November 2012 Moms
groundedwife
member
Creative ways to induce labor
groundedwife
member
So after reviewing the maternity leave policy at work, I came to the conclusion that it would be ideal if the baby was born exactly one week prior to the due date because then I get a freebie week off without tapping into my vacation/personal days. I work at a Catholic university so they usually close down for a week between Christmas and New Years for everyone.
It has become a joke around my office that I need baby to come exactly one week early and people are telling me what they have heard induces labor. What are some of the old wives tales that you have heard... or that you did and believe works?!
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Re: Creative ways to induce labor
My OB says sex softens the cervix and that is the only proven thing to jump start labor. She does tell women past their due date who want to avoid induction to go home and try to do sit ups. HAHA Apparently that works too.
I tried Red Leaf Raspberry Tea with DS2 and got horrible bloody diarrhea, no labor. I have heard from girlfriends that castor oil has the same outcome. I agree that taking things is not a good idea.
I heard spicy foods, and sex. But for sex, there is something in the semen that softens the cervix, so no pulling out haha (like it makes a difference now anyways right.)
Good luck!
Well, I'll tell you what magically did the trick for me...
I went for my weekly Dr. appt 2 days before my DD was due and had NOTHING going on at all...no sort of dilation/softening, etc... The midwife I saw that day recommended 3 things to kick things into gear. So, whether it was the exam I had itself, or the recommendations she gave me (which I/we promptly did that day), I started having contractions early that next morning and had my baby the morning of her due date!
So... the 3 things: sex, nipple stimulation, and taking evening primrose (a natural supplement type thing you can find at walgreens/pharmacy or GNC) j
If baby #2 isn't making progress around EDD, I plan to partake in all 3 consistently!
My friend's doula suggested acupuncture (find an acupuncturist who can do an induction session) and a glass of wine. It worked like a charm.
Another friend used her breast pump and went on a loooooong walk. Worked like a charm.
My doula told me that semen works. Party fact: it can be "taken" vaginally OR orally. Don't tell your husband that.
I plan on holding cookies near my vagina, to show the baby that the outside world has fun treats!
What? She said CREATIVE!!!!
Hilarious!!! Hey - whatever works
Unfortunately for me DH is an airline pilot so we're nervous he won't even be around so I was hoping the sex thing was more of an orgasm thing than semen. Maybe I will give him a turkey baster to start stocking up on his stuff, put it in the freezer and then use it right before he comes home.