Help me avoid induction!!

[KrisM]

Here I am, 10 days past my due date. I have an induction scheduled for Sunday night, if I'm not in labor on my own by then. It'll start by breaking my water and letting me go through the night. If no contractions, I'll have a low dose of Pitocin during the day and have it turned off at night. The OBs goal is to have me delievered by Tuesday, which is 42 weeks.

I totally understand and agree with the plan, but I don't want to be induced! So, help me get labor going. I feel like we've tried about everything. Any new ideas?

I was almost 2 cm dilated and 80% effaced on Tuesday. I had a biophysical profile and got an 8/8, so all is well. I have another NST today. I'm doing really well and feel pretty good.

Any suggestions?

By the way, DH really wants to avoid having a baby on Tuesday - the birthday would be 6/6/6. Not the best! So sooner is better!

[annasmom]

Kris, I have no advice personally (I am certain someone here will though). I just want you to know that I have been thinking about you, and will be sending you MAJOR LABOR VIBES!!!!

[JBaxter]

I have a friend ( an ob nurse) who swears by the castor oil for starting labor-- she used it w/ both her girls. I never had the nerve to try it but she says it wasnt pleasant but worked ( castor oil mixed w\ OJ) She also used her electric breast pump ( 15 min each side every 2hrs) to help stimulate her contractions.
http://www.drspock.com/article/0,1510,5329,00.html


FYI. I was induced with Nathan ( DR scared me with his size) They started with a gel on my cervix then once I started contracting well they broke my water and it wasnt unil a few hours later they did the pitocin.

[mudder17]

Kris, no advice, but I'm pretty sure there have been several threads in the last 6 months about inducing labor. I've been thinking about you a lot and hope you can avoid the induction and get the VBAC you're hoping for.

Hugs!

Eileen

http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/33732.gif for Leah
http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/33734.gif 27 months...
http://tickers.baby-gaga.com/t/catcatcvi20040222_-6_Kaya+is.png
Kaya will be a sister, ~11/14/06!

[dawell0]

I have a friend who swears that this worked for her--she was around a month late by her calculations, but the doctor insisted that she was only 2 weeks late and was going to induce her the next day, she:
1. Cut the grass using a push mower (about 1/2 acre)
2. Raked up the grass and put it into bags
3. Carried the bags to where they do their compost pile
4. Went bowling
5. Had a spicy meal--

She was going to do the option with her DH that everyone suggests (wink, wink), but her water broke on the way home from dinner, so the rest is history. I think that it was probably just the activity and standing on her feet that gravity was able to help her a lot.

Just a suggestion, good luck,

[KrisM]

Ah, I was afraid of the castor oil and had not wanted to try that. But, maybe I will.

I can't do the gel on the cervix because I'm a VBAC and it can cause over stimulation of the uterus that can't be quickly stopped (as it can with Pitocin).

DS was 4 days past his due date and was 9 lbs 6 oz. At the biophysical ultrasound this week, they estimated this baby to be 7 lbs 12 oz. I'm hoping that's closer to being right than what I have in my head.

[KrisM]

I have a walk-behind, but have cut the grass 3 times in the past two weeks. All the other pregnant women in the neighborhood say I'm not helping them!

We've tried the rest, including DH's help!

Heck, I even ran a garage sale yesterday hoping it would help.

Not a single contraction out of any of this.

[KrisM]

Thanks!

[KrisM]

I haven't had a chance to search, so I figured I'd post.

Thanks for your thoughts!

[mudder17]

Here you go!

http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/dcboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=37&topic_id=163175&mode=full

http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/dcboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=37&topic_id=311064&mode=full

http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/dcboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=37&topic_id=311064&mode=full

http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/dcboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=37&topic_id=246909&mode=full

http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/dcboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=37&topic_id=76605&mode=full

http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/dcboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=37&topic_id=74143&mode=full

http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/dcboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=37&topic_id=15361&mode=full


Eileen

http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/33732.gif for Leah
http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/33734.gif 27 months...
http://tickers.baby-gaga.com/t/catcatcvi20040222_-6_Kaya+is.png
Kaya will be a sister, ~11/14/06!

