Castor Oil.... Don't rip me apart

jessicaalker · February 2015

I see a lot of ugliness on this board unfortunately. I drank 2 tbsp of castor oil with my first child and went into labor and had a happy healthy baby. However, I didn't do much research before hand. I am 4 cm, irregular contractions here and there, 80% effaced. Have been for about a week. My discomfort is getting the best of me so while I weigh out the pros and cons of trying the castle oil again, I wanted to check with the mommas that use a midwife. I read midwives have a strict regimen when they recommend it's use, I have an OB and she only mentioned beware of diarrhea. Other than maintaining hydration, what are your midwives having you do?

Again, I'm not posting to get backlash. If you disagree with my thoughts move onto another post. Thanks.

dyesha31 · February 2015

I used it with my first as well with no complications, baby was born 11 hours after I drank it!
From my understanding it's only used when you're already showing progress and at least at your due date. (Last time I was 1cm, almost completely effaced, at my due date, and had my membranes swept).
I agree though, the backlash is crazy in the online community for using it.

selena61307 · February 2015

This is a public forum you don't get to tell people how to respond. If you don't want to hear what people have to say then don't ask. Most midwives do not recommend it because using it has more risk than reward and you obviously know that or you wouldn't be here. There are plenty of other less risky ways to get your contractions going. Unless you are facing pitocin and a possible c section you are risking more than your are gaining.
I have been walking around with contractions for MONTHS I have been 4cm for weeks. I went into ptl and had to get it stopped so to me you sound completly ungrateful. You could go into labor today or it could be 2 weeks. If it is 2 weeks it is because your baby isn't done developing. You know what is one of the last things to develop is? Lungs. Those handy dandy organs that let you breathe without a machine.
Don't try to say of I am 40w so it doesn't matter because it does still matter if your baby was ready you would be in labor. Ask my 2 friends who induced at 40 because they were uncomfortable and both babies ended up in the nicu. Know why? Neither of them could breathe. So you decide if your baby breathing is worth castor oil.

Christina80xoxo · February 2015

^^ agreed
I was turned off by
1. You even wanting to do that (but yes... It's your baby, not mine)
2. Your attitude

Baby will come when they are ready. We all feel like crap. I would rather feel like crap for a couple weeks than have my baby come before she is good and ready.
To each their own I guess.

Ashlee692 · February 2015

Well it seems to me like your body is doing its thing preping for active labor, I personally wouldn't rush it if I were you. I do understand how you feel, I'm getting impatient over here too but I also want my body and my baby to be 100% ready for the big day. Also there are a lot of moms out there that never got to make it this far yA know so my advice- just wait it out unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

On another note- your post comes off kind of rude that's the only reason you would get backlash, you might want to reconsider starting your post off with- "I've seen a lot of ugliness on this board unfortunately" (it kind of makes me not even want to answer your post)

jessicaalker · February 2015

LOL. I did not have an attitude at all I just read all these posts and anyone that says anything controversial gets beat up on here. It's supposed to be a place to support one another and share experience. I was just requesting that those that wanted to be ugly to please refrain and move on. If you don't have an answer to my question, that's ok! But then why comment? At least a couple of you provided an answer to my question and I appreciate that even if you are against the idea. Implying that I am ungrateful for my pregnancy was a bit unfair, you don't know my story, what I've been through and what I'm going through. Just like I don't know anything about yours. So, my gut told me not to post on here and I shouldn't have. Lesson learned. Thanks again ladies! Good luck to all of you and your L&D's.

ngolimento · February 2015

I think it's incredibly stupid to force your kid out for any reason other than a medical emergency. I don't care what method you use.

I do not plan on putting my own comfort in front of my baby's health. That's my opinion to your castor oil question.

Christina80xoxo · February 2015

I really do think you had an attitude, but maybe your just a rude person and don't see that. That's ok.
I never jump on anyone , but when I think something isn't good for a baby (who is defenseless ) then yes, I will at least speak up.
Good luck with your pregnancy as well OP.

almeyer2013 · February 2015

So you're mad that we didn't follow your rules on a public forum.

