Natural induction

[mamiesmama]

I am 40w5d pregnant with baby #2. By this time with my dd, I was induced because my amniotic fluid was very low and she was in distress. I very much want to avoid an induction this time around, so I'm wanting to try some natural methods of induction. But, there's a bit of a catch. We don't have any money to afford some of the things I've heard about (cohosh, tea, EPO, etc). So, anyone have any ideas on what we can try that doesn't cost anything (or very much)? I was going to look into getting some Labor Boost Cream, but it looked way too expensive for me. So, this is what we've some up with so far. For tonight, we're going to maybe go to our local 24-hour Wal-Mart store and walk around for a while, come home and put our dd to bed, try manual/oral stimulation and intercourse (sorry if this is too detailed, just want to know if anyoe can think of other stuff), then try acupressure on hands, feet and ankles, have a small glass of wine and then go to bed. Tomorrow, will get up, try choking down some caster oil (if we can find some that we can afford), hopefully hear from the chiropractor saying we can come in for a quick hip adjustment, maybe go see a movie to relax a bit, come home and do laundry. And, if the caster oil hasn't done much by that point, try it again. I'm not sure if I'm biting off more than I can chew with this plan because I tend to wear out easily. But, at this point, I'm ready to try what I can to avoid having the doctor want to induce me. If I don't deliver (or go into labor) by the time of my appointment, I will definitely ask her to strip my membranes. Any other thoughts or ideas?

[amymaew]

Just. Say. No. to induction. If your amniotic fluid is low, drink more water! And be patient - no one is pregnant forever. Something like 90% of moms go into labor by 42 weeks. I wouldn't try castor oil without a dr/midwife's supervision, b/c it can be rough on you. When baby is ready, baby will come. I know that's not what you want to hear, but it's true! And this is coming from a 42 week mama. I promise, this time next month you will NOT be pregnant!

[1stimestar]

Other then sex I really can't recommend anything else at this point and would strongly urge you to NOT try castor oil. It's not in a doula's scope of practice to give induction suggestions anyways. You are not even over due yet. If you are worried about low amniotic fluid, drink more water. Have you read Induction Seduction? I like it. http://www.birthsource.com/scripts/a...?articleid=212

Good luck.

[jesscardona]

You can also try nipple stimulation..

[momofmany]

I second the nipple stimulation.

[MamaMichelle]

I see you are a Christian and I am as well. I got this off of a natural childbirth website a long time ago (and it's free!)

Natural Labor Induction
As with any procedure that directly affects the course of labor, natural labor induction is considered an intervention. All interventions carry with them some measure of risk. It is important to communicate with the care provider about any attempts to get labor started. Additionally, it is also very important to wait until the due date prior to attempting a natural induction. Remember, the normal length of pregnancy is 38 – 42 weeks. It is tempting to try and get things going on our own without waiting on the Lord for His perfect timing. Induction, be it self or medical, is irresponsible if done because of convenience, discomfort, or impatience. Inducing because a doctor is going on vacation, for example, is risky and should be avoided. Every day that the baby can remain in the uterus is beneficial, and patience is golden!
…that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it… Philipians 1:6
…but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31
There are times, however, that the Lord allows labor to need assistance from us. If a lady develops pregnancy induced hypertension, goes over 42 weeks, or has a baby that is in distress, there are things that can be done to facilitate labor onset.
In Alphabetical Order
Acupressure – Firm pressure is applied at four fingers above the inner ankle on the shinbone. Because of the nerve, the correct area is tender. Apply pressure for about 10 - 15 and repeat every few minutes.
Car – Anything that stimulates the uterus can cause contractions. The jostling around from the car ride can accomplish the needed stimulation. In addition, the movement from the car combined with the relaxation of sitting may help the baby assume a more favorable position.
Castor Oil – This uses the same principle as the method above, except the stimulation of the uterus is from the moving bowels. The obvious side effects are diarrhea and dehydration. The less obvious are reports of tumultuous contractions leading to a furious labor. Castor oil has been used successfully, but has equally as many poor reports.
Cohosh – This is an herb used in the home birth setting. It is best to consult with the local herbalist who has experience with this, as well as communicate to the care provider of the intentions. This is a very strong herb and must be treated with respect.
Emotions – Amazingly, it has been noticed anecdotally that women go into labor after "the nest" is complete. Changing the name of the baby, finishing the baby's room, completing a move, reconciling with a spouse, an arrival of a family member, etc., are all examples of what
was needed for these women, and then they went into labor shortly thereafter. Consider if there is anything that might be a roadblock to the confidence needed for childbirth.
Enema – The principle of using stimulation to get the uterus started.
Food - It has been said that spicy food can cause contractions. This would be contraindicated if heartburn is a problem.
Intercourse – The semen contains prostaglandins, which can soften and ripen the cervix. Provided the membranes are intact and clearance is given by the care provider, semen is a God-given way of jump-starting labor. The semen should be deposited deep inside the birth canal, right up against the cervix. A pillow under the hips may help, as does remaining laying down on either side (not the back) for 30 minutes. Standing up will cause the semen to be at the mercy of gravity. In addition to semen, the female orgasm causes rhythmical contractions of the uterus, and these contractions may be enough to encourage labor to begin.
Nipple Stimulation – The body is equipped with an anti-hemorrhaging mechanism for the immediate postpartum. When the baby is put to the breast, the suckling stimulates a deep nerve behind the areola, and releases oxytocin into the blood stream. This oxytocin causes uterine contractions that shrink down the womb and pinch off the open bleeding blood vessels. The good news is, the stimulation of the nipples before birth can also produce oxytocin and thereby induce uterine contractions. This is most useful for labor augmentation (speeding up an already started labor). Not a very effective way to induce labor, but is great to prime and exercise the uterus.
How To:
A warm compress is applied to one nipple, and then the areola (area behind the nipple) is gently massaged and rolled to simulate newborn suckling. This is done one nipple at a time, for approximately five minutes per side. This is continued until regular contractions begin, and is then discontinued. If contractions subside, the process is repeated.
Prayer – Possibly the most effective, praying in the name of Jesus Christ for the God-ordained date of labor to begin is very wise. The Lord has the perfect day for labor to begin, and trusting in His choice is the best course of action.

