Castrol oil experiences? I am Vbac 9 days overdue now!

[autumnmom]

My EDD (estimated by 2 ultrasounds one at 7 weeks one at 20) was the 16th of June (9 days ago). The practice i am with is supportive of Vbacs but against policy to let any woman go beyond 42 weeks. As this is my last week I am starting to think of options to try at home (besides sex and nipple S. and walking.. tried those many times). I have been dilating for weeks now as well! I was 5 1/2 CM last I was checked a week ago so I know I am on the verge of being ready.

I just can not imagine going though all this progress and then reaching next Monday with a c-section only option (because I am a VBAC). I have my 41 week appt tomorrow and was going to discuss a game plan of when so and so should be tried before we reach Monday? Has anyone had good luck with castrol Oil and also being so dilated?

Thanks

[Moon]

I was given castor oil with my first after my water had been broken for 24 hours with no other progress, at 40 weeks.

It did the trick. It also made me sick as a dog and with bowel cramps so bad I couldn't leave the bathroom. Not the easiest way to spend my labour.

Castrol Oil is a car thing. Don't take that.

Good luck.

[kerikadi]

I have read many a castor oil story and none of them went well.
I can't imagine going into labor with stomach cramps severe diahrea and dehydration. I hope you go on your own soon.

Keri

[halah]

Indeed, castor oil is not for everyone. I do know one mama who had success with it, but I've heard it can be very hard on the mother.

Does your practice have any experience with stripping the membranes (not the same as rupturing membranes, this is just loosening the bag from where it's attached to the uterus). It's not fun, but you could go into spontaneous labor right there when they do it, and no stomach ailments.

You're at 5.5 cm, so you ARE in labor...what you need is to be pushed over the boundary to *active* labor. Keep having orgasms however you want to do it to get the contractions up and running. Castor oil, stripping the membranes, *perhaps* even rupturing the membranes once you get the contractions regular and only IF the head is way down in there (to prevent cord prolapse)...There are risks to all these so these are just suggestions to bring to your care provider in case you haven't gone get by Monday and are looking at a repeat C-section...
...Just be CAREFUL with Pitocin and god forbid Cytotec because these are the things that are behind the "increased risk for uterine rupture" with VBACs...

Sending you labor vibes,

*edited to add--just in case there's ANY doubt, anything having to do with your membranes/bag of waters is not a do-it-yourself home induction!! :eek :D *

[fourlittlebirds]

I had a very bad experience with castor oil and would not recommend it to anyone -- I had terrible intestinal cramping and diarrhea on top of heavy contractions. There is also a risk of the baby going into distress from it.

I agree that it is absurd to do a c-sec solely because of an ultrasound dating.

[Eman'smom]

If you are that far dilated I'd ask to have my membranes stripped. I'd also ask about the state of your cervix beyond dilation, is it soft, how effaced are you, how is the babies head in relation. I know breaking the bag might not be that popular, but if you are that far along, and things are favorable, and the other option is a c-section,it's definately something I'd consider.

[BusyMommy]

Yeah, aren't those laws dumb.:rolleyes:

I tried castor oil 2x and NOTHING happened.
Do you have an elec. breastpump? Hook it up:) Worked for me w/in 15 minutes-I had 4 min. cx.

[autumnmom]

Thanks for the info! I will bring all topics to the table tomorrow at my 41 week appt. Unfortunately I can't have my membranes stripped because they are already gone, basically being so dilated. A week ago I was 70 effaced and a -2 station. I just feel like I would do just about anything then have another c-section (although I don't want pit.).
I'll see what the Doc says tomorrow...

[candiland]

I just wanted to add that 42 week pregnancies are normal. Some women have 43 and 44 wk. pregnancies. Can't you sign a release saying you absolve them of responsibility if your babe is past due? Then get a biophysical profile, nonstress test, check fluid volume, etc. every couple of days until you go into labor?
What was the reason for your last c-section? It could be that you have longer pregnancy cycles than "average". Your baby may need a longer time to cook in the oven you are providing for him:p
The risk of having a dangerously postmature baby are very, very low... according to more non-interventitive practitioners, the risks of cesarean and/or induction are much higher than allowing your body to work at its own pace, as long as you monitor the baby closely after 42 weeks... there's no such thing as a permanently pregnant woman :D

[Charmie981]

If it comes down to a section or a different intervention, I'd ask to have my membranes ruptured. And I second the electric breastpump idea. Some doctors are willing to "hook you up" to a hospital pump in lieu of an induction, so I know nipple stimulation is a viable option for induction.