Good god, drink your caster oil and have your baby if you want.

If you want an opinion from a midwife, call a midwife.

AjaH4 · February 2015

In my opinion, and after asking my dr, castor oil won't necessarily help you to speed up labor, or deliver sooner. Your body will let you know when it is ready. That's another magnificent thing about our bodies. My gf drank that stuff and she couldn't stay off the toilet and it did absolutely nothing, as far as labor is concerned. Just made her miserable. I secretly giggled at her for being an idiot. LOL. But ya, were all in the same boat... Watching the clock tick... And 5 years from now, the last couple of weeks of waiting will be hugely insignificant in the grand scheme of things... Hold your britches a lil longer, lady...

AshleyS512 · February 2015

I kind of feel like at this point it's so close to the finish line why risk my health or the health of my baby trying to get him out sooner than he's ready. Don't get me wrong, I'm taking walks and bouncing on my exercise ball, but ingesting something like castor oil is too far for me. If you're set on taking it though, I would definitely discuss with your doctor so they're aware and can provide medical advice, especially if you had a bad reaction.

okieamy · February 2015

This isn't a midwife's reccomendation, but...my best friend is a pharmacist & recommends not taking castor oil because it can cause the baby to have a bm & possibly lead to meconium aspiration.

Unknown · February 2015

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ashleyaprile · February 2015

OP, I've personally never heard concrete evidence that castor oil will for sure induce labor (or anything else for that matter). However, the way it was explained to me by my medical team, it'll give you diarrhea by causing intestinal contractions which could irritate your uterine muscles and cause those to contract too...but more like Braxton Hicks. Which then *might* progress into active labour. So, for me, no thanks! Lol. The idea of diarrhea just to have BH contractions isn't worth it. Babe will show up when she wants...even though I'm so uncomfortable!
That's my choice, though. You will make the best choice for you and your baby, obviously! And good luck!

nicolerae90 · February 2015

You went this long waiting for a baby...whats a few weeks? Im miserable....were all miserable. This is part of the process. Most days its painful for me to walk, but i gotta go to my job. I wouldnt want to drink casto oil just because i am miserable! I opted for this. And i infact want my DD healthy as can be.

chamkhla · February 2015

Drank it with my first 2 tbsp baby came 7 hours (4 hr labor) later 3 days overdue, everything perfect. Drank it with my second 2 tbsp baby came 5 hours (3 hour labor) later 3 days overdue, everything perfect. Pregnant with my third planning on the same next month! Recommended by my gramma a nurse for 35 years! To each their own.

Christina80xoxo · February 2015

chamkhla said:
Drank it with my first 2 tbsp baby came 7 hours (4 hr labor) later 3 days overdue, everything perfect. Drank it with my second 2 tbsp baby came 5 hours (3 hour labor) later 3 days overdue, everything perfect. Pregnant with my third planning on the same next month! Recommended by my gramma a nurse for 35 years! To each their own.

I totally respect the experience of nurses with a lot more years in the field than I have.
I have nine years. Medicine and healthcare change with advances in science. There was also a time when it was supposedly safe to smoke while pregnant.
I'm glad you have had safe experiences with it. I personally just wouldn't want to risk it.

TwinsCitiesMomma · February 2015

I'm cranky, uncomfortable and tired. I'll try lots of weird but safe ways to naturally help the labor process along like birthing balls, walking, and teas but castor oil? To me, the diarrhea sounds like it would only add to my miserableness.

OP- you are almost there! Don't do the castor oil! This too shall pass.

