Gentle Labor Induction

You're ripe and ready...so how to get things started?
First off, consult your health practitioner. She or he will need to know that you are preparing your body for this, and you'll want to discuss why.

Medical reasons to induce:

• Prolonged beyond due date, and usually not before 42 weeks. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists does not recommend induction before 39 weeks except when it is more risky for the baby to remain in utero than to be born.
  
• If you develop a condition such as hypertension, preeclampsia, heart disease, diabetes, or possibly if you have prepartum bleeding
• There are signs that baby is not receiving enough nutrition and/or oxygen from the placenta

Why induce using natural methods?

• Empowerment: control of your body and the feeling of owning the conditions of your labor and delivery.
• Peace of home induction; a comfortable setting will put your body at ease.
• These methods may help ripen your cervix-making it soften, efface and dilate.

A few natural options to consider:

Sex:
Stock up on it at the end of your pregnancy for those sleepless nights spent cuddling while you heal. Why it may work: Semen contains prostaglandins, which cause the cervix to "ripen" and begin to open up. Prostaglandins are also the active ingredients in some of the hospital treatments for induction. Also, when you orgasm, your body releases oxytocin, which stimulates contractions. So you might as well get labor going the same way you conceived...with an act of love!

Nipple Stimulation:
More fun for all! And why not ready your nipples to breastfeed? Why it may work: Prolonged nipple stimulation, like sex and orgasm, can also help your body produce oxytocin and help stimulate contractions. Oxytocin is also given in a synthetic form in hospitals to produce contractions. But again, why not use your own body?

Herbs: Women have sworn by herbs for thousands of years for labor. Unfortunately, there is no long-term data on many of these. When taking any herb during pregnancy, make sure your health care provider is aware and approves!

• Red Raspberry Leaf: A quite common pregnancy herb, red raspberry leaf tea is great for pregnant women, as well as for menstrual cramps. Why it may work: Helps prepare the uterus for labor by strengthening and toning the uterus.
• Cohosh (Black or Blue): Another very common herb for late pregnancy, usually administered through a ticture or balm. It is not recommended for use before 38 weeks and is considered contraindicative for earlier stages. Midwives, rather than doctors, generally prescribe them. But one study shows that many did not learn of cohosh in their formal training and have come to rely on it through their own experience instead. Why it may work: They may stimulate uterine contractions or help regulate them and make them stronger.
• Evening Primrose Oil: Also contraindicative before 38 weeks of pregnancy, Evening Primrose oil is to be administered in tablets as a vaginal suppository (when no rupturing of membranes have occurred). Why it may work: It can soften the cervix and perineum, therefore allowing softer passage or allowing you to "ripen."

Castor Oil: The most common natural "herbal" induction method, it is taken orally through a variety of suggested cocktails. It is not recommended except under the care of your midwife or doctor, as some believe it may also cause the baby to release meconium, which can be dangerous. Why it may work: your uterus is closely tied to your bowels. For some women, expelling the intestines stimulates the uterus and causes it to produce prostaglandins.


I highly endorse the first couple of methods. However, with herbs and other stimulants, please remember to notify your health care provider. Many will point out that if your body is not ready, you will simply not go into labor, even if you are mentally and emotionally ready!
Baby will get here best with a little patience and a lot of trust in your own body!