Unfortunately for me, my OBGYN is gone on holidays (which is why he recommended the castor oil in hopes it would get me going and he could deliver before leaving)and the MD replacing him is only at the hospital...that is why I had been enquiring about the Caulophyllum, at this point I would just like to learn more about it, like what it is and where it can be found. I don't know if I would take it without the advice of a physician tho. I have known about castor oil but did not take any till my doctor said so. But like I said..I would just like to learn about the Caulophyllum and so far, searches on the net haven't given me much info. Thanks again

During a 32 hour labour which wasn't progressing when giving birth to my fourth child, I was given Arnica 200 and ahuge baby boy was born 17minutes later.

Dear Nicey

I hope you have had your baby and don't have to think about Caulophyllum any more, but in case you haven't, you may be interested to know that it is a homoeopathic preparation of the herb 'blue cohosh'. It's the remedy most commonly prescribed to bring on labour, but there are several others, so you may like to take further advice as to which would be most helpful for you. The choice would depend largely on specific descriptions of how you are feeling both mentally and physically.
Kind regards, Anna

I finally had my baby about 14 days past due after three weeks of start and stop "false" labour that had no effect on my 1 cm. cervix.

I had been doing nipple stimulation, which worked wonderfully in getting contractions, but they did not take me into true labour until my baby was ready to come out.

I took pulsatilla 200c on GMs suggestion about 2 weeks before the due date, and on my midwifes suggestion i had caullophylum 30c and cimicifuga 30c alternating for a few doses (this was on my due date when nothing was hapenning)

On day 10 she tried to strip my membranes which ALSO produced great contractions, but no baby.
On day 13 she gave me one more dose of puls200, and three doses of alternating caull and cimi at the 200c potency and within a few minutes the real labour began.

I feel that for me it was the combination of the remedies and the right timing that helped me to labour.
I might also add that the contractions came on INTENSELY and three minutes apart, double peaking with the desire to push from the start, but it took 16 hours for the baby to be born. (sounds like pitocin)

In hindsight, i think that i wouldve been better off with a remedy for my constitution, adressing my IMPATIENCE.

the entire pregnancy and esp. the labour was an excersize in patience and trusting nature and my body to birth normally and with perfect timing.

(incidentally, i had a vbac birth with not one drug, and i am so happy with myself for enduring this lifechanging experience)

well done - glad to know mum and baby are well - CONGRATULATIONS!!

How safe is Black Cohosh and what side effects can it have?? ... Also, does anyone have any information on Castor Oil? .. I've heard it can be dangerous but no specifics.

Thanks!

Blach cohosh will produce strong uterine contractions, esp if in conjunction w/ blue cohosh. The side effects could include raised blood pressure and if taken in high enough doses to induce labour it will also cause nausea and maybe vomiting. It is most effective if done when labour has already begun

If you are planning a hospital birth this could also lead to unnecessary interventions due to raise in BP.

Homeopathic version is cimicifuga and in my experience produces strong and more effective labour (see my previous post in this thread)

Castor oil is usually used as a last resort and will cause you to feel pretty bad with diarrheah, but is effective esp if baby is past due. Consider how it will feel to labour after and during being so sick.

GOOD LUCK