[lmintzer]

Hi Kris. Will your OBs consider something called a cervical catheter? It's a little balloon catheter that is used to gradually open up the cervix. This was used for my VBAC, since I had low fluid (at 36 weeks) and needed to have the baby. Just a thought to run by them . . .

Best of luck to you! I hope things go well and that you go into labor on your own very very soon!

[pampamz]

Wow! 42 weeks and you sound pretty chipper. I was a bear by 5 days past due.
I went to the spa and had a manicure and haircut w/#1 and my water finally broke.
W/#2 I tried everything, raspberry tea, garden work, even sex and nothing helped. Finally the hospital called me in, broke my membranes and DD came flying out within hours.
Good luck though -- babe will be here soon enough!

[o_mom]

OK, here is what I did with DS2. I went to the zoo and forgot the stroller. I carried DS1 (19 mos, 28 lbs) through the entire zoo. I was 4-5 cm dialated and 50% effaced for three weeks before that and DS2 was born that night after less than two hours of labor.

Another thing to try is to go to the park and swing on the swings for awhile. Supposedly the downward force can help things along.

I would avoid breaking your water if you can help it. Once they break your water, you are usually on a 24 hr clock to avoid infection. Also, the contractions are MUCH worse once your water breaks.

[m448]

How is baby positioned? Have you felt any contractions? If baby is not positioned optimally he won't put pressure on your cervix to effectively dialate.

What helped me move past the prodromal labor stage at 10 days PD was leaning my upper body over the edge of the bed in a modified handstand (using the bed to hold my hips) for a 30 seconds to a minute and then doing an immediate squat deep squat. It disengaged baby from the wrong position (he was hitting my pelvic area at an angle) and engaged him in the right one. That and taking 2 doses of homeopathic Pulsatilla was enough to put me in labor only a couple of hours later. The pulsatilla is great for malpositioning. I've also heard good things about a tincture called Labor Prep (it's a mixture of some remedies including the cohoshes, usually midwives carry them).


Marielle


Ian - born 10/03
&
Ryan - born 01/06

[Wife_and_mommy]

Kris,

I had ruptured membranes(w/ almost no labor) with DD. Castor oil w as one of the things my MW tried. It didn't produce the little one and was so utterly gross to drink. I understand you're on a countdown now so I probably would rupture my membranes to avoid having to transfer.

Here's a link with a castor oil concoction by Latia. If I was ever willing to do castor oil again(*GAG* so highly unlikely), I would try this!

http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/dcboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=37&topic_id=263723&mesg_id=265101&page=

Best of luck! I hope all your preparation results in a wonderful experience. Can't wait to hear the happy news. :)




http://www.gynosaur.com/assets/ribbons/ribbon_gold_12m.gif[/img][/url]

[buddyleebaby]

This is totally an old wives tale, but it worked for several people I know.
Eat eggplant parmasan!
Good luck- sending you labor vibes!

[DebbieJ]

My midwives told me to walk walk walk. They told me to walk up and down stairs. I actually walked the bleachers at the high school where I worked.

This helps baby put pressure on your cervix to dialate. Although that headstand/deep squat combo sounds pretty effective!

Good luck!

~ deb
DS born at home 12/03
2 year check up: 25 lbs with clothes on and 35 inches!
BFARed for 20 months and 6 days
(Breastfeeding After Reduction is possible! www.bfar.org)

http://www.bfar.org/members/fora/style_avatars/Ribbons/18months-bfar.jpg

[writermama]

Will your OB consider Evening Primrose Oil as a substitute for the gel? It's supposed to be gentler -- though of course, I wouldn't suggest it if your OB advises against it.

There's some mixed evidence on it working if taken in pill form, but better results seem to happen when it's applied directly to the cervix (one technique is to drain the oil out of the capsules and then apply it internally). My midwife did the internal application when dilation stalled with DD.

If the baby isn't positioned optimally, you can check spinningbabies.com for suggestions on getting baby in the right place.

Another "can't hurt suggestion" would be to schedule a reflexology session with a massage therapist who specializes in pregnancy and is willing to put some uncomfortable pressure on your ankles. If there isn't one in your area, you could get a book and have your DH do it. I got a book from my library about pregnancy massage and it had a section on the reflexology points for inducing labor.