[1stimestar]

But even if you do nipple stim and DO get contractions started, since they are not natural ones they may not be effective. So basically you get contractions, go to the hospital, they peter out since they are not produced in your natural timeing, you get pitocin...and jump on the train to a c-section. Sorry, it of course is up to you. And since I don't know you I don't know what your knowledge level is as far as what can happen and what is likely to happen for different situations. So please forgive me if you know all this already. I know that it is miserable for some during those last few weeks.

[AmandaB]

You can call my homeopath, she is up here in canada. Please PM me if you are interested.

[mamiesmama]

My doula definitely didn't suggest the caster oil. I'm sorry if that wasn't clear. She never really suggest anything, just gives me different options and the information about benefits and risks.
I'm not really worried about low fluid levels because I have been drinking lots of water. I guess what I'm concerned about more than anything, and I don't even know that I can call it a concern but don't know what other word to use, is that things are going to progress the way they did with my dd. She was healthy when she was born, so ultimately, we did get a wonderful outcome, but the journey to that outcome was far from a positive experience for me. I have been working through that fear that things will go the same way, but we all know those thoughts creap up sometimes whether we want them to or not.
As for wanting to self-induce sooner rather than later... That's kind of a tough one to explain. I am NOT a fan of confrontation and I definitely don't deal well with fear tactics. I was almost asked to find another care provider when I was pg with my dd. I stood up for myself and nearly got into a fight. They have every right to tell me that they want me to find another person to take over my care, but insurance and money are a HUGE factor for us. Otherwise, we would be going with a midwife and have a homebirth. So, my thought is that if I can get labor started on my own, I might be able to avoid the 'induction conversation' altogether and not have to worry about the stress of fighting with the doctor. I totally understand that 42 weeks is a perfectly normal length for pregnancy. Like I told my doula, if it weren't for presure from the doctor and definitely some issues with major discomfort (could care less if my family can't get here, that's their fault, not mine, lol), I would just let it go until 42 weeks. I kinda think of it like this. If I put a pot of water on the stove and turn the knob half way, it will eventually boil, but if I turn the heat up, it'll boil faster. So, that's why I am trying the walking, intercourse, housework and such before the caster oil. That was the last thing on the list I don't even know that I'll be able to tolerate it, lol. Things that taste bad tend to make me gag and vomit. It's even worse during pregnancy.
I really appreciate all the input you have given me. My prayers are that I won't need to use rely on many of the options I listed and just go into labor on my own. That would be awesome. Oh, I have also been talking to the baby a lot about moving down through the birth canal and repeating the phrase 'down and out' during every contraction. Reminding myself that I can give birth without fear or problems because that's how I was created and reading birth stories has been nice too.

[MamaMichelle]

You know what Amanda? I'll send up some prayers for you.

[earthgirl]

It's been a few of days.....any news?

[mamiesmama]

I tried using caster oil on Wednesday and Thursday. I didn't take quite as much as was recommended, but I did take it three times on Wednesday and twice on Thursday. Must've done something because when I went to the hospital on Friday for an ultrasound and non-stress test, I was dilated to 4cm. I've been contracting off and on every 4-6 minutes since then. They actually wanted to keep me and start the induction but I decided to just come home instead and labor on my own. I keep having more contractions, but they aren't hugely consistent. I'm hoping they're doing something anyway, lol.
So, if I don't go into labor on my own tonight, I will go to the hospital in the morning and be induced (per my doctor's orders). Hopefully, if it does come to that, I can just have them break my water and that be enough to make things move along so I can avoid Pitocin. That stuff was a nightmare with my daughter. I was thinking about trying the caster oil again today to see if it would cause me to have longer and stronger contractions, but I haven't made up my mind.
I'm getting excited now and the nervousness have pretty much gone. Well, all except the nervous anticipation knowing that I will have a baby by sometime tomorrow!
Once I'm up to it and feeling better, I'll post in this thread one last time to let you all know how I'm doing and then post a birth story.
Thanks for all the prayers and support. You guys are awesome!

[Inner_Serenity]

Now that you are having contractions to strengthen them up use some accupressure...
My two favorite points best if done simultaneously are: on the hand between the thumb and index finger at the V of the bones, use 15-20 sec of pressure on 15-20 seconds off, the next spot is on the outside of the leg, Three finger widths up from the ankle bone one the font aspect of the calf, just on the other side of the bone. again 15-20 sec on 15-20 off...

[earthgirl]

[MamaMichelle]

and for a safe, quick, healthy delivery!