Tell me that my body knows how to go into labor

[robbins611]

I'm starting to freak myself out. I've had all early inductions for my other babies for a past health problem. Today I am 5 days "overdue" with my natural pregnancy and planned homebirth. Someone tell me that my body can still remember how this is done.....someone tell me that you were here and went into labor after feeling this way. I need a mothering pick-me-up please.

Much Love,
Gini

[2boyzmama]

How labor begins is not fully understood, if it were, less women would be induced, and inductions would be more successful.

There's an intricate balance of hormones involved between the baby and the mother. Baby releases hormones to trigger the start of labor, although what triggers baby to release the hormones is unknown. Usually it's full maturity, but that's not always true. And it's more complicated than that because if the circumstances aren't just right for labor (mom is sick, mom is stressed, even perhaps a psychological block) then labor will stall or halt entirely. And sometimes labor halts for no known reason, only to start again a day or a week later.

It's all amazing and miraculous, and ABSOLUTELY MADDENING!!! Especially as a mom in your situation. I'm trying so hard to be trusting here, but like you, it's getting harder and harder. My body seems to be so ready, everything is gearing up just right, I just can't get over that apex and go into full blown labor. YET. It WILL happen, it has to!!

I do think that I'm going to start NSTs and/or BPPs this week (my next appt is Friday, but if baby stays so quiet, I might go in tonight or tomorrow just to put my mind at ease).

[xelakann]

I could have written the OP myself. I had so much confidence when I was pg with my first. I had total trust.

For whatever reason I am starting to question whether I am doing something wrong here. And in another thread someone mentioned to another poster that maybe their stress/anxiety was causing some sort of mental block. Which is now my fear. I am doing hypnobabies and really working on letting go of control and fear issues, but I wonder if I'm missing something.

I was in a REALLY good place all day until I started having my usual rounds of contractions that of course fizzled into nothing.

[susanl1202]

In my experience it's always when you start to think that this child will be celebrating it's 21st in utero that labour isn't far away..........

[anba]

Jumping in from the March '10 group...

I felt the exact same way with my 5th. I had been induced with the first 4 (very invasive dr before I really knew any better), but with #5... I wanted something different. I started going to the only midwife in the area and was able to have the baby all natural. She was 9 days late and it was the most beautiful, wonderful , best labor and delivery that I had ever had. So don't give up hope... you body knows what to do. Just "try" to relax and be patient and very soon you will be holding that beautiful baby.

Take Care!

[HydeParkB]

Originally Posted by anba

Jumping in from the March '10 group...

I felt the exact same way with my 5th. I had been induced with the first 4 (very invasive dr before I really knew any better), but with #5... I wanted something different. I started going to the only midwife in the area and was able to have the baby all natural. She was 9 days late and it was the most beautiful, wonderful , best labor and delivery that I had ever had. So don't give up hope... you body knows what to do. Just "try" to relax and be patient and very soon you will be holding that beautiful baby.

Take Care!

Thanks, this is something I need to hear! I'm 41 weeks now - can hardly believe it. I suspect that when the whole family got sick at 40 weeks, babe decided he'd ride it out til we were feeling better. I'm still not.

I'd like to not have the baby today, since I'll get a doctor I've never even met, and if I wait past tomorrow I will definitely get Christmas week off at work. I've been saying "9/24" was my due date, give or take 2 weeks. But now that 9/24 has passed and I've been 3 cm dilated for weeks, it feels like I should be done.

[Dmitrizmom]

Your body and your baby know what they are doing... and I understand how you are feeling... I was starting to dispair last Thursday and finally Vivienne joined me at 41+2 (very nearly 41+3!).

Sending ELVs your way and praying for a safe, happy, healthy labor and birth.