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The Midwives Brew

  • Writer: amber zietz
    amber zietz
  • Feb 3, 2024
  • 4 min read

The Midwives Brew

A timeless method to induce labor naturally 




Are you needing to kickstart labor and want to avoid medications like Pitocin and misoprostol? The Midwives Brew might be an option. 

This is a cocktail whose star is castor oil as its key ingredient, is also a powerful laxative that will stimulate strong contractions- and diarrhea. If you are between 40  to 42 weeks in your pregnancy, drinking the Midwives Brew will give you a 3 times more likely chance of going into active labor within 12 hours. 


Warning


Discuss with your midwife the safety and timing of provoking labor with castor oil in your pregnancy. 


Inducing labor prematurely, before reaching your 40th week, or in the presence of any pregnancy-related risk factors can pose potential dangers for both you and baby. Drinking castor oil to stimulate labor may result in side effects such as intense abdominal cramping, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting, which could potentially lead to dehydration. 




But… Is inducing labor with castor oil safe?

In low-risk pregnancies, research indicates there were no increased rates of cesarean section, forceps or vacuum usage, meconium-stained amniotic fluid, or low Apgar scores among clients who opted for castor oil induction. 

Your midwife is an invaluable resource to discuss your unique circumstances, assess individual risks, and provide personalized recommendations regarding the suitability of this method for you.



My Midwives Brew Recipe

  • 6 oz of Apricot Juice

  • 4 oz of Pure Lemon Verbena Tea

  • 2 Tbsp of Castor Oil

  • 2 Tbsp of Almond Butter



Apricot Juice 

This helps to disguise the taste of the castor oil. Substitutions include pineapple, mango, or peach juice. 

Lemon Verbena Tea  

An herb that will help to settle the stomach, help calm nausea, and soothe anxiety. Substitutions include Lemon Balm tea, Red Raspberry Leaf tea, or additional juice.

Castor Oil 

This is a powerful laxative. The effect is to provoke spasms in the digestive tract which in turn irritates the uterus. Choose an oil that is organic, cold-pressed, and can be taken internally. No substitutions.

Almond Butter

This nut butter helps to camouflage the oiliness and taste of the castor oil. If you have a nut allergy, you can substitute it with a nut-free butter such as tahini, sunflower seed, coconut, soy nut, or granola butter.


Preparation

  1. Gather ingredients. Some ingredients are difficult to find. Some substitutions can be made. The exception is castor oil. This is the star ingredient. 

  2. Steep tea in boiling water until cooled (about 10 mins)

  3. Blend all ingredients in a blender until smooth

  4. Adjust if needed. Thin the brew with more tea or juice if needed

  5. Drink at room temperature and on AN EMPTY STOMACH!

Hold on! You can expect the effects in 30 minutes to 12 hours. You can repeat the cocktail every 3 hours for a total of 3 rounds.


Pro Tips

Use a straw. Bypass your tongue and get the concoction down your throat. 

Use protection on and around the anus. Thick pastes like Butt Butter or A&D ointment will protect your skin from diarrhea. Reapply after each BM

Stay Hydrated.  Aim to drink 8-16 oz of water or an electrolyte drink per hour.



Closing Thoughts

In my experience, castor oil in the Midwives Brew is a natural, safe, and effective option to encourage labor if specific conditions are in alignment. 

That said, my clients and I collaborate to come up with a well-thought-out plan, discussing the safety and optimal timing for kickstarting labor. We address the likely side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, and are also prepared to mobilize the birth team quickly, as the effects often are successful in initiating active labor. 

I am a midwife but I am NOT your midwife. Consult with your healthcare provider and be ready for potential outcomes.



From my Notebook 


Midwives Brew

Updated recipe to 12 oz- this is a more realistic amount to drink in pregnancy (originally 18 oz)

  • 6 oz of Apricot Juice

  • 4 oz of Pure Lemon Verbena Tea

  • 2 Tbsp of Castor Oil

  • 2 Tbsp of Almond Butter

Steps: 

  1. Steep tea in boiling water until cooled (about 10 mins)

  2. Blend all ingredients in a blender until smooth

  3. Thin brew with more tea or juice if needed

  4. Drink at room temperature and on AN EMPTY STOMACH!

Effects can come on as soon as 30 min or as long as 24 hours. 


Substitutions:

Apricot Juice: pineapple, mango, or peach juice. 

Tea: Lemon Balm tea, Red Raspberry Leaf tea, or additional juice

Nut Butter: nut-free butter- tahini, sunflower seed, coconut, soy nut, or granola butter.


Tips:

Use protection on and around the anus - Butt Butter or A&D ointment. Reapply after each BM

Stay Hydrated- drink 8-16 oz of water or an electrolyte drink per hour

You can re-dose in 2 to 4 hours. Limit to 3 doses


Original Recipe (20 oz)

  • 10 oz of Apricot Juice

  • 8 oz of Pure Lemon Verbena Tea

  • 2 Tbsp of Castor Oil

  • 2 Tbsp of Almond Butter

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