Yoni Steaming for labour preparation
Yoni steaming, also called vaginal steaming or V-steaming, involves sitting over a pot of steam infused with herbs. Practiced for years by ancient cultures, yoni steaming promotes feminine wellness by naturally cleansing the uterus and vagina. Vaginal steaming is usually contraindicated during pregnancy because it can soften and open the cervix.
The combination of gentle heat and herbs stimulates circulation, increases moisture, softens the cervix encouraging it to open, and increases blood flow to the pelvic area, all of which encourages labor.
We use gentle herbs safe for the baby and pregnant person. The warmth and moisture from the steam may relax the pelvic floor muscles and promote blood circulation in the reproductive organs, which may encourage contractions to start.
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A golden rule for safety is to never vaginal steam while pregnant. However, there is indeed one exception: yoni steaming for labor preparation.
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The reason we don't steam while pregnant is because steam helps the uterus clear and cleanse. So while a baby is incubating in the womb, we want them to focus on their development and safely nuzzle into their first home. However, once the babe is ready to meet the wider world, we can then safely support that readiness through the practice of vaginal steaming
Here is how to safely and intentionally use holistic practices, including yoni steaming, for labor preparation:
Four weeks prior to your due date, start prioritizing the three critical supporting factors for labor readiness:
Lubrication
Circulation
Relaxation
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LUBRICATION
Dryness can stall labor. Two signs of dehydration include constipation and dry lips and dry skin.
You'll want to support healthy digestion and bm's that are smooth and formed, doing your best to avoid dry pellets. If you’re having regular bowel movements, it’s a good indication of sufficient hydration.
The skin and lips should be moist without having to apply lotion or oil. These are all great indicators that the birthing person is lubricated enough for labor.
You can support lubrication through hydrating foods and fluids. So start eating moisturizing foods a month prior to due date. Lots of water and fluids (bone broth), juicy fruits (moisturizing), goji berries (good at toning the kidneys for overall moisturizing), tapioca, gelatin, chia seeds (pudding or drink), boba tea, and green smoothies, as well as oatmeal. All of this can be eaten every day (be careful to not eat too much sugar).
Keep the yoni lubricated with coconut oil and/or almond oil, which will support labor preparation and minimize tearing.
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CIRCULATION
Circulation is the opposite of stagnation, which is a normal part of pregnancy. Signs of stagnation include swelling, shooting pains, and brain fog.
Below are tools to encourage circulation. Let your intuition and the needs of the present moment guide you through these considerations.
Acupuncture: Set up four weekly acupuncture appointments before due date.
Spicy foods are great for creating circulation. If it is making you sweat, it is a good sign that circulation is happening.
Cardio. Get music going, blood flow, dancing. Speed walk. Trying to get cardio in whilst honoring that the body is heavy.
Massage. Really good for improving circulation.
Warm bath or warm shower.
Warm/hot shower squat. Can be useful to get the cervix to open - basically taking deep steady squats in the shower.
SEX: If you desire. Sex and orgasm is a tool for circulation and relaxation. Sex with lots of massage and with the emphasis on soothing and relaxation. The reason sex works for labor preparation is because it can be super relaxing. However, if you're not genuinely feel calling towards sex there is, as always, no need to "should" yourself or stress yourself into sexual activity as that is negating your embodied truth and counter productive. However, if your mojo is up, by all means enjoy a good ole romp.
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RELAXATION
Relaxation is the foundation of release and what allows the cervix to open. Journaling out any anxieties and issues and having nurturing and nourishing conversations is great.
Shaking leaf exercise: This is a Chi Gong exercise. Relax the muscles and let them shake out. Basically just shake shake shake your limbs. It can look and feel a bit goofy but it is super for circulation and then relaxation. If you have the stamina you can do this for 10-20 minutes at a time.
Also, remember to get lots and LOTS rest, whenever possible. You are about to bring a human into the world - take a nap!
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Yoni steaming may support lubrication (steam supports moisture), circulation (heat supports increased blood flow), and relaxation (steaming soothes body and cervix which is necessary for its opening.)
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When to start yoni steaming for labor preparation:
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Generally after 37 weeks of pregnancy, the baby is fully developed and ready to be born. At this time, and no earlier, it is safe to gently yoni steam for labor preparation. As always, working with a trusted and trained vaginal steam practitioner is advised. Your practitioner will be able to cater your herbs, yoni steam schedule, and other holistic labor preparation support specifically to you.
You may choose to yoni steam one or two weeks prior to your due date. If you've experienced uterine fatigue, often indicated by cycles 27 days and shorter, please wait to yoni steam until one week before your due date. However, if you are prone to stagnation or longer cycles of 28 + days you may choose to steam two weeks prior to your due date.
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Although pelvic steaming is contraindicated during pregnancy, a very mild modified version of steaming can be used safely for labor preparation starting at 38 or 39 gestational weeks under the supervision of a trained practitioner. Under special conditions steaming might start as early as 37 weeks but it should never be done earlier.
If desired, steaming can be done in early labor, both before or after the water breaks. Steam during active labor may possibly advance labor, soften the cervix, protect skin from perineum tears, encourage contractions and manage pain.
Indicators/Body Signs:
Pelvic steaming for labor preparation and during active labor may be helpful with the following concerns.
-Stalled Labor
-Late Labor
-Geriatric Diabetes
-Group B Strep
-Preeclampsia
-Labor Pressure
-Infections
-Body Pains and Aches (hips, back, legs)
-Sleep Assistance
-Pain Management During Active Labor
-Protection from Perineum Tears
Medical Diagnosis and Treatment:
Medical interventions for labor may include induction, membrane stripping, cesarean, forceps, epidural, pitocin, catheterization, episiotomy, vacuum extraction, scheduled cesarean (birth through abdominal surgery), tubal ligation at time of surgery (with or without prior consent).
Though all of these interventions might be useful in cases of emergency, steaming for labor preparation may help to prevent the need for any of these medical interventions (and their resulting side-effects).
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If you would like more informations on what yoni steaming is and how we do it please click below
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If you are ready to explore this beautiful, natural, holistic option for your labour preparations and join the ancient practice that is re-emerging into the world ( already available in every birth suit in Czech republic ) click below
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Birth blessings to you xx