[blairinargentina]

So it looks like we are probably headed for an induction (very long story). We have an u/s on monday and will likely know for sure then. But in the meantime, the mw's suggestion was to go home and try to induce naturally, in order to avoid the side effects and cascading interventions of medical inductions (constant efm, laboring totally at the hospital, etc).

I am looking for advice on Blue and Black Cohosh, as well as EPO. Has anyone used it before? First or second hand experiences would be great to hear if they're out there. Also, my doula mentioned an herb mixture (chinese) that is a sure fire way to get things rolling, only available through a homeopath or accupuncturist. I can't seem to find one in my area to talk with about this, anyone know what this might be??

Any advice or knowledge or general encouragement would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Caroline]

I don't know much about the black or blue Cohosh but you may be able to find an herbalist that knows quantities/tinture dosage etc. for inducing labor. I know those are both two pretty powerful herbs and more is not necessarily better --- so definitely hire a person well trained in herb usage during pregnancy.

Nipple stimulation is really, really helpful (do until you feel the "let down" reflex -- that lets you know that oxytocin is being released). Also, of course, lots of sex to get all the benefits of semen on the cervix for effacing. I can't remember what it is but someone probably does here (prostaglandins?). And orgasms release all that oxytocin just like the nipple stim.

Good luck!

 

[blairinargentina]

Thanks!

The more I read about the cohoshed, the more I am resistant to the idea. So far we are going with nipple stimuation, sex and walking. There is a possibility of sweeping membranes later if these things don't work, thought I would like to avoid it if possible.

 

[blairinargentina]

BTW, what is the "let down reflex"? I'm a first time momma, don't know what that is supposed to feel like!

 

[tannersmommy]

Butting in from January DDC...

Let down reflex feels kind of like pins and needles (like when your foot falls asleep). That's what I think it feels like anyway. Good luck! I hope the natural things you try work well for you.

 

[HomeBirthMommy]

I used EPO with my second and it worked pretty well for me (though it certainly could have just been a coincedence). I did it both orally and vaginally.
You could also try an enema, suppository or castor oil. Not fun, but certainly better than an induction.
You can check the midwife archives of Gentle Birth.org for some other ideas.
There's a great herbalist mama on here called Avena who could give you great advice about the cohoshes. I'm sure she wouldn't mind if you PM'ed her.
Good Luck!

 

[pinkmilk]

hi! I have 4 children and the last 2 were almost induced but I managed to bring on labour myself...naturally.

Both times this is what worked.(after other failed attempts)

1. Go to doctor and get membranes stripped.
2. Go home and have sex(including sperm on cervix and an orgasm!)
3. Go for one or more invigorating walks.

this worked for me...i hope it works for you too!!

goodluck.

 

[homemademomma]

has your cervix been checked? if your cervix is already starting to soften and open, having your mw sweep yr membranes and doing castor oil and a big juicy enema, followed by a relaxing bath is a good method. obviously ONLY if genuinly medically necessary, which is rare. you should discuss it with your mw

 

[TurboClaudia]

on the cohosh topic, the herbal cohoshes are quite powerful and i personally don't feel comfortable using them for myself when not already in labor.

however, the homeopathic versions on the cohoshes (caullophyllum and cimicifuga) are only effective *IF* your body is ready to be put into labor, so there is significantly less danger in using these if an induction is indicated. not sure on protocols of using them, but i'm sure if you did a search of the birth forums something would come up.

sending you peace and wisdom and love...

~claudia

 

[mojumi]

If you have the time, $, and can find one, and acupuncturist can do amazing things. I was looking at an induction with #1, and 12 hours after a three hour session with the acupuncturist my birthing center recommended, I was in labor.

EPO won't stimulate labor, but is nice for softening the cervix anyway.

A friend swears by castor oil but it sounds very harsh and upsetting to the gi tract to me, a very unpleasant way to go into labor.

I personally like clary sage oil added to a gentle massage oil which I find very refreshing and stimulating, and have used that with breast massage for low milk supply. I've read that the same scent & rubbing of the belly can help bring you to labor if you are close anyway.

Stripping your membranes is something your mw can do. It didn't do a thing for me with #1 and I found it unpleasant and would not do it again, but it is a common thing OBs and MWs try.

I think the 'chinese herb' you're talking about is dong quai. You can take it with licorice to reduce the strong effect on the gi tract.

You could try homeopathic caulophyllum 200x (every half hour for two hours.

One ting my bradley coach recommended (which I thought was kind of funny): if you are feeling stressed and just can NOT relax, have a glass of wine! As she put it "baby is not going to develop fetal alcohol syndrome at 40 weeks". And maybe that bit of relaxation is all you need for your body to get itself going ...

hope that helps.

Monique

 

[blairinargentina]

thanks for all the wonderful insight. i am on my way to an acupuncturist now, will update later! thanks again!