Induction Then Med Free

Lilmrslay · July 2013

I am coming up 35 weeks, and in 2 weeks find out my induction date. I have Insulin managed GD and have been advised that they won't let me go past 39 weeks, so will be induced sometime during my 38th week.

What I wanted to ask is if there are any BTDT Mums who were induced with either gel and breaking of membranes, or with full meds, and went on to have a med free birth.

I intended to go natural with Hypnobabies, but am now diverting my 'plan' to hopefully use Hypnosis to manage the process following induction. But I have heard this can be quite a challenge with induction presenting much stronger and more intense contractions.

Any positive stories appreciated. I am really looking for encouragement and hope that this can be done, if it's possible.

I know I may still have to move into other interventions, but I just want to get some information under my belt about this possibility first.

lalamakita · July 2013

You can do it! I had a pain-med free birth induced with Pitocin. My water had broken with no ctx, and after 36 hours of trying everything, the doc needed to induce me, didn't do stripping membranes or gel, just started me on a low dose of Pitocin. I started at 1cm.

I'd done hypnobirthing - and had a doula - and just took it one ctx at a time and didn't let my mind focus on how much longer this might take, or how much more intense they might get. My doc allowed me the time to labor - I wish I could have done it from home (hopefully this time)

I don't know Hypnobabies, but in Hypnobirthing there is a big part of letting go of the fear which I think is very important. Somehow I never really held on to many fears - once my doc said I was a good candidate (it was a VBAC) I was able to put all concern behind me - that was a blessing. And while I'm all about open communication with my DH, I'm glad he didn't share his fears with me. (they weren't severe fears, but concerned/worried it wouldn't work)

It was so worth it. Got my natural birth (though induced) and felt that amazing oxytocin/endorphin rush that I still remember, and hold on to, that honestly made me feel, in the delivery room, I wanted to have another baby - who in their right mind says that? Ha!

Try to let go of that fear and just take it one ctx (surge!) at a time. Don't listen to naysayers - that negative vibe is too powerful, you need to replace it with the power of yaysayers. You can do it.

musicalmama5 · July 2013

I did it! I was 2 weeks late so they induced me. Tried a membrane sweep, it didn't do anything, so they did a full-on induction (Cervadil the night before, then pitocin in the morning).

Yes, it was hard. But it was my first so I didn't have a natural labor to compare it to. Channel your inner amazon woman and just go for it!

You CAN do it!

What helped me- oddly enough- was just knowing that at any time if I wanted an epidural, I could have one. Just that though was enough to keep me going. I kept thinking, "OK, if it gets much worse, I can just get the epidural", but I never did. And I am so glad I didn't! It is so empowering to give birth without drugs!

So, ignore the naysayers. Everyone is going to say annoying things like, "yeah good luck with that" and "oh you'll be screaming for the drugs" when you tell them that you plan to go drug-free. Personally, I used those comments as fuel for my desire to go drug-free. Be stubborn!

Again, you CAN do it!

Good luck!

tortuga47 · July 2013

I was induced, and did opt for an epi when threatened with a C-section - I relaxed enough my body took over and had my son within a few hours. Later, I found out, they upped my pitocin too much, too quickly. It was like one never ending contraction (I felt like it at the time, but seeing the print out, there was never a wave.) In fact, they all ran in at one point to pull the meds because they feared uterine rupture. My advice is to get your team on board and ensure they run anything and everything by you. I do think had they consulted me before upping my doses I could have handled the pain. I made it through 28 hrs without any drugs and although it took some determination, I was handling it fine. Just communicate with them and request they do the same with you! Good luck

needanustart · July 2013

I just had a med free VBAC yesterday but I was scheduled for an induction on Sunday so I had done some research. My friend who is a doula said she had attended several med free inductions that went great. The key is a supportive doc or midwife and keeping the dose of pit as low as possible. I actually needed a few drops of pit during my 46 hours of labor to get passed 5 cm and I was able to manage those contractions as well as my own because the dose was so low and they turned it off as Diinas I was back on track. You can do it!

hilwithonelary · July 2013

It can be done! Here is some information about induction methods. The first link is about overdue pregnancies, but it's still good information.

https://birthsen.tmdhosting930.com/?p=686

https://birthsen.tmdhosting930.com/?p=587

I was induced with DS because my water broke and I did not start having contractions. My biggest piece of advice is to make sure that your OB is on board with a slow increase of the pitocin and that they stop increasing it once you are having strong, consistent contractions. Ask that you or DH be verbally informed every single time they up the rate.

When you're induced, you'll need EFM. Asking if any wireless units are available. If not, don't be afraid to pace by the bed, ask for a birthing ball, sit in a rocking chair, or get on your hands and knees. And don't hesitate to unplug for bathroom breaks.

Good luck!

babywisher · July 2013

I went in after slowly getting to 5 cm with no contractions. Talking like 3 weeks of dilating and being 90%. Went to the dr on Thurs. He told me living so far from the hospital the chances of making it were slim. I went in Fri morning they broke my water and after an hour gave me the lowest dose of pit. The contractions came quickly after that. Went from starting at 6 cm when I arrived to 10 and ready to push in just 2.5 hours. Then the just shy of 2 hours of pushing. Dd was sunny side up so we had a time getting her out! We were so excited to be seeing something besides her head full of hair when she came out no one noticed if she was a boy or girl. Anyway I digress. It is possible if like a pp said you have a supportive dr. It is so amazing if you can make it. Good luck!

shiway · July 2013

I know this isn't your question but I have some experience with GD. The risk with GD is that if it isn't managed well and blood sugars are not maintained and controlled than baby can get too big. Which is why you would need to be induced as baby could already be big enough and further gestation could lead to a bigger baby and complications with delivery and baby. But if you managed your GD well an baby is lookin good there doesn't need to be an automatic induction. Especially before 39 weeks. My sister had GD with her last 2 pregnancies. First she went 5 days past due date an baby was normal size for her and no problems. Managed GD very well. 2nd she went natural 2 days before due date. She even had a lot tougher time with blood sugars and had to do insulin last few months and dr was worried ad kept trying to set an induction even though all ultrasounds looked normal. Just putting it out there that maybe you can look into the reason why they automatically want to induce you before 39 weeks. You didn't give a lot if info so I'm assuming a lot. Don't be a routine. Be sure it's absolutely necessary to induce!

Also if you do get induced. I've been to 2 inductions where all they did was break the water. One mama was only 2 1/2 cm dialated. And try to hold off on pitocin as long as you can. Both my mamas I'm a doula don't need pitocin at all. One got them to give her 3 more hrs longer than they wanted of waiting for labor to kick in. She knew contractions were changing even though she hasn't dialated more. Ad sure enough in 2 more hrs she dialated to a 4. She just listened to her body and trusted it!

Sawyerplus1 · July 2013

You can still do it!

I recently attended an induced birth where the mother had no pain meds. She was a rockstar and did so well.

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