Red Raspberry Leaf Tea

cMichelle0423 · April 2014

For those of you who have used it during their 3rd tri to help strengthen those uterine muscles, when did you start drinking it, and how much did you drink a day? I've been wanting to drink it this time around, now that I know more about what it's used for in pregnancy. Just wanted some input!

wtfisup · April 2014

I was going to start it, but all of the midwives at my practice said it's not really effective in the way folks think.

Verstej2 · April 2014

I love it. I make a big jug of it each day as iced tea. Great to help get your fluids for the day too. I use five tea bags and fill my ice tea jug 1/3 full with hot water. I use a few tablespoons of honey to sweeten it and let it cool. Then fill the jug the rest of the way with ice water and ice cubes. I also love to add strawberry slices and let it steep in the fridge. It's so refreshing. I'm not sure about how effective it is as far as toning the uterus but it tastes good and is caffeine free so I enjoy it regardless. I did have a super fast deliver with my last baby (65 minutes in total) but doubt it was due to the tea, but maybe it helped.

Savvy122 · April 2014

Hmm. I thought I read once upon a time that red raspberry leaf tea could actually cause contractions... no? WebMD says it's a possibility. I've been having a ton of Braxton Hicks already, so I wonder if I should maybe stay away. (Although I'm definitely all for doing anything to make labor/delivery easier on myself this time around). Anyone talked to their OB/midwife about it?

laramt · April 2014

My OB told me to start drinking it at 34 weeks in preparation.

Rosebud2587 · April 2014

With DD I started drinking it around 36 weeks and had 1-3 cups a day. DD was born at 42 weeks so it didn't put me into labor like some people believe the tea will do; however, my entire labor + delivery with DD was 6 1/2 hrs. I'd like to think that drinking all of the RRLT helped speed up my labor, but who knows, I may just be a fast laborer.

With this pregnancy I've been drinking pregnancy tea, which has RRL in it, pretty much since the beginning of the pregnancy. I just really like the taste. I only have like 1 cup a week or so right now but I might up the intake again once I get to 36 weeks.

tbmadeamistake · April 2014

I found it gave me contractions, so I don't drink it, but I know my sister loved it.

flojo973 · April 2014

@Savvy122- I believe it can cause contractions which is why I believe its typically not recommended to start drinking until around 35 weeks.

I plan to start drinking it around 35/36 weeks. I'm going to ask my doctor about it at my appointment next week. And about Evening Primrose Oil.

otter1103 · April 2014

Sorry, I have to chime in with my stupid question, yes red raspberry tea: But which kind, type, brand have/are you ladies using or have used?

flojo973 · April 2014

@otter1103 - I bought the Yogi brand at my local grocery store.

Verstej2 · April 2014

I checked with my midwife about the tea and she said that the studies she has seen seems to indicate that it is safe for consumption throughout pregnancy and that it tones the uterus causing fewer pre and post term labours and makes labours less painful and shorter. But (and it's a pretty big but) that there are few studies about it because, of course, there isn't a lot of funding that goes towards most natural/alternative methods. The ones she had in her office were done by midwifery groups and could be found in pubmed or one of the other medical databases if you have access (I seem to remember one was from Women's Midwifery health). For this reason most doctors seem to suggest you avoid it in first trimester, drink only fairly small amounts in second trimester (if at all) but that you can go all out and have lots in third trimester especially after 34 weeks or so. I imagine you would get different advice if you are at high risk for pre-labour or had other health concerns so I would check before you start drinking it.

I have used it in all three of my pregnancies and I don't believe it caused contractions for me. That being said you have to trust your own care providers advice, yourself and your body. If you worry that it will cause contractions and/or pre-term labour than I would avoid it. Nothing that causes you worry will be very beneficial and it's better to avoid the stress!

I usually buy an organic brand from my local grocery store but I think it is a Canadian brand only (PC). Oh and make sure it is red raspberry LEAF tea not just red raspberry tea which is totally different (made from the fruit rather than the leaves).

carmanb · April 2014

I've been drinking this tea from Phoenix Herb Company for about two weeks now, and I have started having BH shortly after drinking it.

https://phoenixherb.com/products-page/herbal-tea-blends/pregnancy-tea/

I make a 2qt container at a time, and drink it iced with a bit of sweetener. Boil 8 cups water. When it comes to a boil, let it cool for a minute, then add 1/3 cup of tea, and let steep at least 20 minutes. I usually let it cool with the tea still in it, then strain through cheesecloth into my container.

MissBHaven1024 · April 2014

34 weeks is when I started with my last pregnancy.

Verstej2 · April 2014

BrightEyes112 said:
@Verstej2 is it a loose leaf or bagged? I couldn't find anything remotely close at superstore (pc).

It's bagged. Did you try the natural food section? That's were it is in my Loblaws. I think I have used the Traditional Medicinals brand too. I would love to find it loose leaf somewhere since I just cut the bags open to put the tea in my infuser anyway.

pfefferlel · May 2014

i ordered 3 boxes on amazon. the price is much better than what i've seen in stores. i just started drinking 3 cups/day and i'm 36 weeks preggo.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002LMLBXK/ref=oh_details_o01_s00_i14?ie=UTF8&psc=1

MissBHaven1024 · May 2014

If I drink it at night, I notice I get tired. I'm drinking it 4 times a day.

fsumom · May 2014

I'm drinking it two times a day but probably could increase my intake. I'm also taking Evening Primrose.

Want a personalized experience?

Red Raspberry Leaf Tea

Re: Red Raspberry Leaf Tea

Married DH 7/30/11

CSC arrived 5/7/12

CHC arrived 6/2/14

Choose Another Board

Search Boards