Natural Induction Methods

[SabbathD]

I ONLY ASK because I am sure that at my midwife appointment tomorrow, that it will come up. I was due yesterday, with only a few indications that something may start anytime soon, but nothing real solid like bloody show or water breaking ect. So, what are everyone's experiences with natural induction methods? What have you tried and what has worked/not worked? Anything NOT go well? I want to go into this with some idea's and opinions, because I worry about being weak, and letting them do whatever will get this baby out! In my most sane moments, I would like to just wait her out, and let her come out when she's ready, but I can tell you that my Sister didn't have a single contraction, or ROM or loss of mucus plug or anything, and they had to induce her. So, there is a part of me that's nervous that I will be just the same. Any opinions thoughts or ideas would be greatly appreciated!

[sunshinestarr]

Not really for induction (but I'm using it that way..) Accupressure for Labor
I'm curious to see what everyone else has to say!

[momsmyjob]

I was due the 2nd, but due dates don't really mean anything..they're just a guess. She'll come, just be patient. I carried my last 13 days past my dd.

That being said, a lot of MW's use black and blue cohosh to start labor. I've never used it but I'm sure some mama's here have.

[PancakeGoddess]

One thing I wouldn't risk is castor oil. I know it's worked for some, but I think it's a miserable method and might not work. As you know, we share a due date, and I'm trying to hold off on anything until one week past. Hoping we won't get there!

Oh, one exception of some things I'd try any time... if your body's already ready, brisk walking, orgasm and nipple stimulation are a few easy things that can help.

[SabbathD]

Originally Posted by PancakeGoddess

One thing I wouldn't risk is castor oil. I know it's worked for some, but I think it's a miserable method and might not work. As you know, we share a due date, and I'm trying to hold off on anything until one week past. Hoping we won't get there!

Oh, one exception of some things I'd try any time... if your body's already ready, brisk walking, orgasm and nipple stimulation are a few easy things that can help.

Yes I agree on waiting at least one week past, but I don't want to go into an appointment tomorrow, without some kind of game plan. YKWIM? I just know, because they told me already, that it will come up, and that they will want to see what I am willing to try or not try. I am so terrified of pitocin, because of horror stories that I have heard from everyone especially my Sister, that I want to avoid that.

[violetbutterfly]

Well, I'll be the oddball here and say that castor oil worked for me : I was literally booked for an induction on Thursday morning and I took it Tuesday night and it sent me right into labor. Yes, I did have diarrhea too which wasn't great but better than pitocin IMO. I didn't have any meconium staining which some people worry about. I was 11 days past when he was born. I took it with my daughter and it didn't work, so it doesn't work every time obviously. Your body and your baby have to be ready. This isn't necessarily an induction technique but Primrose Oil inserted into the vagina and taken orally is supossed to "get things ready". I"m going to start inserting them tonight at 39 weeks. Hope some of this helps!!

[PancakeGoddess]

Oh yes, to both of you - I didn't mean you shouldn't be planning ahead, sabbath. And violet, I didn't mean to imply it won't work, or that pitocin is better (no way!) - it just seems like a lot of people get really miserable and end up with long hard early labors, or no labor. I'm glad it worked for you, and you avoided induction!

[Quagmire]

I've heard mixed reviews on castor oil too... some people believe is causes meconium in the AF, which makes sense considering the effect it has on mom. I am not planning to go that route either unless I'm very very desperate and very very overdue. Some people really swear by it though, and as far as I know, there are no conclusive studies either way.

A couple of things I would try: EPO, nipple stimulation (plan to try this with my pump), orgasm/ sex, and my midwives have some other herbs they suggest (perhaps cohosh). But I'm not going to try anything until 41 weeks (except the sex )

[SabbathD]

Originally Posted by PancakeGoddess

Oh yes, to both of you - I didn't mean you shouldn't be planning ahead, sabbath. And violet, I didn't mean to imply it won't work, or that pitocin is better (no way!) - it just seems like a lot of people get really miserable and end up with long hard early labors, or no labor. I'm glad it worked for you, and you avoided induction!

Oh, I know you didn't mean that!! No worries !

I am way to nervous about castor oil. The chances that it may work don't seem to be greater than anything else, and the chances that you will feel like poop (literally ) just feel to great. I have been looking around on the internet for the safest most gentle induction methods, and have been giving some of those a try. i.e. orgasm, brisk walking and the nipple stimulation that you recommended, and I have been doing accupressure and squatting (something about it helping to create the forebag which can just gently let your body know that you are ready...). But, I am not planning on anything more drastic. I guess if nothing else, it fills my time . I don't think she will come for another week sadly, but it feels like most of the stuff I have listed above is prepartory and calling it an induction method almost feels silly.

What I am more nervous about is having a recommendation for sweeping the membranes and not feeling educated about it. Or having them tell me to try black or blue cohosh and ending up with a long hard labor unnecesarily because I wasn't ready with the facts. But, I guess in the end, any induction method chosen is going to have a potential drawback or bad outcome, just as much as it may have a good one. Hmmm. Maybe I just answered my own question. And of course, there is this tiny part of me (and I am talking wee tiny part of me) that would almost like her to come in a certain time frame (that being before the 11th) because my MIL and SIL are coming into town specifically to meet and see this baby, and I want to make sure that they don't get off the plane and just see me in all my pregnant glory hanging out waiting for them. I can see how for them, that might actually be disappointing. Now on the other hand, for my SIL who is a nursing student, she could then be there for the birth, but my MIL doesn't have any desire to witness the birth. So, yeah. BUT WORRY NOT MAMA'S. I wouldn't dare do anything that would revolve around my convienience or someone else's. That's not fair to me or my baby. However, it would be very nice if our time frames could coincide!

Boy that was a long ranting post!

[peilover010202]

Jumping in from August DDC...

I wouldn't try castor oil either. I did with ds because I my water had broken and I was already dilated to 3 and paperthin. Just wasn't contracting. Took the castor oil concoction and I was in pure misery. Oh, it tasted awful and I had to be near a bathroom at all times (like within feet). I'm surprised it didn't dehydrate me it was that bad.

I would try EPO and would talk with your care provider about black/blue cohosh.

[SabbathD]

Originally Posted by Quagmire

A couple of things I would try: EPO, nipple stimulation (plan to try this with my pump), orgasm/ sex, and my midwives have some other herbs they suggest (perhaps cohosh). But I'm not going to try anything until 41 weeks (except the sex )

What are some basic direction for nipple stimulation with a breast pump? I will probably ask the midwives tomorrow, but just in case. I have heard a few other people mention this, but haven't been able to find any good resources. Again, waiting a bit to try, but curious now. Thanks!