Help! Induction tomorrow and now I am scared.

[Sri Radha]

I haven't been fearful of labor until now. I am scheduled for an induction tomorrow at 5 (starting with cervadil) and just now I am getting scared. I haven't been fearful of labor at all until now. Please help me not be scared.

[flowers]

Oh mama.

I think there is always some fear to be dealt with going into labor and knowing you are going to be induced makes it a sure deal.

Deep breaths.

Do you have any focus tools that you use to center? Any birth affirmations?
Do you have a doula you could call to talk to to?

Do you mind if I ask why you are being induced?

[_betsy_]

Being induced (with DD1) and not being induced (with DD2) were very similar experiences for me, so try not to worry that an induction has to be scary.

That being said, I still wish I hadn't consented to the induction, and I wish I had just stayed home from the hospital that day and not allowed myself to be bullied into it. For me, there was no medical reason to do it. Your induction may well have valid reasons and medical need. You don't have to explain that here if you don't want to.

[scifimama]

just focus on the fact that when it's all over, you'll have that sweet baby in your arms. good luck to you, mama!!

[Sri Radha]

I have gestational diabetes (insulin dependent) and that is why I need to be induced. I trust my doctor on this and I am not being bullied or coerced into it. I've never had a baby before and I am just scared. I was hoping all week last week I'd go into labor and wasn't fearful. I guess because I know it is going to happen (most likely tomorrow....just cervadil tonight) I am nervous.

[jeannineb]

I was induced with cervadil and went on to have a very smooth, unmedicated hospital waterbirth. I know now that it was unnecessary, but it did turn out fine. I do feel I was in the very early stages of labor already, though. I think my cervix was ripe and ready to go. My contractions were very manageable, I didn't even know I was having some of them. Water broke, into the tub, 2 hours (!) of pushing and out she came. Best wishes and good luck to you.

[beep]

I had my first baby in December after an induction, and am also a high-risk mama. His birth was a beautiful, peaceful, empowering experience. I also was afraid going into it. In retrospect I think that was mostly due to fear of the unknown and of not being in control. It *was* unknown territory, and there *was* a lot of giving up control just inherent in the birth process. But the flip side of the unknown was a valuable new experience, and of loss of control was being really in tune with my body while being totally absorbed in the birth process. I also want to say that in my experience the fear was much less as things unfolded. In the moment, there was nothing to do but be in it, but the waiting/anticipating beforehand was hard!

Good luck to you, mama, and peace as you prepare for your little one's birth.

[COgirl19]

My first baby was an induction. It is kind of nerve-wracking waiting for that Cervadil to kick in but other than that I had a fairly smooth vaginal delivery. Once you are really in labor those fears go away and you just concentrate on the task at hand. Do you have a DH or SO that will be their with you? Or a close friend or family member for support? That really helped me having that. Good luck mama, even with induction our bodies know what to do.

[Mama2Bean]

My first was an induction, too. I didn't have cervical gel, but they broke my water and put me on Pitocin. I had a largely intervention-free vaginal birth in less than 12 hrs. I won't have one this time, but I am not high-risk. What helped me was having the people there--my husband, my doula, my mom, and my wonderful nurses.

GL! I am sending you lots of warm wishes for tomorrow.

[mumkimum]

My labor with dd (now 3) was induced. It actually went fairly smoothly, I had a lot of helpful nurses and dh was pretty good too. I did a lot of deep breathing during rough spots and dh & I spent time cracking jokes and stuff (probably out of nervousness and worry too) during the beginning hours of the induction. The whole experience will be surprising but, for me, it came and went in waves that allowed me to handle it better. You'll do great - lots of luck for you.

[ferndoula]

I hope you have someones hand to hold! Lots of breathing. Think of a message that resonates with you that you can say inside you head to help remind you to be as relaxed as you can, such as "I an calm and strong". And take comfort items with you, like your own clothing or your slippers, or pillows. Things that are soft and remind you of home can help to make the experience less emotionally taxing.

Thinking of you Good luck

[MaerynPearl]

Im going on baby #3 and I am only 12 weeks (tomorrow)

Yet... I am STILL nervous about delivery.

[poetgirl]

Sri, I will be thinking of you tomorrow and sending smooth and manageable labor vibes. Breath by breath. Think low and calm. You can do this.