Also, nerves or fear can produce hormones that tell your body it's not safe to go into labor. Any kind of meditation, relaxation, or fear release therapy might help.

There's something I haven't tried, that sounds really goofy, but is supposed to work and definitely lands in the "it can do no harm" category called EFT - Emotional Freedom Technique.

This is the website of the founder -- has a free "get started" package I think you can download:
http://emofree.com/

Here's a link to a 2-minute crash course:
http://1-eft.com/main/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=2&mode=thread&order=0&thold=0

Good luck and sending you labor vibes,

[wendmatt]

HI Kris
I was just thinking about you this morning. I so feel for you. I tried EVERYTHING to go into labor with DD. I was at 42 weeks. I did castor oil and thought I was in labor but it was just the pain of getting the runs and having cramps (def don't rec it!). I walked everyday twice a day, you name it!
I ended up being induced and had pitocin straight away, then they broke my water, started at 6pm and DD was born the next morning at 10.30, so not too bad.
So, sorry I'm no help but wanted you to know I'll be sending you labor vibes. DH is right, 666 is not the best birthday to have!! Good luck, keep us posted.

[Puddy73]

Sending big labor vibes your way!!!! I was induced with both my DC (at almost 42 weeks). I tried going up and down stairs, driving over bumpy roads, eating spicy foods, and sex (no small event when you are 42 weeks along). On the advice of the midwife, I even tried talking to the baby to convince it to come out. I was disappointed that nothing worked because I really didn't want to be induced, but honestly it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. Good luck!

Jennifer
Mommy to Annabelle 9/08/03 & Finn 10/31/05

"If we couldn't laugh, we would all go insane." - Jimmy Buffett

[jhrabosk]

Kris --

I'm sending you all my good labor vibes...I've been there!

Don't know whether you can line it up on short notice, but I'm convinced that my acupuncture is what finally pushed me into labor. Maybe it's along the lines of what the pp said with relaxation and all, but I'm sure it worked.

I was very fortunate to have what is probably an unusual situation in this day and age, but here it is. My acupuncturist came to my house (I just couldn't commute to her...I was having trouble walking) and treated me on my own bed. Where she usually puts the needles in and leaves me alone to relax for awhile, instead she put needles in every possible labor induction point and then worked them over and over. Doesn't sound relaxing, and it isn't in the moment, but afterwards it is.

I went into labor the next day. :)

I also did raspberry leaf tea and sat on the birth ball a lot.

[jesseandgrace]

I am going to predict that you will go into labor on your own this weekend without needing to do anything different or extra :). Both times I went into labor on a Saturday morning, one was born a few hours later and one was born on Sunday afternoon. My second was almost two weeks late, but held out for saturday. I guess I was pretty well conditioned to the work week thing, LOL. I think you will have this baby today or tomorrow! I'm thinking today!

[wimama]

I was 5 days overdue when I tried castor oil. My water broke about an hour after my 3rd dose and some light contractions started. The contractions were mild and completely stopped several hours later.

So I wound up having to start on pitocin anyway, since the clock was ticking, due to my water having broken already. I think I tried taking it before my body was really ready though. To me it was worth a shot to at least try to avoid being induced.

[lkarp]

Kris,

Try having DH rub your feet. I was able to have regular contractions after she rubbed my feet for a while. I also agree with the suggestion to walk, walk, walk. Hopefully you will go into labor soon!

[pb&j]

I walked a lot and spent a lot of time on the birthing ball. When I showed up for my induction, I was 3-4cm, they broke my water, and holy moley, the contrax immediately (within 60 seconds) came fast and furious. DS was born without using pitocin just a few hours later. I think all the walking and the time on the ball had him very well engaged.


-Ry,
mom to Emma, stillborn 11/04/04
and Max, 01/05/06

http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/user_files/32812.gif
http://b1.lilypie.com/aKGqm5/.png[/img] ([img)

[KrisM]

I will definitely ask about that.

[KrisM]

Not sure on the EPO. I'll ask on Sunday, if needed.

As of Tuesday, the baby was positioned well, which made me happy, since DS wasn't ever fully head-down. He was more at the 10:30 position.

