natural induction tips?

Galena99

At my 39 week check up my OB told me to start thinking of an "end date" for a c-section in case I am two weeks overdue because I can't use any medicated induction methods (cervadil, pitocin).

She is in no rush to cut, but also said sometimes just putting pen to paper makes the baby come on its own.  BUT, I want to make sure I try everything possible before a c-section to enusre a VBAC.

I'm going to try accupuncture, but what else is there?  Castor oil?  Lots of sex?  Long walks?  Help me out ladies!

TIA!

preg_amy

I would not do castor oil.  It can be really unpleasant.

-Lots of walking

-Lots of sex

-Evening Primrose Oil, which can be taken orally and vaginally... I'd ask your OB/MW to see how much they recommend taking

-Red Raspberry Leaf tea... you can get it most places like Target, there is a brand by traditional medicinals

-Fresh pineapple

 

Lisa and Mickey

nipple stimulation is the only at home method I can add from the above.

I believe some ladies on the board have had success with acupuncture as well.

ETA: Oops...missed that one the first time.

preg_amy

Lisa and Mickey:

nipple stimulation is the only at home method I can add from the above.

I believe some ladies on the board have had success with acupuncture as well.

ETA: Oops...missed that one the first time.

 

Haha, I just came back because I was thinking about it and was going to come back and add nipple stimulation to the list.  

But yeah, I agree that it sounds like acupuncture is usually the most successful.

rena5498

agree with everything above. you can even try bouncing/sitting on a birthing ball to bring baby down.also i tried castor oil and wouldnt recommend it. ended up with super strong contractions for 2 hrs and horrible vomiting and no signs of labor when i went to be checked the day after taking it. besides i found out its not good for vbac patients since the contractions it causes are so strong not good for your scar..gl!

Gina1221

I took evening primrose oil, orally, off and on for about a week before I went into labor.  Then the day before I went into labor, 3 days before I my scheduled C, I took evening primrose oil, pumped, had sex, and then, as per my doula, had DH give me a relaxing massage while I just tried to relax and not think about my impending c/s (I had really been stressing about it at the time).  I went into labor @ 6:30 the next morning.  I know it could just be a coincidence, but I was induced 10 days past my due date with DS #1 and this time went into labor on my own a few days early, so I tend to think that the natural induction techniques played a part in me going into labor.

holly321

Are you dilating at all?

 

We tried a lot to induce with DD, nothing worked. Walking and sex always gave me really strong contractions, but I never went into labor on my own.   I guess it did sort of help since I was halfway dilated when  my water was broke to start labor.

Galena99

Thanks for the tips!  I think I'm too nervous to take the castor oil because my stools are loose enough as it is and I don't want to be on the toilet any more than I already am.  Today I bought the primrose oil pills (I am debating taking them orally or breaking them to put on my cervix) and rasperry leaf tea. 

I am dialated a finger tip and 50% effaced.