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help! stalled labor!  

post #1 of 34
5/9/07 at 7:01pm
Thread Starter 
Okay, I know I may be being impatient. My water broke this morning at 7:30 and I had medium contractions 4 minutes apart for about 3-4 hours. Then they slowly went away. Now I get a stronger one about every 20 minutes or so. It's 4:00 now. I walked for 30 minutes, took a shower, ate some lunch, and took a nap. Any suggestions for what I can be doing to bring on some contractions?
post #2 of 34
5/9/07 at 7:04pm
I would go for another walk.

And stay away from showers/baths till labor really gets going.

From what I understand warm water can slow things down.
post #3 of 34
5/9/07 at 7:05pm
As long as you don't have any vaginal checks, or fever or other sign of infection, there's no hurry. Rest. Conserve your energy. They'll be there.
post #4 of 34
5/9/07 at 7:27pm
Do you have anyone around that is bugging you? Sometimes too much of an audience can slow things down. Try to get some time alone maybe go for a massage if you can.
post #5 of 34
5/9/07 at 7:43pm
I would say to take a nap, you've got time.
Lisa
post #6 of 34
5/9/07 at 8:41pm
I agree - rest, rest, rest. Eat, drink fluids. Chances are things will pick up in the evening.
post #7 of 34
5/9/07 at 9:01pm
Consider journaling or talking to a trusted friend. Sometimes worries or concerns can block labor from progressing.

Some midwives suggest nipple stimulation to get things going- but be forwarned you can over do it, and if so, things get pretty intense.
post #8 of 34
5/9/07 at 9:32pm
Hopefullly by now labor has started! If not, you could take the non-interventionist route and wait it out. Most likely, labor will start on it's own. If you want to take action though, I would do some nipple stimulation, but as pp said, this can cause really strong contractions, so be careful. Or you could try eating something to make your bowels move - mexican, chinese, castor oil
But regardless, think about that little baby that will be in your arms in no time! Invite the baby to come on out!
post #9 of 34
5/9/07 at 11:10pm
Visualization can help to.

Visualize yourself having strong, steady contractions. Visualize your uterus actually squeezing. Visualize your cervix opening wide. Visualize the baby moving down. Visualize the baby crowning.

Sounds cheesy, but it can be helpful.

I hope you have a baby in your arms very soon.
post #10 of 34
5/10/07 at 2:28am
Thread Starter 
Still here, still stalled. It's 11:30 pm now. I'll take any and all suggestions you've got. Just wanted to give an update. Going to bed now, hoping to be woken up in the middle of the night...
post #11 of 34
5/10/07 at 3:54am
I'd just be grateful for a rest! Labour will go on when it's right for the baby
post #12 of 34
5/10/07 at 4:01am
Get all the rest you can! That was a HUGE difference for me in my last labor and I can't recommend it enough! It WILL come, but trying to force it by extra physical effort (i.e., walking for miles) will only wear you out for when you need your strength the most.

Hope you're sleeping well and will be woken to active labor in a few hours!
post #13 of 34
5/10/07 at 9:10am
How are you doing this morning?
post #14 of 34
5/10/07 at 10:50am
Thread Starter 
Morning ladies. I was hopeful lastnight. I had one good hour of strong, mean contractions. But they went away. I'm still having once every once in a while, and they're still mean. It's been 24 hours now and my midwife has rec.'d castor oil for me. I just hope I don't throw up...
post #15 of 34
5/10/07 at 10:55am
Nipple stimualtion!! I did SO much of it during my labor with ds because I stalled out about 11 hours in and we really needed it to keep going. Nipple stimulation, esp when combined with certain positions, really brought on the contractions.
post #16 of 34
5/10/07 at 11:29am
Sarah....RELAX. your anxiety alone can be stalling the labor. Talk with your husband about your fears for this baby and this birth. Get some reassurance from your family and your midwife that everything's normal. But the more tense you stay, the longer it's going to take for the bub to come out.

I'll check up with you on your lodge over at pg.org later (I'm making the website rounds).
post #17 of 34
5/10/07 at 12:46pm
Hi hun,
I came here to check on you too. I have no advice. I hope that things get started for you soon though! KUP on the castor oil too.
Love,
Cyn
post #18 of 34
5/10/07 at 5:37pm
Thread Starter 
Okay, 31 hours later, my labor has finally kicked in. Thanks for all the replies. I'll update when I can!
post #19 of 34
5/10/07 at 5:53pm
Yay! Woohoo! You will be holding your sweet little baby in no time! congratulations!
post #20 of 34
5/10/07 at 9:29pm
Yay! Happy birthing!
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