Trusting our bodies, trusting our client's bodies......

[CortLong]

I know this is kind of a personal question and maybe should be somewhere else, but I am a student midwife and doula so I wanted to ask this to you all......

I am a G5 P3 mama. First was born via c-section due to "CPD" (notice the quotations!) after a 42 week induction, second was a m/c, third was a VBAC at 41.5 weeks, fourth was a VBAC at 40.5 weeks.

I have serious adhesion issues during labor. I've taken EPO for both VBACs. That's it. No 5W or any of that other junk (and I don't recommend it to clients either!) i'm not a fan of inductions, whether pharm. or 'natural', I still feel like you are toying with the body in an unnatural way. I feel like our bodies are created (or evolved depending on who you are) to work the best way for them. Our bodies will grow babies perfect for us, our pelvis' will open correctly to let babies out and we will go into labor when we need to. Anyways....

I've been thinking about EPO for this pregnancy. Why am I even thinking about taking it if I trust my body? I can tell you I don't take it for the great fatty acids it provides...... Is it not trusting my body to take something like this? What about herbs? What about homeopathics?

Let me say that I am believer in herbs, homeopathics and the like when there is a PATHOLOGICAL need for them, not just when there is a physiological process that needs to be 'enhanced' or intervened.

So my question is.....what is 'trusting' our bodies and what is interfering?

[SublimeBirthGirl]

To me the difference would be between trying to move things forward, and trying to enhance natural health. I wouldn't take EPO to intentionally soften my cervix (though might for other reasons, like EFAs like you mentioned-I didn't realize it was a source though), but I have used RRL for overall uterine tone/health. I take it non-pregnant too.

[Jane]

I think you're in a slightly different situation that some - your body was messed with - perhaps the EPO will help reverse the issues caused by your incisions.

Typically, I see EPO recommended for first time laboring mothers - to help with ripening and effacement. Mostly, women have no problems with effacement after their first vaginal birth, unless a LEEP or conization happened between pregnancies. I don't recommend it because I haven't seen it work. I also don't recommend herbals or homeopathics. If someone wants to use them - go for it, as long as they are generally recognized as safe in pregnancy. Sometimes doing "something" is helpful.