Well castor oil worked!

bethforeman · September 2015

since 34 weeks I've been in prodromal labor. I had went to l&d twice for horrible contractions but nothing helped push labor along. I was miserable, 2cm & 50% effaced at my 36 week check up. At 38 1/2 weeks my contractions were sporadic but still present and weaker, after long research I decided to take 2tbl of castor oil at 2:40pm. I didn't get diahhrea (like some have said) but at 8 the contractions got to 7min apart 10pm they were 5 min and unbearable. Got to l&d at 12am (5cm) at 1:30 I was 8cm and they gave me an epidural... At 2:21 our little man was born!!!
7lbs 2oz 19in & perfectly healthy! We are about to get discharged soon actually! Yay!

Good luck to you other momma's!

ERININSYDNEY · September 2015

Wow congratulations on your healthy son! Did you take the oil with anything, i.e. did you mix it or take it straight up? Lucky you didn't get the runs - that's whats keeping me from trying castor oil... (I'm at 38w5d and ITCHING to get on with the show).

jts2015 · September 2015

Wonder if it's only effective when you are already dialated bc in at 2cm and I'm 38 wks now. I would like to not go past 40 wks.

dlav · September 2015

I'm 38.4 days and tried it today at 2 pm, it has not done anything for me yet

my midwife said I was 3 cm and 50% effaced yesterday.

dlav · September 2015

Congrats on baby though! I'm jealous

Rikki_5 · September 2015

Congrats! Funny my doc told me not to use castor oil to "get things started" because it causes explosive diarrhea lol

bethforeman · September 2015

ERININSYDNEY said:
Wow congratulations on your healthy son! Did you take the oil with anything, i.e. did you mix it or take it straight up? Lucky you didn't get the runs - that's whats keeping me from trying castor oil... (I'm at 38w5d and ITCHING to get on with the show).

Thank you! & Oh yeah, I am so grateful... I was worried about going while pushing too! (But didn't) & I took 2 tbsp with juice. Not bad... Just thick!

ems028 · September 2015

Congratulations on your beautiful new baby!

Buuut I will definitely not be using castor oil. Too many risks for my baby.

dlav · September 2015

So I spoke too soon lol. I started having contractions around 8pm actually and had baby girl at 3am

it worked for us as well yay. She is 7.3 pounds and healthy as can be. Came to the hospital and was 7-8 cm dilated. Gave birth to her with no medicine in a tub of water.

CCasey2015 · September 2015

Congrats to you both!

scgirl1123 · September 2015

I'm still too scared to try anything to naturally induce but I do still have a week to go. Maybe after that I might. Really hoping the whole full moon thing brings it about.

flas · September 2015

scgirl1123 said:

I'm still too scared to try anything to naturally induce but I do still have a week to go. Maybe after that I might. Really hoping the whole full moon thing brings it about.

Despite what this thread says I urge you to NOT use castor oil under any circumstances. Yes these ladies babies are perfectly healthy but that is not always the case. I stupidly attempted this with my second baby. Well she ended up with pulmonary hypertension because of meconium in her amniotic fluid. Castor oil doesn't just give you the runs but it can effect your baby was well and cause them to have their first bowel movement, which can lead to all sorts of troubles. I had to stand in the NICU while they did an ultrasound of her heart that was being live fed to a childrens hospital. It was terrifying to be told that there was something wrong with her heart that was potentially my fault. Do not do this to your baby. Please please.

bgriest · September 2015

flas said:

scgirl1123 said:

I'm still too scared to try anything to naturally induce but I do still have a week to go. Maybe after that I might. Really hoping the whole full moon thing brings it about.

Despite what this thread says I urge you to NOT use castor oil under any circumstances. Yes these ladies babies are perfectly healthy but that is not always the case. I stupidly attempted this with my second baby. Well she ended up with pulmonary hypertension because of meconium in her amniotic fluid. Castor oil doesn't just give you the runs but it can effect your baby was well and cause them to have their first bowel movement, which can lead to all sorts of troubles. I had to stand in the NICU while they did an ultrasound of her heart that was being live fed to a childrens hospital. It was terrifying to be told that there was something wrong with her heart that was potentially my fault. Do not do this to your baby. Please please.

....Quote box fail...

Ahh, someone with a brain around here. People need to learn to be PATIENT and let their body do what it is designed to naturally do on its own when it is ready. I know being patient is a foreign concept to people in today's world when everything is instant gratification and "give me, give me, give me. NOW!"

Sheesh. If you're not past your due date, which I'd like to remind everyone is an ESTIMNATION not a deadline, then stop trying to put yourself into labor early. If your doctor is concerned they will suggest trying a membrane sweep or induction using pitocin or something along those lines.

