After water breaks - how to get contractions going?

[mariposita]

I am GBS+ (I just retested after doing lots of herbal stuff, find out new results tomorrow). I have chosen to not do antibiotics during labor because I have had anaphylactic or moderate reactions to all the antibiotics used.

My midwife really wants me to get my contractions going strong if my water breaks first. With Carter, my water broke, no contractions for 8 hours, VERY mild contractions for 6 hours, then went from 3-10cm and pushed him out in 2 1/2 hours.

If it takes that long (or longer) this time from the time my water breaks I will risk going to the hospital. I really want a homebirth and expect this won't even be an issue because my labor is likely to go really fast.

But I'd like to have a bag of tricks in case my water breaks first. What all have you heard to stimulate contractions once in labor? Positions? Aromatherapy? Other ideas?

[DesireeH]

Lots of walking? I think you'd be ok even if it took 8 hours. Arent they more worried after the 18-24 hour mark? Or as long as you dont get a fever or anything? I'd avoid any vaginal exams too after your water breaks.

[nonconformnmom]

Nipple stimulation
Walking up and down stairs
Accupressure (for example ressing your thumb on the roof of your mouth (looks like you're sucking your thumb :lol )
Sitting on a birth ball and doing your best to maintain a calm state of mind

If all else fails, do what I did. Fib to the midwife about when your water broke. Actually, my hospital-based midwife told me she didn't worry about the 24 hour timeclock for water breaking - and I was GBS +. :thumb