I've been doing Hypnobabies and really feel ready and not nervous for this baby. I will look at the EFT site, too.

[KrisM]

Awesome, thanks!

[trumansmom]

I was induced at 38 weeks. My cervix wasn't remotely interested, so they did the gel stuff. (I can't believe I can't remember what it was called!) Anyway, 12 hours later my water broke, and 6 hours later DD was born. I didn't need pitocin at all. Hopefully you won't either!

And apparenlty it's very common for women to go into labor the day before their inductions. I'll keep my fingers crossed for you!

Jeanne
Mom to Truman 11/01 and Eleanor 4/04

[KrisM]

DS would like the swing idea :).

I'd love to avoid having my water broken, but I just don't think going past 42 weeks is a good idea. There aren't many alternatives, it seems. Maybe the cervix catheter. Fortunately, my OB doesn't have a 24 hour limit. He is fine with going longer if all looks well with me and the baby.

With DS, my water had been broken for 30 hours or so before the c-section. Unfortunately, contractions weren't strong at all, as I only made it to 4cm dilation after those 30 hours.

[KrisM]

Baby is head-down and at station -2, as of Tuesday. I haven't had any contractions that I am aware of physically. At my NST last week, the machine said I was contracting, but I wasn't aware of them.

[KrisM]

Went to Olive Garden for lunch today!

[KrisM]

Yeah, I think I'll avoid the castor oil.

[KrisM]

I sure hope you're right!

[KrisM]

I've been walking a lot, but haven't done too much on the birthing ball. I'll work on that more today and this weekend. I'm glad to hear you could avoid pitocin. I hope to do the same.

[KrisM]

Thank you. I figure I've got to be about ready for this baby, so hopefully this weekend will do it for me. I'm glad to hear of another induced without pitocin birth!

[wolverine2]

I had acupuncture (first and only time ever) and went into labor the next morning. Don't know if that was the reason, but it was actually pretty relaxing so no harm either way. Some insurance companies give discounts now for acupuncture services.

Carrie

DS 10/04
^i^ 4/06

[aguinn]

Kris,

Sending you MAJOR labor vibes! And a bit of advice: I understand you are VBAC, and pitocin may indeed kick you off, but I'd hesitate to allow them to break your water first. See if they will allow you to get to at least 7cm before they do that - IMO, it will make a big difference!

Good luck!

;)amy
momma to DS#1 "Big Brother" (BB) and, finally, DS#2 "Little Brother" (LB)

http://b3.lilypie.com/Eygrm4/.png[/img][/url]
http://b1.lilypie.com/ur0Am4/.png[/img][/url]

"Children are the living messages we send to a time we will not see." ~ Neil Postman

[KBecks]

Just wanted to say good luck, and good luck on avoiding 6/6/06! But, it's easy to remember and I dont think a whole lot of people would pay a lot of attention to it if it does go that way.

Take care over the weekend and we look forward to a birth story soon!!! :)

[brittone2]

Thinking of you and sending speedy labor vibes in your direction!

I forget if you are doing Hypnobirthing (Mongan) or Hypnobabies? I did the Mongan version, but I think Hypnobabies has a script for "baby come out". I know the hypnobabies yahoo group has some free scripts on it...maybe there is something on there you can use if you haven't tried tying in those thoughts with hypnosis yet?

Don't feel like you have to answer this, but is there ANY chance you are having some fears/worries about the vbac attempt? Maybe try an extra fear release? Sometimes I wonder if we subconsciously have even the slightest hesitation that might stall things a tiny bit.

I have heard of cohosh (not sure about blue vs. black) to induce labor. A friend of mine had a ton of early labor that went on for days and her midwife RX'd it. I have no idea about safety with a vbac attempt though. Ditto with Red Raspberry Leaf tea...considered very safe in your last trimester, but I haven't ever looked into whether it is okay with vbac.

Sex, walking a ton, squats, birthing ball...it sounds like you are doing a lot of that stuff already. Nipple stim, although some say it brings on contractions that are too strong...but I think that's relatively rare. If it is that or induction, maybe think about it? Greasy and spicey foods are supposed to kick in the prostaglandins.

