For a limited time only, receive a free box of HotTea Mama with a purchase of any of our pregnancy products. Be quick, whilst stocks last!

As your due date approaches, it's completely natural to start thinking about how to best way to prepare your body and mind for labour. While every birth is different, there are a number of gentle, natural methods that can support your body's readiness for labour from around 32 weeks of pregnancy. At HotTea Mama and Bloom and Blossom, we're passionate about supporting women with natural, evidence-based products and practices - and we've teamed up to share our top tips for preparing for birth the natural way.

1. Start Eating Dates from 36 Weeks

It might sound surprising, but several studies suggest that eating dates daily from 36 weeks can support a smoother labour. One well-known study found that women who ate six dates a day were more likely to go into spontaneous labour and had a shorter first stage of labour compared to those who didn't. Dates are also a great source of energy and fibre - both of which can be helpful in the later stages of pregnancy.

Tip: Choose medjool dates for their soft texture and natural sweetness, and try them stuffed with nut butter or chopped into porridge.

2. Drink Raspberry Leaf Tea from 32 Weeks

Raspberry leaf tea has been used for centuries to support women in the final stages of pregnancy. It's not just an old wives' tale - raspberry leaf contains fragarine, a compound shown in research to help tone the uterine muscles, potentially making contractions more effective during labour. It's never a 100% guarantee but has been shown to help the majority of women in small scale studies that have been done.

Raspberry leaf isn't everyone's 'cup of tea' but The Final Push blend is specially formulated with raspberry leaf and peppermint, to make it delicious and a natural support for heartburn too. Ideal to drink once a day from 32 weeks, and gradually increase to 2-3 cups daily by 36 weeks. Always check with your midwife if you are on any medication or are having a planned induction/c-section.

3. Gentle Exercise to Boost Strength and Flexibility

Staying active during pregnancy is one of the best things you can do for your physical and mental wellbeing. Low-impact movement like pregnancy yoga, walking, or pelvic floor exercises can help improve circulation, ease backache, and build the strength you'll need for labour - it's a marathon not a sprint!

A daily 30-minute walk or a short prenatal yoga routine can also help encourage your baby into a good position and boost your endorphins - your body's natural painkillers.

4. Relaxation is Key – Mind & Body

Labour is as much a mental event as a physical one, so finding ways to relax and unwind can make a big difference. Whether that's a warm bath, hypnobirthing audio, or just 10 minutes of deep breathing, regular relaxation lowers stress hormones and supports oxytocin - the hormone that drives labour.

To help soothe tired legs and promote relaxation in the third trimester, we love Bloom and Blossom's Spritzy Toes Revitalising Leg & Foot Spray. With uplifting peppermint and tangerine, it provides an instant cooling relief for swollen feet - and a moment of calm in your busy day.

Every pregnancy is different, and what works for one person may not for another. But these natural methods - from drinking raspberry leaf tea to practising daily calm - can help you feel more prepared, empowered, and supported as you approach birth.

Always consult with your midwife or healthcare provider before making changes to your routine, and above all, trust your amazing body.

How to claim your free box of HotTea Mama

Add any item from our pregnancy or baby collections to your basket. View your cart (top right on desktop, or bottom right on mobile) and a pop-up will display. Tap "Add to cart" and HotTea Mama Get Up & Glow will be added and priced at £0.

One box of tea per order. Cannot be combined with other discount codes. The free gift is HotTea Mama, Get Up and Glow. The gift cannot be exchanged for cash or any other product. Offer applies to purchases on our website only. Whilst stocks last.