KatythebakerMiniCinniBun · February 2015

You know you're always going to get those people that push their opinions on you even when you ask them not too. Probably the same ones that crucify those that don't breast feed or have c sections. I have never tried castor oil and probably wouldn't just because I wouldn't be completely comfortable doing it. But it is your body and baby so do whatever you and your dr are ok with. And no baby doesn't always come when they are ready. I have a heriditary condition in my family that the babies won't come and we have to have c sections due to non progressive labor. Sometimes babies need help getting out. With my first pregnancy I went 41 weeks before being induced and then after getting to 8cm dilated stopped progressing. Good thing they took my son when they did because he had the cord around his neck and would not have made it if I had just let him stay in there. I agree with you women can be bullies on here. Keep your head up and do what feels right for you. I have a scheduled c section for baby number 2 in 1 week and can not wait to get her out.y stomach skin is on fire. Lol. Good luck.

Christina80xoxo · February 2015

@selena61307‌ Me too !! Lol
Nobody is even being mean ! Just stating our opinions.
I went two weeks overdue with my last, induced, after three days had a c section for failure to progress. It's not hereditary in my family. Maybe there is something I've never heard of??

I have GD, high bp, heartburn, sciatic pain, hemorrhoids, itchy belly, swelling, nausea, and I'm exhausted. Just like a lot of other mommies on here. I'd rather deal with it though than hurry to get her out. Maybe it's just me.

Oh ya, @KatythebakerMiniCinniBun‌ I didn't breast feed my first and she was born via c section .... So miss me with your assumptions. I only have issues with stuff that could put unborn babies at risk

noodlienoodles · February 2015

amylmcnair said:
She said "hereditary conditions". If you talk to a doctor or research it smartass, term length, birth weight, and labour process of your own pregnancy is known to be hereditary.

No need for the ugly name calling!

MrsPope1770 · February 2015

KatythebakerMiniCinniBun said:
You know you're always going to get those people that push their opinions on you even when you ask them not too. Probably the same ones that crucify those that don't breast feed or have c sections. I have never tried castor oil and probably wouldn't just because I wouldn't be completely comfortable doing it. But it is your body and baby so do whatever you and your dr are ok with. And no baby doesn't always come when they are ready. I have a heriditary condition in my family that the babies won't come and we have to have c sections due to non progressive labor. Sometimes babies need help getting out. With my first pregnancy I went 41 weeks before being induced and then after getting to 8cm dilated stopped progressing. Good thing they took my son when they did because he had the cord around his neck and would not have made it if I had just let him stay in there. I agree with you women can be bullies on here. Keep your head up and do what feels right for you. I have a scheduled c section for baby number 2 in 1 week and can not wait to get her out.y stomach skin is on fire. Lol. Good luck.

PLEASE tell me a doctor who would agree with and recommend using castor oil. That would be the first doctor I would mark off of my list!

djoliet · February 2015

This is my personal opinion, never tried castor oil but from what I've heard about it, I'd rather let my baby come when she's ready then to spend my last days of pregnancy sitting on the toilet with diarrhea.

jjburch · February 2015

My midwife (of 20 years) recommended 2TB castor oil + 2TB almond butter mixed with 1/2 cup orange juice. Worked with my third...no nausea/no diarhhea.

This time around I tried it and I progressed 2cm but no baby.

Baby's come when they are ready

But I do think this little labor concoction can get things moving.

selena61307 · February 2015

amylmcnair said:
She said "hereditary conditions". If you talk to a doctor or research it smartass, term length, birth weight, and labour process of your own pregnancy is known to be hereditary.

Actually, @amylmcnair‌, she said it is in her family, as in passed through generations. Not that she has a condition. Thanks for the help. Birth history does not equal a family having a hereditary condition.

ju123 · February 2015

I may be wrong but I don't think all babies come when they are ready otherwise we wouldn't see a huge amount of Babies needing a stay at NICU
For instance my friend had a premature baby with a super easy Vaginal delivery as if was right at 40 weeks but she had no health issues and nothing wrong with the pregnancy, the baby just came, but was she ready?! Hmmm not really in my opinion as she had to stay 21 days in intensive care...

I just think we never know when babies will come... I do agree on waiting patiently if you can and I really don't have an opinion on this oil as its the first I'm hearing about it.

