Anyone else set on a natural birth & end up with induction?

caja04

I myself have had 2 previous inductions (my first baby was late, my second was having growth restriction issues and was induced early).  Induction has not been a good experience for me.  From the time the induction started, both times, I had to lie flat on my back and couldn't even get up to go to the bathroom; I was ordered to push when I didn't feel ready to do so.  I'm very thankful that everything turned out fine both times, but I felt like I had very little control over the situation and my level of pain.

This pregnancy, I've been working with a midwife and was looking forward to a spontaneous labor and natural birth.  I was planning to use the different natural pain relief techniques available: labor tub, shower, walking, birthing ball, etc.  However, starting 2 weeks ago my fluid level went down, and the maternal-fetal specialist decided I'd have to be induced by Monday.

I'm so disappointed!  I know that with an induction I won't be able to use the tub for laboring, and my movement will probably be very restricted if I'm to have Cervidil and then a Pitocin IV.  Has anyone else had an induction and tried to use natural pain relief methods?  (Or is planning to?)  I'm thinking hot and cold pads, massage, and breathing will be somewhat helpful, though not the same as what I'd planned.  Any tips much appreciated! 

laurasuzanne2006

we were planning a home birth but i ended up having severe pre-E.  I was induced and was on the magnesium sulfate.  Some pain relief things we did since i couldn't do much moving whatsoever was hot packs and music.  I ended up having a c-section as the baby was not ready to come early,just remember the most important thing is that both of you are alive and healthy in the end.

memali26

I was induced with DD and was able to move pretty freely with the exception of when the cervidil was in. They did the cervidil overnight both times, and since my contractions were still only mildly painful at that point I was able to sleep through most of it. Once they started pitocin I was still allowed up and walking, changing positions, even using the shower. They had me on the monitors for 40 minutes of every hour, but they used wireless monitors so I could still walk around, just had to take the IV pole with me. If I wanted relief from the shower I could try it for the 20 minutes I was allowed off the monitors. 

In the end, I ended up with an epidural because the length of my labor and back labor and pitocin combined were doing me in, but I fully intend to try to go without this time even though I am being induced again. It will probably be more difficult than if I didn't need the IV/monitors/etc., but if you're prepared and have a great partner helping you I think you have a great shot. 

grinnellian2001

FWIW, I was talking about this with my midwives the other day while going over my birthplan.  She said that a midwife ordered induction (at least for them) is a very different animal than an OB ordered induction.  You may have a better experience than previously and they may introduce pitocin more gradually, perhaps allowing for more mobility.  Have you discussed your concerns and previous experiences with your MW?

erin_aaronsbaby

Yep - that's how it happened with DS1, although, I went a step further and after being induced, had to have an emergency c-section. :P

caja04

Thanks ladies!  All of this is really helpful so far.

My MW appointment to schedule and discuss everything is not until tomorrow, but I talked with her on the phone a few minutes ago and she stressed what one of the previous posters mentioned-- that an induction with a midwife can be very different, because they tend to wait longer for the Cervidil to work, try to avoid Pitocin at all costs, etc.  That made me feel better.  

I'm also really encouraged to read that even with the Pitocin, you (other PP) were able to move around and use the shower.  And once it all comes down to it the first response is dead on, I've got to focus on the fact that health and safety come first. 

CateB95

Here's my birth story:  https://community.thebump.com/cs/ks/forums/thread/57715298.aspx

 Mine was a MW induction and I only had to be attached to the fetal monitoring for the 1st 2 hours after receiving the cervical ripening.  Then I was allowed to get up, have lunch and move around.  Before they discharged me they checked him again on the fetal monitor.  Because I had started to have contractions she said there was no need to give me pit.  I was discharged to labor at home (on modified bedrest because of pre-e) and was going to go back the next day for another course of cervical ripening, but never made it that far because he had different ideas!  Good luck.  I think that having a MW is the best choice you can make.

caja04

Thanks for the birth story Cate... I hadn't seen it and I love seeing other poster's experiences with midwives, gives me a better and better idea of what to expect!

CapeFall2006

I had to be induced and somehow, despite not being dialated at all, the cervix softener did the trick; I never ended up needing pitocin.  I was able to move around during labor and I was able to go without medication.  Good luck!