Vba2c & induction ???

[bethcw]

Hi Ladies,

OK, so I need some help. I am approaching 42 weeks. My midwife has to transfer care at 42 weeks. The hospital I will deliver at has a strict no induction policy for VBACs (which I agree with). However, they also will want ot do a c-section if I do not go into labour on my own by the 42 week deadline. My mw has already warned me to be prepared for surgery the same day as the consult. I can TRY to buy myself a day or 2 more, but it will be with very little support, as my mw will no longer be my care provider.

So, my question is - how many midwives out there would support some of the less medicalized induction methods for a VBA2C - ie) castor oil, cohoshes, etc.

I am trying to figure out what my options are at this point. I still have 5 days, but the looming 42 week deadline is pretty stressful.

Thanks for your help!

Beth

p.s. I should add that I did go into labour on my own with my last 2 girls at 41.5 & 42 weeks.

[wombatclay]

Big hugs... I was on the 42 week hot seat just a few days ago.

For the "big gun" end of the natural induction spectrum (the cohoshes/castor oil) I think most providers (midwife or not) would want a VBA2C under observation during use if they ok'd those techniques at all. They can cause big contractions, they can't be "turned off" once you take them, and there's no way to know how you personally will react to the dose used.

Have you tried things like acupucture or a really thorough membrane sweep with EPO or Borage oil (we're talking 5-10 minute long sweep along the entire cervix, lifting the head and membranes the whole way round)? Nipple stim (though this can also cause big contractions they generally fade when you stop the stim)? An enema (gentler than the castor oil)? Homeopathics and acupressure?

And in hospital could you request a foley cath or even AROM as a last ditch option?

It seems you just gestate longer than most mamas so maybe you could ask for a NST and a day or two past 42?

[dislocator3972]

I'm no expert, but it seems to me that since castor oil (and possibly cohosh too) does not stimulate the uterus directly that it might be a pretty safe thing to try. I agree with wombat that it can't be turned off and should only be used with caution, but if you started with a very small amount you could see how things go without risking catastrophe.

I think there's a midwife forum on here, maybe a cross post could get you more midwife answers.