Start Up - Used to Naturally Induce Labor

Start Up is for full-term use only; if purchased earlier in pregnancy, it will store until full term. It holds its potency for about 3 years when stored somewhere cool, dry, and dark. The label date is our potency best-by date, not an expiration date.

Our sweet vegetable glycerine base, made from palm kernel and/or coconut, is alcohol-free and sugar-free. This makes it easier to digest and more delicious to take! When done correctly, glycerine pulls out more water-soluble constituents than alcohol and provides a very stable shelf life. We don't add flavors or sweeteners to our extracts like many other brands. Unlike alcohol, it doesn't have ill effects on diabetics, alcoholics, and the liver, making it a great product for adults and children. It is calorie- and sugar-free, making it a good option for folks watching calories or who don't want to/ can't consume sugar.

Start Up contains feverfew, a daisy-family herb, which is the plant family that ragweed belongs to. If you have a ragweed allergy, please check with your provider before using it and start out with a tiny dose.

Start Up is the middle step in our labor and delivery sequence: after Labor Prep, before Contract Ease. We suggest working out the plan with your midwife for dosing each one, as well as any of our other pregnancy-friendly blends.

Start Up contains blue cohosh, which can affect blood pressure. If you take any prescriptions, especially blood pressure or heart medication, or have a heart condition, please check with your provider first.

Yes, you can mix it with a little water if you prefer.

Start Up is for full-term pregnancy only (39 weeks or later) and is best used with your midwife or provider’s guidance. If you are nursing an older child while pregnant, talk to your provider and your child’s provider before using Start Up.

No, Start Up is a labor formula, so it isn’t meant for infants or children.

Shonda Parker, a midwife and clinical herbalist, created Start Up. Midwives often recommend it, especially for postdate pregnancies.

Our suggested dosage is 1/2 teaspoon per 150 lbs of body weight every 2 hours until results occur during labor. Use it for only a day or two. Please use it with your midwife or provider’s guidance, especially for dosing and timing.

Our suggestion is that you may resume the same dosage the following day. Because timing matters so much, please talk with your midwife or provider about whether to continue.

Full term means 39 weeks or later. The herbs in Start Up are specifically associated with active labor, so we don’t suggest it earlier in pregnancy. Most practitioners recommend 39 weeks or later.

Start Up is the middle step in our labor and delivery sequence. It comes after Labor Prep, which covers the last 5 weeks, and before Contract Ease, the postpartum formula for after the baby arrives. See our Pregnancy page for more information on our other pregnancy-friendly products.

Start Up is for the end of pregnancy only: full term, 39 weeks or later. Labor Prep is the daily tonic that comes earlier, over the last 5 weeks. You might not need to use both; please work with your midwife or provider for dosing and frequency.