Relax people. The baby's will come when they are ready.

I am 2 weeks from my due date and am so done and over with being pregnant but I know I very well have about 2-3 weeks left of it.

ems028 · September 2015

bgriest said:

flas said:

scgirl1123 said:

I'm still too scared to try anything to naturally induce but I do still have a week to go. Maybe after that I might. Really hoping the whole full moon thing brings it about.

Despite what this thread says I urge you to NOT use castor oil under any circumstances. Yes these ladies babies are perfectly healthy but that is not always the case. I stupidly attempted this with my second baby. Well she ended up with pulmonary hypertension because of meconium in her amniotic fluid. Castor oil doesn't just give you the runs but it can effect your baby was well and cause them to have their first bowel movement, which can lead to all sorts of troubles. I had to stand in the NICU while they did an ultrasound of her heart that was being live fed to a childrens hospital. It was terrifying to be told that there was something wrong with her heart that was potentially my fault. Do not do this to your baby. Please please.

....Quote box fail...

Ahh, someone with a brain around here. People need to learn to be PATIENT and let their body do what it is designed to naturally do on its own when it is ready. I know being patient is a foreign concept to people in today's world when everything is instant gratification and "give me, give me, give me. NOW!"

Sheesh. If you're not past your due date, which I'd like to remind everyone is an ESTIMNATION not a deadline, then stop trying to put yourself into labor early. If your doctor is concerned they will suggest trying a membrane sweep or induction using pitocin or something along those lines.

Relax people. The baby's will come when they are ready.

I am 2 weeks from my due date and am so done and over with being pregnant but I know I very well have about 2-3 weeks left of it.

Yes! Thank you to the 2 PPs..I was beginning to think no one else thought this thread was messed up. It's extremely irresponsible (and in my opinion..stupid) to advocate using castor oil which can harm your baby.

it makes me feel sad.

maiatene · September 2015

Congratulations on delivering a healthy baby but i wouldn't recommend anyone else try this. Prodromal labor sucks but it's your body's way of getting ready for the real thing. Taking castor oil to speed things up or help things move along could have had catastrophic results if OP's body wasn't ready to deliver.

I think it's safe to say we are all a bit weary from being pregnant at this point but all of these "natural" interventions could cause more harm than good and is not worth the risk.

MamaOwl15 · September 2015

What @flas said.

Unless your DOCTOR says your baby needs to be delivered early for either of your health or safety, hang in there. I know these last few weeks suck (I'm 38+5 today, 2 weeks past how long I was pregnant with my son and OMG the discomfort!) . . . But no amount of pregnancy discomfort is worse than something happening to your baby.

All babies have to come out eventually, and most will come out on their own within a few days or so of your EDD.

cassiemcroy · September 2015

Congrats to the both of you! I'm sure you both did your research and decided what was best for you

and I'm sure you talked with your doctor about it. I haven't done my research on it yet and I already decided I won't do anything until I'm full term but castor oil is something my doctor recommends after 38 weeks. So I guess he doesn't have a brain either

crbpjb · September 2015

I don't know if castor oil affects the baby as well, but I would definitely look into it. It pays to be informed of the risks. I say this because my cousin passed her merconium in utero and ended up aspirating and has been a vegetable for her entire life. It is a very sad situation that could have been avoided, and I don't know if her mom was ever able to forgive herself. Again, I have not heard anything about castor oil, and that was not what happened in this case. I am so glad everyone has had healthy babies. However, I just know there are a lot of risks to the baby passing its merconium in utero, and I just wanted to throw that out there so that people could do some research.

jts2015 · September 2015

Here's what I think...to each their own.

tate62610 · September 2015

My previous pregnancy I was told specifically to not use castor oil. Completely different OB this time and he has also advised to stay away from that monkey business. I'm very glad you're having healthy babies though!

jefinley1 · September 2015

jts2015 said:
Here's what I think...to each their own.

Which is fine until you start advocating it and giving people advice on how to use something that is potentially dangerous to their health while touting its usefulness for you. Castor oil is used by some doctors and midwives in highly controlled settings, and with responsible providers as a last resort. No one jumped in until recommendations started being made without any consultation of medical professionals. That's really scary. I'm sure everyone would feel terrible if someone took that word as gospel and something happened. And based on the frequent use of this board by some members as a primary medical forum instead of consulting their doctors, that unfortunately isn't a leaping concern. I think people are just countering with a bit of a PSA as it would be horrible if something bad happened based on this arbitrary advice.

jts2015 · September 2015

I personally don't think she or the other ladies are advocating it. They are just saying they took it and it worked. So I'm not going to personally judge them on their choice. Some will do it based on their success other will not. We all have our opinion but the important thing is mothers and babies are fine which is what we should focus on.

mollypuss1 · September 2015

jts2015 said:
.... the important thing is mothers and babies are fine which is what we should focus on.