Another case was my sister , her sciatic nerve was so damaged that she couldn't walk so the baby had to be delivered in an emergency c section at 35 weeks, he was able to breathe on his own and in 5 days went home. Her health was heavily considered in this decision by her doctors. Every situation is different I guess.

goosenpumpkin · February 2015

ju123 said:
I may be wrong but I don't think all babies come when they are ready otherwise we wouldn't see a huge amount of Babies needing a stay at NICU
For instance my friend had a premature baby with a super easy Vaginal delivery as if was right at 40 weeks but she had no health issues and nothing wrong with the pregnancy, the baby just came, but was she ready?! Hmmm not really in my opinion as she had to stay 21 days in intensive care...

I just think we never know when babies will come... I do agree on waiting patiently if you can and I really don't have an opinion on this oil as its the first I'm hearing about it.

Another case was my sister , her sciatic nerve was so damaged that she couldn't walk so the baby had to be delivered in an emergency c section at 35 weeks, he was able to breathe on his own and in 5 days went home. Her health was heavily considered in this decision by her doctors. Every situation is different I guess.

Totally agree! Birthing babies is not an exact science! What works for some may not work for others and sometimes things go wrong. Babies don't develop like others, mom's body doesn't cooperate... That's why every time I have another baby, all the dos and don'ts have changed.

jjburch · February 2015

Oh gosh. It's a saying..."baby's come when they are ready." Of course there are many babies born premature or term that need medical assistance.

Lots of hormones on this board...lol

ngolimento · February 2015

Modern impatience with birth is why so many babies end up in the NICU. We have so many ways to force babies out early now in the US, and the numbers don't lie. We are supposedly a first world country, but have miserable maternal and fetal complications and death rates. All because people try to control something that shouldn't be

I am in pretty bad pain daily now, and obscenely uncomfortable. But I will be damned if I put my comfort ahead of my baby. Unless my life is in danger or I'm over 42 weeks, I'm not forcing her out with any home remedies, membrane stripping, or weird labor inducing old wives tale hoodoo.

jjburch · February 2015

We all are tired, sore, run down...but I can't imagine any of us putting our own needs ahead of our babies'. With that said, it is perfectly natural to want to meet our babies sooner than later.

MrsPope1770 · February 2015

jjburch said:
We all are tired, sore, run down...but I can't imagine any of us putting our own needs ahead of our babies'. With that said, it is perfectly natural to want to meet our babies sooner than later.

Doing something like drinking castor oil IS putting your own wants above baby's needs. I'm sorry, but anything voluntary that comes with a risk of my child being poisoned from ingesting their own poop is selfish. I'm not completely against things like the teas or the medical procedures to bring on labor after due date, but I absolutely would never drink castor oil and I would never say "sure, that's a great idea!" to someone asking about it.

jjburch · February 2015

Castor oil has not been proven to influence meconium ingestion. Several studies have been conducted and not one has been conclusive.

Christina80xoxo · February 2015

Earlier I said babies come when they are ready. I stand corrected. Some do come too early, etc
For me with the castor oil thing is this...
Unless otherwise instructed by your provider, sex is safe
Nipple stimulation is safe
Walking is safe
Bouncing on yoga balls is safe

I won't injest medications or foods unless I know that they are ok. Since I have reason to believe that castor oil is Not completely safe I won't do it and won't recommend it to anyone.
I would feel horrible if it did cause a complication to my LO and I would have to look at her little face knowing I should have just been a little more patient.

kelseypie · February 2015

^I mostly agree, but I wouldn't do nipple stimulation before 40 weeks and without the knowledge and support of my care provider. From what I've heard (and I could be wrong), nipple stimulation can bring on labor hard and fast and can cause very intense contractions, instead of gradually building ones. I'm not saying it's unsafe, but I certainly wouldn't just do it on a whim without speaking with my midwife (unlike sex or walking).

Christina80xoxo · February 2015

^^You're right

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