[Xerxella]

So, I'm 37 weeks today. I REALLY want a VBAC. The midwife practice here has a bright line 41 week rule. So, I want to do everything I can in the next 4 weeks to not face the C question. (I really don't know what I'd do, so lets try to not face the question.) So here's my plan -

Now - Lots of DH time, 2 EPO capsules on the cervix, RRL tea, any foods that may work, pinapple, papaya, walnuts, dark chocolate, balsamic vinegar, etc
38 weeks - add chiropractic, massage, accupuncture (maybe EPO internally) (maybe membrane sweeping)
39 weeks - take the train, walk more, I'm running out of ideas
40 weeks - castor oil, breast pump, get scared

PS - I've tried to set myself up for success by fudging my LMP. Although, I was temping and tracking and know exactly when I ovulated, I gave myself 5 dasy on that. So, my LMP due date is April 29, but I told them May 4. (The early ultrasound put me at May 1.)

Any extra ideas are appreciated...

 

[Lisa1970]

Get St Christophers Prenatal tea. Drink Red Raspberry Leaf tea daily also. If you cannot get the St Christophers Tea, then look for 5W. These are capsules you take in the last 5-6 weeks to your due date. I have been told people never go past due when on them. Try to get them today and start ASAP. These are things I plan to do.

 

[Raene]

I'd add nipple stimulation (maybe this is inc. in your "DH time") and SPICY foods. Like Indian food? Order it extra-spicy.

Good luck!

 

[mezzomama]

Hi, we're in the same boat (I'm 37 weeks today or tomorrow, depending on whom you ask), though I'm not allowed to go past 40 weeks, since I'm also "very advanced maternal age". My midwife said they could also use a foley catheter to try and stretch the cervix. I'm planning on trying acupuncture at 38 weeks as well. My midwife also said EPO internally and vaginally once per day (though I've read up to 3 times per day, but that's what she said). And some other midwife in the practice said benadryl has been known to work, but that's the first and only time I've heard that. The senior midwife hadn't heard of it either, so you can take that for what it's worth.

good luck!!!!

anne

 

[kdtmom2be]

How many mg DHA in your EPO capsules?? I've started taking them once a day (35 weeks) but haven't figured out how MUCH I should be taking. Anyone know?

And Benadryl will just make you sleepy... same as Nytol. I can't see how it would help you go into labour except that you would probably feel very well rested when you DO go into labour because you will have been getting some decent nights sleep!

 

[Xerxella]

Lisa - What's 5W? What's in it?

Raene - I figured the serious nipple stimulation would come from the breast pump. I'm nervous to try that too soon, but maybe earlier, like about 39 weeks.

My midwife recommended 2 250mg EPO capsules once a day at bedtime. She said to pierce the end before inserting them and then elevate your hips if possible so the EPO would be on the cervix where it could do the most work.

I've never heard the Benedryl thing before, but I do know it's considered safe in pregnancy, but it seems scarier than other things. I mean, it completely puts me to sleep, so what's it doing to the peanut? But, it is considered ssafe in pregnancy. I'll look into the induction angle. Maybe, just being that rested will relax you enough to go into labor, like a masssage.

 

[MNHall]

Just adding in on the EPO thing. I started taking one 500mg capsle orally at 35 weeks. Then at 36 weeks I went up to 2 500mg capsles orally. I was "thinking" about doing them vaginally at 38 or 39...but I had my DD at 37w4d.

 

[kltroy]

I would add that at some point you need to "let go" and stop worrying about it. Have a nice talk with your baby when you get to 40 weeks (if you get there) and let him/her know that WHENEVER he wants to come is just fine with you. Relax. Stop worrying. Make an appointment for a prenatal massage for 40+5 days or so. Maybe you'll have to cancel it.

Ultimately I tried everything you listed, and finally adapted the strategy of scheduling something fun for myself every day, so that I stayed busy and had things to look forward to. I went to bed the night I turned 41 weeks feeling no different than ever and when I woke up the next morning I had some contractions that were "real". Baby didn't make an appearance for me until 41+2 but I really think relaxing and not getting too worked up about it all was key.

Now that said, 42 weeks was my hard cut-off, and I had already planned a date with the castor oil 1 day before that time.

Good luck! Try not to worry... everything will be fine. Oh, and if you do need to be induced I agree to try a foley before pitocin.

 

[murphysaangel]

I'm facing the same thing come September. My mw's have a strict 41-week policy but at that time they induce, not automatically section you. I'm still pretty nervous about that because of the obvious increased risks associated with pitocin, so I am hoping to do the similar pre-dd natual induction methods that you are.

HOWEVER, I would start getting adjusted NOW. It won't hurt you or the baby or make him/her come earlier than he/she should. It WILL help get your pelvis aligned, increase nerve flow to your reproductive organs, and help regulate other things that might make your midwives push for an earlier induction, like hbp and sugar/protein retention. Do you have a chiro that you have seen in the oast and you're comfortable with? If not, check with your local tribal area. Or check here: http://www.chiropracticpureandsimple...y=US&zip=60290. THIS IS IMPORTANT: ONLY go to the ones that say "principled; adjustment only" under the "type of practice" line. Otherwise they'll be more likely to play doctor and want to you do all sorts on unnecessary modalities. It'll cost you more and waste your time, IMO. good luck!

 

[Xerxella]

My doula also recommended setting a "let it go" date. But, that's just not my personality. I'll feel comfortable letting it go when I've got a serious plan in place. I'll set up my plan and then I'll know I did everything I could possibly do to make this successful. I like the idea of scheduling something to do everyday. Too bad, I'm still working. But, I think it'd be worse if I wasn't, then I'd really feel like a watched pot.

 

[Taryn237]

I started pumping at 38 weeks to help have a full supply this time. My water broke from pumping at 39w6d and labor did not start.

If I didn't have awesome patient midwives I never would've VBAC'd. Castor oil, nipple stim, pit, and Miriam was finally born 44 hours post rupture, 24 hours in the hospital.

Just be careful if you start having really strong ctx while pumping.

I second internal EPO and I took 'Christopher's prenatal capsules'.