I just got back from a trip to Texas to visit my sister, who was full term on her pregnancy and ready to have her baby. I couldn’t see what the big rush was until I landed in the 100-plus degree heat and then I could see her point—after a long hot summer, it just was time!

We thought there must be some natural remedies from the thousands of years women have been bringing children into the world, and we were surprised by the numerous tricks and tips that were out there.

Here are just a few we read about:

• Drink castor oil or red raspberry leaf tea.
• Eat spicy foods.
• Take long walks and climb stairs.
• Eat fresh, raw pineapple.
• Take two to three capsules (500 milligrams each) of evening primrose oil supplements daily.
• Try acupressure/massage on key parts of the foot and ankle.

There are so many different ideas, so we decided to do a pilot test with three main focal points: 1.) eating spicy foods, 2.) taking walks and climbing stairs and 3.) squatting on the yoga ball. We bought the hottest chile/jalapeno salsa we could find, hiked around her neighborhood every day, and climbed the local mall escalators and street stairs at the River Walk. (The descent of the stairs seemed to help stimulate contractions more than going up.) Then, every free chance she could, my sister sat and rolled on the yoga ball.

And so what to make of all these legends and “old wives' tale” tips? Well, this morning, my sister went in to have her baby, two weeks ahead of the official due date...so I’m thinking that this is some very good advice!

Does anyone have any other tricks they've learned from experience?