Got a call about castor oil

11 is heaven · 05-10-2007, 05:26 PM

I have attended many births of friends and family, but have not started my "official" training yet with CAPPA ( material is on the way,YAHOOO). However, I just received a call asking about the use of castor oil. I read the old posts from long ago, wanted to know if there is any 'new' info. Also, does anyone know about castor oil compresses on belly to start labor?

( my first thread, hope I did it right)

Tiffany · 05-10-2007, 05:31 PM

I believe that castor oil irritates the bowel and flushes you out and this irritation can cause the uterus to contract. That's all I know, which may not even be correct information (sorry!

).

loveslabor · 05-10-2007, 06:44 PM

I don't think there is any new info out about it. Some people are very nervous about recommending it because of the meconium issue, others say it's not an issue.

I'm not sure about the hot compresses....sorry.

I took 2 ounces of castor oil in 3 scrambled eggs to try and augnement labor and it worked about 4 hours later for about 6 hours without any diahrrea, but it peetered out and I didn't take a second dose.

WaterMoon · 05-10-2007, 06:48 PM

I have heard of doing caster oil compresses on belly, I think it suppose to have the same kind of effect without the bowel pains.

aetrusty · 05-10-2007, 06:57 PM

Whether or not it works, I believe it is outside the scope of practice for a doula to be recommending induction methods. Just because castor oil is a plant product does not make it anything other than an intervention.

As a doula, I would give her the unbiased information, direct her to finding more and then having her talk with her care provider before deciding whether to do something to interfere with her body.

I would also help her explore the reasons for wanting an induction and helping her make the best decision for herself.

Just my .02

tlcdoula · 05-10-2007, 07:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aetrusty

Whether or not it works, I believe it is outside the scope of practice for a doula to be recommending induction methods. Just because castor oil is a plant product does not make it anything other than an intervention.

As a doula, I would give her the unbiased information, direct her to finding more and then having her talk with her care provider before deciding whether to do something to interfere with her body.

I would also help her explore the reasons for wanting an induction and helping her make the best decision for herself.

Just my .02

Mile High Doula · 05-10-2007, 08:01 PM

I have used castor oil on myself as a belly compress for ovarian cysts. Not sure why they say to use castor oil, but it gave me cramps. So, I suppose it's possible but I never recommend it to my clients. My clients usually ask for natural induction methods. I have a list because I feel like they should be informed but I tell them they need to do the research and find out what works best for their family.

11 is heaven · 05-10-2007, 08:54 PM

Thanks everyone for your input, just confirmed what I already heard. You ladies are a wonderful resource, unbelievably blessed to have you all. I agree any type of intervention should be avoided, including castor oil. Baby's time is perfect time.

ctowndoula · 05-11-2007, 11:21 AM

Had to share that I have a friend who did the castor oil induction herself and swears she will never do it again. Explosive diaherra the rest of her labor.

But yea, you got good info...just had to share a funny story.

MindOverLaborDoulas · 05-11-2007, 11:23 AM

doula Michele · 05-12-2007, 09:44 AM

I took castor oil with my second. The Dr recommended it. It worked perfect. I would do it on myself again in a second. But like anyother induction, you need to have all the right conditions. Baby needs to be ready and in a good position, cervix needs to ready, all that stuff. I had been having good, steady, BH ctx for about 2 weeks. I was 3 cm and thin cervix, and good to go.
If your not ready...about all you get is a nasty case of diareah.

But I never recommend any type of induction to clients. That is between them and their Drs!

helpinghands · 05-12-2007, 11:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by doula Michele

If your not ready...about all you get is a nasty case of diareah.

But I never recommend any type of induction to clients. That is between them and their Drs!

Also, you never know if your client may have some sort of medical condition that could make induction unwise/dangerous. My HELLP client had been asking my opinion on castor oil.. she was very, very sick and we had no clue.. she went downhill fast and I hate to think what would have happened had she took 4 ounces of castor oil on top of it if I would have I told her I thought it was okay..

Be careful about what you recommend.. even if you think it is harmless or may work.. there are so many variations that need to be considered.