As far as the pit goes...if your doctor will do it (being a VBAC and all), I might consider a small dose just to jump start things and then ask them to turn it off. IMO, *anything* is better than a section. But I wouldn't want an entire pit-induced labor having already had a section.

I hope this discussion is all in vain and you go into labor tonight :D. GOOD LUCK!!

[weesej]

ALL methods of induction increase the risk of rupture in a VBAC. I would think non hormonal methods would be the least so. Coming down to choices between section and castor oil, I would take the castor oil. When augmentation or induction is necessary it is used in our practice with great success (although unpleasant) To be truly effective you need to take 4 oz, 2oz, first then wait 30 min take another 1oz and wait another 30 min for the final oz. It will begin to work be around 12 hours later. Take it with a yogurt smoothy or OJ concentrate. Please wait until you are at 12 days over, it is very likely that labor will begin spontanously and soon and you certianly do not want to add any risk. Also the Dr can schedule a section, but you don't need to show up. Your body, your choices and if you are walking around 5 cms it obviously is working great!!!

[Lucysmama]

I was induced wih Pit for a "postdue" baby at 41 weeks...Ha! I was nowhere near ready to have the baby and I ended up with a C-section. What I didn't realize at the time, is that you have choices. If they say, "We are going to induce you, get your fanny to the hospital," you DO NOT HAVE to jump up and go. Likewise with IVs and enemas - when it comes down to it, it is YOUR choice. You can refuse. I wish someone had told me that when I was pg.
Hoping for the best for you and your little one!!!:love

[Cloverlove]

I had an HBAC at 42 weeks. What finally did the trick was acupressure. Maybe you could get in for a quick visit? Or visit this site,acupressure (http://www.birthsource.com/proarticlefile/proarticle28.html) and try it yourself. My friend did it on me and I was in labor hours later!

I also wanted to add that my midwife *strongly* advised against castor oil.

Blessings for a safe and beautiful birth!

[Chanley]

I have heard that it can cause the baby to pass meconium into the waters before birth causing respiratory distress.

Just what I heard!

[halah]

Originally posted by weesej
Also the Dr can schedule a section, but you don't need to show up. Your body, your choices

This is a very significant thought. They can't come to your house and force a c-section on you LOL!

Just be cautious of what they tell you and get second opinions. It is of my experience that when a doctor feels like s/he is not in "control" of the birth they resort to the "you're killing your baby" discussion. I hope that you don't encounter that, but if you start hearing stuff like that keep yourself calm and steer yourself back to the facts, not the horror stories.

[twinkletoes]

my mother tells the story of being hugely pregnant with my brother in the heat of a texas summer and drinking lots of black (or was it blue?) cohosh tea, then promptly going into labour. she said it felt less forgiving than other labours (more like a freight train), but his birth was peaceful, at home with a midwife, and with no tearing. i have also heard that blueberry leaf tea is very effective for starting labour, but i'm no herbalist, have you thought of talking to one? if you're thinking of using castor oil it seems like it might be kinder to your system to use something that targets your uterus rather than your bowels.

but, like candiland said, lots of babies take a little longer in the oven, and the 42 week 'rule' does not have to apply to you

at 51/2 cm dilated it sounds like your baby is well on the way - maybe even coming as i write this!!:p

[autumnmom]

Can't write lots now, but thanks all!
We have our beautiful daughter now! born Wed. early morning the 25th. She was a successful VBAC and fast labor! I was complete in 45 min from when labor started. She was 8lbs 14 oz. I am still on cloud 9!
Thanks again!!!

[Cloverlove]

WhooHoo!!!

:love :baby :love :baby :love :baby :love :baby :love :baby :love :baby

Congratulations on your little sweetie :love and a great birth! :thumb