I'll bet you go into labor on your own this weekend :)

[Judegirl]

I've heard of both acupuncture and exercise - particularly dancing, walking, swimming and sex. So if you're up for any of those at this stage of the game, go for it!!! Sending good thoughts your way!

Jude

[Tondi G]

I had 2 treatments with my acupuncturist when my OB suggested induction... the night after my 2nd treatment I went into labor!!!!

It can't hurt!

~Tondi
Mommy to Mason 7/8/01 and Aidan 5/4/05

[urquie]

i was ten days late and scheduled for induction. i got what i called an anti-pregnancy massage. i asked the gal to massage all the points they would normally avoid on a pregnant women. contractions started 12 hours later. i think it was the massage that did it, however, we went out for a spicy greek dinner and krispy kremes for dessert after the massage. :)

[calebsmama03]

If you're a VBAC, I would be wary of the castor oil. My MW (homebirth, so of course very into all things natural) advised against it saying it can cause really strong contractions. Her concern was stressing the baby and leading to meconium but if that advice was true it may not be good for VBAC? When she explained Evening primrose oil to me it was more as a cervical softener than a contraction inducer, so that could be good? My LLL leader had a successful VBAC 2 years ago and used homeopathic black and blue cohosh (herbs) to get things going, but again I would be wary given the VBAC. Sorry to be a downer and definitely not trying to throw sand at anyone's advice - just wanted to add what little I know from researching it and from my HBMW.

Assuming you've tried all these but -
Nipple stimulation (breast pump, ot otherwise ;) )
sex
walking
squatting (I weeded my garden and planted new plants the week before SOphie was born)
foot massage/reflexology
A massage therapist certified in prenatal massage should also be able to do some hip release maneuvers and work some pressure point in the groin to help things along. I had this the day before Sophie was born.

Big hugs and major labor vibes your way!
Lynne
Mommy to C 3/03
http://www.gynosaur.com/assets/ribbons/ribbon_emerald_18m.gif[/img][/url]
And Miss Purple, 5/05

[calebsmama03]

Yes, the stairs!! I completely forgot that one! Something about the hip motion helping encourage baby downward. Sitting on an exercise ball also was recommended.
Lynne
Mommy to C 3/03
http://www.gynosaur.com/assets/ribbons/ribbon_emerald_18m.gif[/img][/url]
And Miss Purple, 5/05

[KrisM]

I think it's a toss up for me. Obviously, a healthy baby is number 1. But, after that, I really want a VBAC and I really want a drug-free birth. Starting with pitocin works against that, as I am very limited to positioning, etc. I can't figure out which is the lesser of evils though.

[KrisM]

Hypnobabies. They no longer have free scripts. It changed very recently, I guess.

I don't feel like I have any worries about the VBAC. I am okay with another c-section if it comes to that as well. By that I mean, if I have one, I know it was unavoidable, because I trust these doctors. I also believe my last one was necessary, because I truested them and my current OB agrees with them.

I couldn't find much info (that satisfied me) on VBAC and the herbal stuff, so I am skipping that.

I'm doing the rest and have been, with no luck.

I hope tomorrow is the day!

[KrisM]

Couldn't get an acupuncturist lined up. But, I am going for a reflexology massage on my feet tomorrow. I plan on having her concentrate on the pregnancy areas.

[KrisM]

I agree about the herbs and haven't used them. I hadn't considered the strong contractions with castor oil, but dont' think I'm for that anyway.

I've tried most of your list, except the massages. I am getting reflexology tomorrow. I love foot massages, so I'm hoping that just by scheduling one, I'll go into labor tonight and have to cancel it tomorrow!

Thanks for the labor vibes.

[Eloise36]

Hi Kris,

Sending you major labor vibes for this weekend!!!! But, I just have a feeling you are going to go into labor on your own this weekend ;)

I am no help here because I ended up getting induced on Monday 5/29. The OB started with the gel on the cervix and I got pitocin 3 hours later to strengthen the contractions. It went better and much faster than I expected. I got the gel at 8am (1cm dilated) and delivered DD at 1:53pm. I did get an epidural which wore off by the time I pushed, which was a real bummer because she was almost 8lb but in hindsight, I wouldn't have changed a thing about my labor and delivery and I am glad I got an induction when I did, not least of which it was the only date my parents could spend 3 days taking care of DS and it was the best date per DH's work schedule.

