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Ways to encourage labor starting?
I just had my 37 week check-up and due to a prior medical procedure, my doctor said that my cervix may be slow to open. So, he encouraged me to start doing some activities to encourage the labor process. Other than intercourse and nipple stimulation what have other people tried? (and did it work?)
Also, when people say "nipple stimulation", what are we talking about here? I think I read it somewhere that you're supposed to do it for an hour. That seems like a long time and I might be raw after that.
Your thoughts and ideas are appreciated!
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Re: Ways to encourage labor starting?
When they say nipple stimulation, it really is for a long time. At our birth class, I think the nurse said something like "An hour or two of pumping a day for a week will help get labor started"
That makes me think that it doesn't actually work--you could just spontaneously be going into labor too!
Nothing worked for us, but I ended up getting induced at 39 weeks 5 days due to GD, so we didn't go crazy with different methods.
you're going to hate me saying this but what really worked for us was S-E-X!
well that and walking, lots of walking
my OB told me not to do nipple stimulation, I don't remember exactly why but it releases a chemical into your body so they really don't want you doing that.
I walked every single day, at least 30 mins, most days 60 mins, and DD was still 4 days late. 2 days past my due date I drank raspberry leaf tea, 1 cup; the next day I drank 3 cups (was peeing even more than I did before and I was practically living in the bathroom before), and the next morning I had my baby. Did it work? yes, no, maybe; it was probably a coincidence.
I read that when the baby's lungs are mature, they release a certain chemical that starts labor so there is not much you can do to go into labor earlier. But you can still try.
Have lots of sex if your DH is willing:)
The chemical released is oxytocin, which causes uterine contractions, so if your OB thought this was not the best course of action s/he may have recommended against it...but it sounds like it was OK'd by Vtkendra's doc.
I don't have any first-hand experience on how to start labor, sorry! But all of the above (long walks, sex, raspberry leaf tea, nipple stimulation) have worked for doula clients.
I already told DH about my appointment this morning and he was VERY pleased with the doctor's advice. LOL.