natural induction yes or no?

[moving toward]

Hi all,

I am 41 +5 and ready to burst!!! This is my second child and I have always been negative on any form of induction but of course I am now finding myself in a situation where it is increasingly looking likely and I'd love to get different opinions so I can make a more informed choice.

Facts: My dates are 100% correct

I had an ecg & ultrasound, baby is happy and healthy as of 2 days ago and somewhere between 7- 9 lbs which is fine.

My cervix has begun to efface and is dilated to 2  cm after 2 stretch and sweeps

I have an irritable uterus so have been having strong contractions since 28 weeks

I am under no pressure from my mw to induce until next tuesday which should put me at 42 + 3 ( but right on 42 with my dates) she is mildly concerned about my physical strength waning and the unwillingness of baby to come 

I am having a water birth in hospital as my last birth wasn't so fantastic.....

I have been happy to let baby come when he is ready, he was breech till 39 weeks and turned to rop. I have been on spinning babies and doing everything I can as deep down I just feel baby is not in the position he wants to be in just yet.

Ordinarily I would make the decision to wait it out and trust baby & body to do what is right - HOWEVER due the hormones or whatever I have reached a point where emotionally and mentally I don't feel I can wait any longer - I have become very agressive over the last few days and I have begun to disrespect my toddler & partner which is 100% out of character for me. I'm not even excited about the birth - just angry

I don't believe I have any emotional issues blocking the birth, but they are starting. I am having my 2 year old watched for a few hours today so I can meditate and try and get into a relaxed state.

I guess I'm wondering if my emotional state is just as important a consideration here or should I just suck it up and keep waiting.  And if you think I should try to move things along what would you suggest. I won't do castor oil, and I def don't need raspberry leaf tea (my uterus is very toned from the irritability). I have had sex, curry and I've been standing up most of the time.

[salr]

My guess is that the emotions you are experiencing are signs that labor is coming.  I don't know exactly what other natural induction methods you are considering, but my vote for things like cohoshes or things like that is a No. I would go for more tasty curry, pineapple, laughter, sex, dancing, mediating, talking to the baby, walking, lunges, singing. 

Hang in there!  :)
 

[moving toward]

Thanks Salr, I hope so, it is so out of character to me... I guess I'm talking about things like evening primrose oil, nipple stimulation, acupuncture, chiropractics etc. I guess the other issue I'm having is getting frustrated with people who are supposed to be looking after our dd hinting that they need to get on with their lives instead of hanging around - totally get that  but really??? I'm actually considering telling my partner to stay home with our dd and just using the mw as my support (she attended my first birth so no worries there)  

[katelove]

I'd probably try a acupuncture in the circumstances you describe. From what I've read it is quite effective if you are ready to go into labour but won't work if your body isn't ready. It is also supposed to work in 1-4 sessions if it is going to so the investment of time and money isn't so open-ended.

I had two sessions which didn't work but my body wasn't showing the same signs of readiness that yours is.

All the best. My LO was born at 41+6 and I am currently 41+1 with my second and have no signs that anything is ever going to happen.

[ananas]

Originally Posted by salr 

My guess is that the emotions you are experiencing are signs that labor is coming.  I don't know exactly what other natural induction methods you are considering, but my vote for things like cohoshes or things like that is a No. I would go for more tasty curry, pineapple, laughter, sex, dancing, mediating, talking to the baby, walking, lunges, singing. 

Hang in there!  :)
 

Pretty much everything she said! I wouldn't do cohosh, castor oil, etc... however I don't see how acupuncture, walking, bouncing on a birth ball, sex, etc... can hurt and they just might help! I would also recommend a chiropractor adjustment with a chiropractor very familiar with working with pregnant women- making sure your pelvis, hips, and back are in alignment would definitely not hurt and could be just the ticket.

[salr]

I think all the things you mentioned are reasonable!  Go ahead and try them, because I don't see how any of them could cause harm. 

Another one is to schedule an appointment for something, like a massage...so if you have your baby before then and have to cancel, you've met your goal anyway.  And if you haven't then you still get a nice massage or pedicure or something.

If you're feeling up to it you might just ask the people who will watch your DD if they need to back out of the agreement.  If they say Oh nonono...then tell them they are Stressing You Out and that babies come when they are ready.  It's not something that happens on a schedule!  Or ask your husband to tell them they need to zip it.  Because, sorry, until you tell them that they are the ones that get to decide when your baby is born, they have no reason to think that!  Maybe they just don't understand that they are bothering you.