From placenta pills to okra water “labor hacks,” a new wave of modern birthing trends is spreading across social media — and new moms are trying them in droves. Many of these practices — some rooted in long-standing traditions — mix old-school remedies with modern DIY culture, promising smoother births, quicker recoveries, and calmer postpartum days. And while these trends go viral, they’re also raising eyebrows, and in some cases, the hype doesn’t match the science.
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With so much information overload, it’s becoming harder for parents to separate what’s harmless, what’s helpful, and what could be downright risky. So we asked Natalia Pitkowski — CEO of Your Maternity Journey, labor and postpartum doula, trainer, and infant care specialist — to shed light on 13 trending practices, and whether they actually live up to their promises.
Eating Your Placenta
Folks are known to consume their placenta cooked or in pill form — dried in the oven, grounded fine, and placed into capsules. While this technique has little research, Pitkowski told The Root she believes she achieved positive results using the technique.
“When I didn’t take it, my husband would notice because he’d see me more tired, stressed, more mood swings. He’d ask, ‘Did you take your placenta today?’ because I was being mean to him,” she laughed.
Cold Cabbage to Stop Lactation
Once a mother is ready to slow milk supply, word on the street is cabbage can be used to relieve engorgement and slow milk supply. While there’s little research, Pitkowski told The Root this age-old remedy does help, and is safe to try.
“We recommend using it cold, so put the cabbage in the freezer, get the leaves and place it onto the breast.”
Okra Water for Smoother Delivery
“There’s nothing that will 100% prove it’ll help with a smooth delivery,” Pitkowski detailed. “There’s so many factors,” she warned, including “the shape of the pelvis, size of the baby, and the mobility of the mother.”
That said, the expert said scientific research does recommend Dates, which can help the birthing process by softening the cervix and potentially shortening labor. “Anything else to consume, it’s not 100% sure to help, even exercises,” she added.
Freebirthing/Unassisted Home Birth
“Yes women delivered without medical support hundreds of years ago, however a hundred years ago you’d be more mobile. You’d walk miles and miles because we didn’t have cars,” Pitkowski explained. “Now we sit hours and hours in a chair working in an office. Our pelvis doesn’t have the same mobility, and doesn’t create the same space.”
“I would not recommend this,” she warned. “I make sure my clients know their bodies can do amazing things… but it’s risky in my opinion.”
Lotus Birth
A Lotus birth is known as leaving the child’s umbilical cord attached for an extended period of time, usually 3 to 10 days. Pitkowski says this is largely agreed upon by professionals, providing more blood flow, less risks of anemia, and other benefits.
“If you’re going to wait until it falls off completely, just be aware that there’s risk of infection, everything needs to be cleaned around,” Pitkowski explained. “Besides that, there’s benefits for the baby and the mom.”
Belly Binding “Postpartum Wraps”
Belly binding, or postpartum wraps are typically used after birth to tighten the abdomen and speed recovery. However, the expert says to exercise caution, as binding that’s too tight could cause damage, and binding that is too loose won’t be useful.
“This needs to be done with a specialist… If it’s too tight it could damage the pelvic floor,” Pitkowski warned, adding that done professionally, this method can be beneficial.
Red Raspberry Leaf to Induce Labor
While Red Raspberry Leaf tea has been trending to induce labor, the expert says the herb is more beneficial for overall uterine health, and likely won’t in itself induce labor.
“It’s good for women at any point in life,” Pitkowski explained, “but Red Raspberry Leaf won’t induce labor. However, I recommend it for a stronger and healthier uterus.”
Chiropractic Induction/“Webster Technique”
“There is a special method called the Webster method… this can help improve the body, and if the woman is ready, it may trigger labor, but not induce birth,” Pitkowski told The Root. “Science hasn’t learned what makes a woman go into labor… I’ve even seen inductions fail.”
While we can simulate with prenatal massages, chiropractors, acupuncture, and more, it only helps, and is not guaranteed.
Castor Oil Induction
CAUTION: Pitkowski is waving all the red flags when it comes to inducing labor with castor oil. While this is one of the few natural remedies to potentially induce, the likelihood of causing stress to the baby is far higher, and may not be worth the risk.
“Castor oil is related to distress, because it could cause severe diarrhea and vomiting,” the specialist warned. “Many providers don’t recommend this anymore, especially if you’re unmonitored. The baby could go under distress, and you wouldn’t know if you’re not monitoring the baby’s heartbeat.”
Push-Less Birth
While Pitkowski agrees “pushing like your pooping” is a common suggestion that can come with some drawbacks, however “breathing” your baby out is a technique that takes time and training.
“Usually when people say ‘push’ you’re going to make a face, tighten your belly, and use the wrong muscles… it’s effective, but causes harm to the pelvic floor and leads to tougher recovery,” the expert explained. “Breathing the baby out would be better, but it’s a technique. I recommend people learn more, especially for the first baby.”
Silent Birth
A quiet birth is known as a silent environment for the newborn, but Pitowski isn’t particularly impressed by the trend. In her opinion, cutting down bright lights is far more likely to reduce the baby’s stress levels than silence. “Babies are used to noise,” Pitkowski said. “They can hear everything.”
The expert explained that she strives for a soothing ambiance at her practice, with star projections, calm music, and diffusers. “This brings a good environment for everybody, because you can feel the energy.”
Postpartum Vaginal Steaming
“For Vaginal steam, again there isn’t much research but women have done it for hundreds of years,” Pitkowski explained. “For example, Chamomile tea is amazing for healing. When I was recovering from my birth, I’d shower in chamomile tea and witch hazel down there. I felt less itchy, less of that burning sensation, and I felt my healing sped up way more since using it.”
She concluded: “I believe in the power of nature. But unfortunately there’s not many studies behind it, but it doesn’t cause harm — unless that person is allergic.”
The Birthing Process is a Personal Journey
We’ve all seen the girlies popping a squat, taking a jog, and dancing alongside their mates to induce labor. But the truth is, science hasn’t fully understood the complexities of labor. According to Mayo Clinic, even scientists “don’t understand how labor starts.” It’s truly a personal journey with your own body, and your baby.
“There’s so much misunderstood on the internet now days,” Pitkowski said. “I tell my clients all the time, ‘Don’t go on Google, or on TikTok, or Instagram without talking to your doula first, or your doctor.”
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician, midwife, or qualified healthcare provider with any questions about your pregnancy, birth plan, or postpartum care.
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