Natural Ways to Encourage Labor (Without Stressing About It)
Supportive Tips from The Perinatal Wellness Centre
If you’re here, chances are your due date is coming up—or maybe it’s come and gone—and people (maybe even your family members) are starting to mention the “I” word: induction. Cause we know your care provider has probably mentioned it a few times already!
Maybe that feels fine to you. But maybe... you'd really like to see if your body and baby can do this on their own first.
You’re not alone.
At The Perinatal Wellness Centre, we work with so many expectant parents who are navigating this exact moment. The good news? There are some natural, gentle ways you can encourage things along—no pressure, no force, just some thoughtful support for your body and mind.
Here’s what we often share with our clients:
1. Try a Few Labor-Friendly Foods
Food is more than fuel—it’s comfort, culture, and sometimes... it just might nudge your body in the right direction.
A few foods that people swear by:
Eggplant Parmesan – There was a restaurant in Atlanta, Scalini’s, that was famous for this dish—hundreds of babies have made their debut after their parents ate it!
Dates – Eating 6 dates a day from 36 weeks onward has been shown to help soften and prepare the cervix. Sweet and simple.
Spicy food – If your digestion can handle it, go for that curry or spicy taco night.
Pineapple – Fresh (not canned) pineapple contains an enzyme called bromelain that may support cervical softening.
Ginger cookies – A cozy treat with a little kick. Get the recipe here!
2. Intimacy & Oxytocin
Let’s be honest: late pregnancy sex might not sound super appealing—but if you’re up for it (and your waters haven’t broken), it can actually help.
Semen has natural prostaglandins, which help soften the cervix. And any kind of sexual or sensual touch—especially if it leads to orgasm—releases oxytocin, the same hormone that fuels contractions.
Not into sex right now? Totally understandable. You can try gentle nipple or clitoral stimulation, or even just some cuddles and skin-to-skin time with your partner to boost those feel-good hormones.
3. Go for a Walk
Simple, but effective. Walking (especially uphill or curb-walking) can help your baby settle deeper into your pelvis, putting helpful pressure on the cervix.
Even a short daily stroll can get things moving—and give you a peaceful break outside your head.
4. Relax (Yes, Really)
You’ve probably heard this before, but we’re going to say it again: Your body needs to feel safe to go into labor.
If you're stressed, anxious, or holding onto fear, your brain releases hormones that can block the natural flow of oxytocin—the key hormone that starts and sustains labor.
Some ways to unwind:
A warm bath and soft music
Listening to a guided relaxation (we share some in our HypnoBirthing® classes!)
Having a quiet cry, a long cuddle, or a moment with your journal
Letting yourself take a break from trying to go into labor
5. Hypnosis
Sometimes, our minds hold onto things that our bodies are ready to let go of. Fear of birth, anxiety about motherhood, old experiences—all of these can live quietly in the background and affect your body’s readiness to begin labor.
Hypnosis helps you connect with your inner calm, release fear, and gently encourage your body to start doing what it already knows how to do.
We offer private hypnosis sessions specifically for this.
6. Talk to Your Baby
It might sound a little woo, but hear us out.
Sit down somewhere quiet. Place your hands on your belly. Take a breath. Talk to your baby—out loud or in your mind.
Tell them you’re ready when they are. Invite them. Visualize holding them in your arms. So many parents find that taking time to emotionally connect in this way helps everything feel more aligned.
7. Acupuncture & Acupressure
Acupuncture is one of our favourite gentle tools for preparing the body for labor. It's been used for centuries and works with your body’s natural energy systems.
Julie, our acupuncturist, offers an ‘Induction with Partner Session’ where she uses specific points that can help tone the uterus, soften the cervix, and support your hormonal balance, and while she’s doing that with you, she teaches your partner how to best support you with acupressure during labour and birth.
A Loving Reminder
You don’t need to “make” labor happen. Your body and your baby are working together—and sometimes the kindest thing you can do is get quiet, tune in, and trust. Unless there’s a medical reason to be induced, there’s often more time than you think.
You’ve got this. And we’ve got you.
Resources & Gentle Reads:
#NaturalLaborSupport #PerinatalWellness #HypnoBirthingLove #GentleBirth #BabyComeOut #BirthYourWay #OxytocinMagic #CalmBeforeTheBaby #ThePerinatalWellnessCentre