If you google “how to induce labor”, you’ll be overwhelmed by lists and lists. People for decades have sworn to know the secrets and the no-fail tricks of getting that Stowaway evicted, naturally. The way we see it? As long as you’re 40 weeks and your doctor has given the A-OK, then hey, why not try it. We can eat our weight in pineapple on any given day so why not today.

A good friend and OBGYN insisted that pedicures work because they worked for her! Not only does it feel awesome to have someone massage your tired, swollen feet, but your little piggies will look perfect for pushing. There is a reason behind the suggestion though. Reflexology involves applying pressure to trigger points along the feet (and hands and head). These points are directly linked to different parts of the body. Press the points that are linked to your uterus and voilà, you’re in labor. Only if it were that accurate. Trained reflexologists know what to do best but if you just want to go to your local nail salon, your pedicurist may hit a few winning spots too.

The lists of foods to eat to induce can be daunting. The most common one we all know is to eat spicy food! Well, we here at Stowaway think eating spicy food really just brings on indigestion, not a baby. But some sweet fruit may help. Women all around the world insist that pineapple and papaya both help get the Stowaway movin’ and groovin’. The reason can be linked back to the bromelain and papin enzyme, respectfully, in each fruit. Mix up a smoothie with both, some coconut water and a handful of spinach. Place an umbrella in the drink and pretend you’re on your own private island. The worst that can happen is you’ll relax a bit – a much needed moment. PS. You’ll need to eat about 7 pineapples in order to reap these benefits.

Going out for eggplant parmigiana is an excellent idea for a date night before your Stowaway arrives. It’s even better if you get the dish at Scalini’s Italian Restaurant in Cobb County, Georgia. They claim over 300 babies have been born within 48 hours of Mama-to-be eating their eggplant parm in their 20+ year history. Some say it’s the combination of herbs oregano and basil but no one really knows. Don’t live nearby? They released their famous recipe so you can make it at home:

Scalini’s Eggplant Parmigiana

Ingredients

3 medium sized eggplants

1 cup flour

6 eggs, beaten

4 cups fine Italian breadcrumbs (seasoned)

Olive oil, for sautéing

8 cups marinara sauce (recipe below)

1/2 cup Romano cheese (grated)

1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)

1 1/2 pounds mozzarella cheese (shredded)

2 cups ricotta cheese

Scalini’s Marinara Sauce

2 Tablespoons garlic, chopped

3 Tablespoons olive oil

8 cups tomatoes (fresh or canned), chopped

1 cup onions, chopped

1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped

1 teaspoon oregano

1 teaspoon crushed red pepper

1/8 cup fresh sweet basil, chopped

Pinch thyme

Pinch rosemary

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

Cooking Directions

After you wash the eggplant, slice them into 1/4 inch thick slices.

Place the eggplant slices on a layer of paper towels and sprinkle with a little salt, then cover with another layer of paper towels and hold it down with something heavy to drain the excess moisture. Let them sit for about an hour.

Working with one slice of eggplant at a time, dust with flour, dip in beaten eggs, then coat well with breadcrumbs. Sauté in preheated olive oil on both sides until golden brown.

In baking dish, alternate layers of marinara sauce, eggplant slices, ricotta, parmesan and Romano cheeses, until you fill the baking dish, about 1/8 inch from the top. Cover with shredded mozzarella cheese, and bake for 25 minutes in a 375 degree oven. Let sit for 10 minutes before serving.

Scalini’s Marinara Sauce

Lightly sauté the onions in olive oil in large pot for a few minutes.

Add garlic and sauté another minute. Add tomatoes and bring sauce to a boil, then turn heat low. Add remaining ingredients, stir, cover and let simmer for one hour, stirring occasionally.

Recipe courtesy of John Bogino, Scalini’s Italian Restaurant, Smyrna, Ga. (scalinis.com) via abcnews.com.

Similarly, on the west coast, there’s Caioti Pizza Café. They serve up a salad dubbed “The Salad” which is your usual greens with gorgonzola and walnuts. The labor inducer here is the balsamic vinaigrette they make in house. We’ve heard it’s quite yummy with sundried tomatoes and herbs and they used to sell it online! Too bad they don’t anymore, but you can pick it up at their Studio City location in Cali if you live nearby. Or if you’re that desperate…. Road trip!

Everyone will tell you walking and walking and walking will get you to go into labor. But have you heard about stair climbing? Climbing stairs forces you to bring your knees up higher, actively engaging more muscles in your lower body than walking. Remember to hold onto the handrail since your balance may be leaning “top heavy” and always check with your doctor before performing any physical activity.

And once you’ve gone through this list and completed all the other crazy ones your mom, Aunt Susie, and the nosey neighbor around the corner told you to do, you’ll realize that your Stowaway is on his own schedule. You’re just along for the ride and he’ll come when he’s good and ready.