[laurena]

First of all, I bet you go into labor tomorrow. :) Secondly, going along with the foot massage idea is a pedicure. Then, you'll also have pretty toes. It seemed to do the trick for me last Friday. DS was born Saturday night. It was either that, or the fact that on Tuesday we had workers coming to rip up the family room and part of the kitchen to install wood floors!

With my DD, I ate a little too much wasabi.

Good luck for a drug-free birth and a healthy baby.

Lauren
DD 3/04
DS 5/06

[KrisM]

Did I miss an announcement? I hope all is well with you and your DD!

[KrisM]

My DH is against pedicures for health reasons. But, I did make him paint my nails last weekend :). I have 8 very nicely painted nails now. It took a bit of practice for him to get it right!

[Momof3Labs]

2cm, 80%effaced, and -2 station? I bet that you won't make it to Sunday. And if by chance you do, I bet that baby will arrive very quickly after your water breaks!

Have your membranes been stripped? I was at 2cm, 50% and -1 station when my CNM stripped my membranes. DH and I topped that off with some frolic the next night, and my water broke the following morning. Logan was born 9 hours after my water broke (no drugs, no pit, nothin').

[firstbaby]

I just delivered DS with Hypnobabies - it was a great experience and I am sending great hypnobabies labor vibes your way!

Listen to the Birthing Day script - I listened to the early labor part of that script the night before I went into labor and I think that is why they tell you not to listen to it before 37 weeks. With DS #1 I was over a week past my due date. DS #2 was born 4 days early.

Good luck!

[ykc]

Don't really have many new suggestions, but the ones I've heard about most and/or seem most likely to work:

Sex (better yet, sex w/ nipple stim and foot massage?)
Breast pump twice a day
Spicy foods
Foods with tomato sauce, followed by a beer (the tomato sauce has chemicals that convert to prostaglandins; the beer, I think, is just to help you relax)
Driving on a bumpy road
Walking stairs

That said, I haven't yet gone into labour on my own, in spite of working up to or beyond my due date both times (and I'm on my feet a lot and take the stairs at work nearly always). But I didn't try the breast pump, and there wasn't much sex happening at 40 wks. With #1, I was 10 days late with no sign that anything was happening. Got the prostaglandin gel, which gave me "uterine irritability" with contractions every 3 minutes for 6hrs that made no cervical change at all. Eventually, got pitocin and delivered within 12 hrs. With #2, I walked around 2-3 cm for a few weeks, was 4 cm at my last prenatal appt, was 5cm by the time I arrived at the hospital for induction. The OB ruptured my membranes, and absolutely nothing happened. A little pitocin, and my son came out less than 3 hrs later. So, maybe you shouldn't listen to me if you're trying to avoid a pitocin induction.

Good luck!

[essnce629]

As a VBAC mom, I'd definately try castor oil before allowing pitocin to be used. Studies have shown an increase in uterine rupture when pitocin is used to induce VBAC moms. I would stay far far away from any pitocin. If you haven't gone into labor by Saturday night I'd try at least one does of castor oil (1oz). You don't have to take more if you don't feel comfortable with it. A previous poster posted the link to my castor oil regimen which I highly recommend. Back then when I posted it, it had been succussful 3 out of 3 times. Since then, two more women I've recommended it to have also used it with success (one of which was a VBAC mom). So now it's worked 5 out of 5 times. And only one of us out of the 5 had really bad diarrhea- and that was because she decided to take another dose of castor oil "just to make sure it was working" even though she was already having contractions. The other 4 of us had soft bowel movements, but never any diarrhea or stomach cramping. Here's the link to my regimen again:

http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/dcboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=37&topic_id=263723&mesg_id=265101&page=

Oh, and at a local hospital here in San Diego (where I'm a volunteer doula) the midwives in the in-hospital birthing center use castor oil all the time for inductions. They can't use pitocin in the birthing center, because when you're on pitocin you must be attached to continuous electronic fetal monitoring (EFM) and there is no EFM in the birthing center (they use intermittent monitoring with a doppler), so if a mom needs pitocin she risks out of being able to birth in the birthing center and is transferred downstairs to the regular labor and delivery floor. It's very common for moms to come in at 41 weeks 6 days for a castor oil induction, since at 42 weeks they risk out of birthing at the birth center and the midwives try all they can to prevent that from happening. So apparently it works pretty well.

