It’s not too late: How to induce labor gently and naturally

The Final Weeks of Pregnancy: Finding Your Strength, Trusting Your Body

You’ve carried your baby for months - through cravings and fatigue, laughter and tears - imagining the moment you finally meet them. You’ve lovingly prepared your home, folded tiny clothes with care, researched clean baby products, and made the decisions to buy only organic foods to nourish you and your baby. You’re doing everything right.

But now, as your due date approaches, something else is coming up: Uncertainty, nervousness and worry.

Has your doctor brought up induction, recommending you get on the hospital’s calendar and schedule it “just in case?” You’ve talked to girlfriends, other moms who felt pressured and rushed, and ended up with interventions they didn’t want.

Maybe you’re wondering…
Will I know when labor starts? What if I don’t go into labor? What if I lose control? What if I don’t get the birth I want?

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious or even pressured - you are not alone.
And more importantly: You’re not powerless.

These Final Weeks Matter

Even though you’re probably feeling tired or exhausted during these final weeks, this is a powerful time. A time to set intention and focus on how you realize the experience you’ve been dreaming about for months. Begin by visualizing going into labor - gently and confidently. Tune in to the sensations in your body and connect deeply with your baby. Talk to your baby about the plan. This is the time to concentrate your energy on what you want and trust your body, your baby, the process - and your birth team. A time to prepare emotionally, physically and mentally for birth. Banish doubt. Prioritize sleep and relaxation and take steps to ensure you continue to exercise agency and autonomy. 

Ask yourself:
What do I want for my birth? What’s truly right for me and my baby?

Medical induction has its place and sometimes it’s necessary, but many moms feel rushed into it before their bodies or babies are truly ready. That’s why it’s important to know your options and understand the natural signs of readiness for labor.

Nesting and nearly ready for birth.

Understanding the Body’s Wisdom

Birth is a complex, intelligent process. It’s physiological. Hormones like oxytocin, prostaglandins and estrogen coordinate to start labor when both your body and your baby are ready. It’s a normal and natural process. Not a medical one.

If you want to avoid a medical induction and you're 36 weeks or further, there are gentle, natural ways to encourage labor techniques that work with your body, not against it. These techniques can also be used during labor, helping with fetal positioning, pain relief and contractions. 

Remember: Nature is wise and you and your baby are a team. Your body knows what to do and needs time to do it, especially if you’re a first-time time mom.

Seven Gentle and Natural Ways to Induce Labor

Here are 7 common ways to naturally and safely induce labor. Nevertheless, always consult your care provider before trying them.

1. Movement & Walking - Including Rhythmic Movement on All Fours
Gravity and motion help with fetal positioning and apply gentle pressure to the cervix. Going for long, mindful walks with a loved one is ideal. You can also explore gentle movements from the Birth Ready Method or Spinning Babies.

2. Curb Walking & Asymmetrical Lunges
These create space in the pelvis and help baby descend. Find a side street and take your partner or a friend for safety and alternate sides as you walk. You can practice asymmetrical lunges in the stairwell of your building too.

3. Acupressure & Acupuncture
These techniques can both relax the body and gently stimulate uterine activity. Many moms report improved sleep, less stress and even early signs of labor after a few sessions.

4. Nipple Stimulation
This technique mimics breastfeeding, releasing oxytocin, the hormone that triggers contractions. It can also help reduce pain and increase relaxation during labor.

5. Sex - If You’re Can
Semen contains prostaglandins which softens the cervix and orgasm releases oxytocin. While this often isn’t appealing in the final days, it’s nature’s induction method.

6. Red Raspberry Leaf Tea
Long recommended by midwives to tone the uterus and support a smooth labor, drink one cup a day. During postpartum, add a cinnamon stick to support healing and hormone regulation.

7. Eating Dates
Studies suggest dates may help ripen the cervix and shorten labor. Start eating 6 Medjool dates per day around 36–37 weeks. For Brooklyn moms, head to Sahadi’s.

Relaxation and calm are key in the final days of pregnancy.

Your Emotional State is the Gateway

Fear, stress, and unresolved trauma can slow or even stall labor. The opposite is also true: calm, connection and trust can open the door.

“Labor begins in the body as well as the heart, mind and soul. ”

If you feel anxious, pressured or stuck in indecision, it’s okay. You don’t need to figure it all out alone. Especially if you’re almost 39 weeks pregnant, with no signs labor.

With the right support, your mindset can shift from fearful to empowered, from unsure to in control.

Pregnancy Coaching and Doula Support help you and your partner induce labor naturally, make informed decisions and more.

Final Days: A Checklist for Calm

As you enter the final days, focus on trust, presence and connection. Here’s how:

• Practice breath awareness: Inhale calm, exhale fear.

• Communicate with your baby: Baby’s listening.

• Keep moving: Walk, stretch, sway. Movement creates momentum.

• Get a prenatal massage: Release tension and ground your energy.

• Spend time with your partner: Laugh. Connect. Be held.

• Finalize your postpartum plan: Prepare so you can heal and bond when you’re back home.

You Deserve a Birth That’s Aligned and Empowered

As a doula since 2009, I’ve seen firsthand how much your emotional and energetic state influences how you birth, how your child enters the world and how you remember your birth for years to come.

Use this mantra to stay grounded:

I trust my body. I trust my baby. I trust divine timing.
I’m allowed to wait.
I’m allowed to say no.
I’m allowed to do this my way, in my own time.

Whether you’re 36 or 39 weeks, if you’re feeling pressure to schedule an induction: Pause. Breathe. Then take action.

You deserve to feel in control, calm and capable - during pregnancy, labor and birth. 

You deserve to feel supported, seen, and sovereign - every step and every breath of the way.

Ready for Support?

Are you ready for step-by-step guidance to you prepare for birth of your dreams?

My Pregnancy Coaching and Doula Services help NYC moms feel confident and ready.

You’re not alone. Get the support you deserve.

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