and spicy foods – are another thing you can try.

Exercise Ball Bouncing – Bouncing gently and sitting on an exercise ball can also help baby drop into position and get your hips flexible for birth.

Spicy Food & Chinese Food – Some swear if you eat both mexican and chinese in the same day it can bring on labor.

If you have been listening to the news recently, you may be aware of the single, unemployed mother that already has 6 children and just recently had 8 more children (Octuplets) through in vitro fertilization (IVF). Nadya Suleman, who lives with her mother, now has 14 children. While I certainly believe and standby a single woman’s right to have children; I do not standby someone that chooses to have children he or she cannot afford to support financially.

Nadya is currently unemployed and lives with her mother, while struggling to already care for her 6 children, and now she brought 8 more children in to this world without a means to support and care for them. Her own mother, out of desperation, has threatened to leave town.

Nadya Suleman has a degree in Child and Adolescent Development from California State University, Fullerton, and is pursuing her Masters Degree in Counseling. However, her children currently range in ages from newborn to 7 years old. So even if Nadya wanted to go back to work, how would she be able to afford daycare for all of the children that aren’t currently in school? In today’s society, the average cost of daycare for 1 child is about $800.00 to $1,000.00 per month, not including summer camp, which can also be costly.

On a positive note, the octuplet babies are currently breathing on their own and are being tube-fed. The octuplets range from 1 pound 8 ounces to 3 pounds 4 ounces, and are progressing well. Hopefully, all of Nadya’s children will be able to live healthy and happy lives, despite their mother’s shortcomings.

I am curious to hear everyone else’s opinions. Please leave a comment expressing your views and opinions regarding this matter.