Talk to me about Castor Oil

[deymm]

Have you done it?
Would you consider doing it?

[hipmummy]

I would under my midwife's supervision if and only if I went past 41 weeks. With ds I went 40+5 and I was considering it if I went to 41+2 (the date of the next visit) as I wanted to give birth a BC and not a hospital. With this one I would do it I went to 41 weeks as my EDD was inflated because of my random cycles.

[xelakann]

No. I wouldn't do it. Not under any circumstances. Not judging those who do, but for me it just isn't how I want my labor to start.

[octobermoon]

have you had or would you consider stripping your membranes?

[clemrose]

I would, but then my birth was the result of castor oil (my mom was way over due)! I would definitely do it only with my mw's supervision and I think she would let me go to 42+3 and still have a HB so I wouldn't consider it before I was 42 weeks.

I went to 41+6 w/ my dd and had her w/o castor oil. I did take a really long walk a two days before and took a 24 hr cycle of alternating homeopathics.

My mom said the castor oil cleaned her out and then she had a few big contractions, her water broke and I was born less than two hours later.

For me the benefits to that over hospital induction are numerous and I would definitely try it first.

[ein328]

That's what I did :-)

I took 2 tablespoons in a milkshake, waited an hour, and repeated. According to my midwife, if you're not ready, it won't work (I was already 5 cm dilated and 80% effaced).

And honestly, it wasn't bad at all. I think I went to the bathroom only like 3 times in several hours? No bad cramping, either. PLUS while I was in the hospital I didn't have to worry about that "first poop" after baby- especially since I had stitches!

[deymm]

Originally Posted by octobermoon

have you had or would you consider stripping your membranes?

My MW will do that at my appt on Tues.

[deymm]

Originally Posted by hipmummy

I would under my midwife's supervision if and only if I went past 41 weeks. With ds I went 40+5 and I was considering it if I went to 41+2 (the date of the next visit) as I wanted to give birth a BC and not a hospital. With this one I would do it I went to 41 weeks as my EDD was inflated because of my random cycles.

I'm already past 41 weeks.

[xelakann]

Deb, I think its great you are gaining knowledge on your options... even though it isn't for me, I honestly haven't been faced with a post-term baby (yet). I hope you find information that puts your heart at peace with whatever you decide.

But here's to hoping your baby comes without having to make any decisions about caster oil or other induction methods.

[tuffykenwell]

Did it with both girls around the 41 week mark (with Isla it was a combination of castor oil and a moxa treatment on hands and feet acupressure points which kick started labor...she was born 5 hours later).

I wish I could just be patient and wait but I get a bit freaked when they start talking induction so I throw everything I can to get labor started at that point (my induction for DS resulted in an IMO unnecessary c-section due to failed induction because they had already broken my water so I am not really interested in repeating that experience any time soon and apparently they won't induce without breaking waters in my city....stupid!!!)

Steph

[hipmummy]

Originally Posted by deymm

I'm already past 41 weeks.

Then I would discuss doing it tomorrow (monday) Before your Tuesday appointment.

[jenmn]

I would probably use it only as a very last resort to a hospital induction. First I'd try accupuncture from someone know to have success with sending Moms into labor, stripping membranes and having sex very soon after, the Hypnobabies "Come OUT Baby" track, homeopathics and herbs, etc.

[skydancer]

I did castor oil for my 3rd birth. I was close to the 41 wk. mark and showing no real signs of impending labor. I had tried all sorts of other natural techniques. I also talked to my sister about it (she's a midwife) who said basically what everybody else has said...if your body is ready, it can help get things started. If you're not ready, nothing is going to work except for medical interventions that you probably don't want.

Honestly, for me, it was not bad at all. I took 2 tbsp. in soda (sprite, I think). It didn't seem to do much for a couple of hours...I actually took a nap during that time. Then I did use the toilet, but it was nothing compared to what I was prepared for from the stories I had heard. In fact, I kinda liked the idea of being 'cleaned out' for labor. Labor was quick but steady. I did throw up around transition, but I did that with one of my others, too. It was by far my fastest and easiest labor.

Good luck with your choice. It really is just a personal decision based on your set of circumstances.

[lisa_nc]

My midwife doesn't suggest it if you have hemorrhoids. Just a heads up!

[octobermoon]

Originally Posted by deymm

My MW will do that at my appt on Tues.

hoping this starts things up. i can only imagine how hard it must be to try and remain calm and relaxed when you feel like a ticking bomb. i have been praying for you.

[tofutti]

if you just need a super poop - try psyllium husks!clean out!

[deymm]

Originally Posted by lisa_nc

My midwife doesn't suggest it if you have hemorrhoids. Just a heads up!

Shucks, I already have 'roids so I'll have to ask her.

[deymm]

Originally Posted by tofutti

if you just need a super poop - try psyllium husks!clean out!

I have been taking Metamucal caplets every day along with everything else I'm taking.

[deymm]

Originally Posted by octobermoon

hoping this starts things up. i can only imagine how hard it must be to try and remain calm and relaxed when you feel like a ticking bomb. i have been praying for you.

thank you!!!!!!

[chi_mama]

not in your ddc but i just recently did this in Aug at 41 weeks. I went into labor that evening. It wasn't bad at all, I did make a serious effort to remain hydrated. The castor oil laxative effect was done by 4:00, labor started around 9:00. I only did one dose. I had a medical induction w/ ds1 and I wish I'd tried this then instead.
Good Luck