Oh and I'd start taking evening primrose oil (EPO) both orally and vaginally to help soften your cervix even more. The softer and more ripe your cervix is, the better your chance of an induction working. At the end of my pregnancy I was taking 3 1300mg capsules of EPO orally a day and 2 inserted vaginally at night before bed. Like semen, EPO contains prostaglandins to help soften the cervix. I've even heard of one midwife having a mom insert 10 EPO capsules vaginally to ripen her really quickly. They were probably 500mg capsules though, since there's no way you could get 10 huge 1300mg capsules up you!!!! Good luck, and keep us updated!

***Latia
Birth and Postpartum Doula

Conner 8/19/03 (homebirthed water baby)
http://www.babiesonline.com/babies/a/aug2003angel
http://www.gynosaur.com/assets/ribbons/ribbon_sapphire_24m.gif Self-weaned at 24 months!

[KrisM]

Had them stripped on Thursday morning and Friday afternoon.

I sure hope you're right and labor starts today!

[KrisM]

I keep listening to that, too. I started at about 38 weeks off and on. I've listened to it every day for the past week, too.

Thanks!

[KrisM]

I'll keep thinking about the castor oil thing.

I've read mixed things about Pitocin and VBAC. In the official ACOG guideline, it doesn't say no Pitocin, as it does the cervical gels. Do you have a link to any studies that are conclusive on the VBAC issue?

I'll look into the EPO a bit more, too. Not sure if it's enough time now though.

I am really hoping that the reflexology does something today. In any case, I'll be nice and relaxed!

[egoldber]

>I've read mixed things about Pitocin and VBAC. In the
>official ACOG guideline, it doesn't say no Pitocin, as it does
>the cervical gels. Do you have a link to any studies that are
>conclusive on the VBAC issue?

The most definitive information is from the Decemeber 2004 NEJM study:

http://www.ican-online.org/news/articles/20041216.pdf

The use of pitocin to induce VBAC essentially doubles the risk of uterine rupture (although the overall risk is still small).

[muskiesusan]

I am sorry I am just seeing that you are overdue! I could have sent you my Baby Come Out CD from Hypnobabies! I will be sending you labor vibes this weekend.

On the Pit issue. When I was exploring induction ideas with my VBAC, my midwife showed me a study that actually broke down the rupture rates when just pit was used. It increased the rate by like .2%. Obviously you don't want to lie there and have them constantly increasing the amount, but a small dose was in my personal comfort zone. The gels and Cytotec were very dangerous b/c of the strong contractions they bring on and b/c once started, cannot be turned off. I will try to find the study (I don't remember where I buried it). My midwife had just attended a conference on VBAC and had all this great info that I wasn't able to find in my own research.

Good luck, hopefully you won't need any of this stuff!

ETA: I wanted to clarify that I am pretty sure the increase was in cases of augmentation, not induction. My midwives were not comfortable inducing me unless I scored high on the Bishop scale, and even then it would only be breaking my waters. Sorry for the confusion, I am going to go and search for the study!

Susan
Mom to Nick 10/01
& Alex 04/04

[mommyoftwo]

I don't have much to add that hasn't been said already. I'm another went into labor the night before I was scheduled for induction mom. With Amelia I was scheduled for a Friday. On Thursday night around 10 or 10:30 I went into labor. She was born at 3:30am so things went fast and furious once she decided to come out. So here's hoping the same happens for you.

As far as the castor oil goes, I wouldn't try it. It hasnt' worked for any of my friends who tried it except to make them miserable with cramps and diarrhea. When my husband was a medical student, the OB's and the midwives all said that it didn't seem to do anything in most cases. They generally only recommended it if a mom was desperate to try something. I was told that if I did decide to do it, to pick something that I never wanted to drink again to put the castor oil in because I would have no desire to ever have it again. Just something to consider if you do try it. I hope to hear good news soon.