During labor, it is important that the woman does not feel thirsty or hungry. Maintaining your energy levels is extremely important to avoid becoming hooked up to serums. Serum is synonymous with inability to move, greater fluid retention and being subject to artificial oxytocin without consent.

I learned from Mexican midwife Naoli Vinaver a great tea that will warm, stimulate and bring energy to the body of a woman in labor. It can also be drunk after 40 weeks, in a moment of pure pleasure, when we are trying to help the spontaneous onset of labor.

Here’s the recipe, for 1 liter of water!

✦ 3 cinnamon sticks
✦ 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary
✦ Dark chocolate to taste
✦ 5-10 whole black pepper balls
✦ Fresh ginger
✦ Jam, honey or brown sugar if you wish to sweeten

Options:
✦ Oregano, basil and thyme (half a teaspoon)
✦ 1 teaspoon paprika powder

I love it when I prepare this tea to accompany births! It brings energy and comfort to the woman, helping her navigate the contractions that appear with increasing intensity.