So far ....

LiveNLove44 · September 2015

jts2015 said: I personally don't think she or the other ladies are advocating it. They are just saying they took it and it worked. So I'm not going to personally judge them on their choice. Some will do it based on their success other will not. We all have our opinion but the important thing is mothers and babies are fine which is what we should focus on.

***Quote Box***
While I understand where you're coming from to a degree, I find this rationale a bit off-putting. After all, when we share something, we being individuals, groups, companies, and talk about how well it worked, it is important to balance that with cautionary notes. That's how companies sell products, personal testimony, so by minimizing it by saying "they are just saying they took it and it worked" is an attempt at cloaking a personal testimony that advocates for a practice that is commonly not approved by many health professionals. When a person goes to a public forum and says to a group, "Hey check it out! This worked so well!" There is risk to others who don't know more about the product or practice. For that reason, I think it's fair for others to be posting here about their own perspectives/experiences without being accused of judging.

cassiemcroy · September 2015

Well she did say that she did tons of research before she took it in her post. She never was advocating it and telling people to do it without consulting there doctors. She was just telling her experience like many others have shared there's or someone they knows experience. BUT it's one thing to post on here for people who do take what people say as gospel "hey make sure you consult your doctor about it because this is my story or I heard this about it" NOT tell the person who posted this and anyone who has thought about taking it that "they don't have a brain". Obviously she does because she did her research before taking it. It's just a very rude way of telling someone talk to your doctor.

Sbrouwer0706 · September 2015

Tons of research can mean Dr. Google not a medical professional...

cassiemcroy · September 2015

True! I guess I just assume everyone asks there doctors every single thing like I do (probably annoyingly too much). I'm just saying no one knows if she talked to her doctor or not. And for me, if I were to ask my doctor after 38 weeks he would tell me to go for it. So not every doctor is against it like most of these people think.

jts2015 · September 2015

Well if this is the case then all forums should be shit down especially those who have anything to do with medical bc she decided not to post a disclosure. Should we for now on post a "try at your ownrisk" disclosure statement when we choose to share our story? At the end of the day- she did it for herself and shared her experience. We can assume all we want but it's her body, her choice.

MandahGirly · September 2015

I'm going to assume that she did not talk to her doctor since she didn't mention it in her post. Unless she says otherwise. I would however give a real side eye to any doctor that would suggest it unless it was a last resort before induction. Seriously though we has pregnant ladies do a lot to make sure we don't harm our baby and then all of a sudden because we just can't wait a few more days we just have to go all crazy. I want to meet my baby girl just as much as the next momma but I'm going to let her and my uterus make that decision.

That and I really don't want explosive diarrhea. Or dehydration.

Although I am genuinely curious about all of this research that has been gathered. Maybe OP could share some of her research findings that led to her decision.

J1D · September 2015

jts2015 said:
Well if this is the case then all forums should be shit down especially those who have anything to do with medical bc she decided not to post a disclosure. Should we for now on post a "try at your ownrisk" disclosure statement when we choose to share our story? At the end of the day- she did it for herself and shared her experience. We can assume all we want but it's her body, her choice.

"Shit down"? Lol, is that a castor oil explosive poop joke? Not gonna lie, I giggled like a 12 year old boy when I read that. Epic typo for the win! Auto complete, you so silly!
Sorry. Lol.
I'll be quiet now let the grown ups resume speaking.

Rikki_5 · September 2015

Just my two cents, my OB said not to take castor oil because the potential for "bad things to happen" is there. She suggested sex, yoga ball bouncing, spicy foods, walking as ways to get things started. I have also heard that ginger tea is a good remedy and I used to take this to get my periods going when they were late. But again--take caution with anything on the internet especially when it comes to something serious like the health of yourself and your baby. Listen to your doctor and take advice on the net with a grain of salt. I think we are all at the point we want to be done with pregnancy and get on with being a mommy to our newborns, but patience is a virtue

Many times baby will come later than their EDD.

I hope everyone has safe and healthy labor & deliveries. I'm hoping my son comes this week or weekend!

bethforeman · September 2015

I was just sharing my experience, no where in my story was I advocating to go out and buy some castor oil... I spoke to a midwife in regards to taking it... Along side my prodromal labor that I've been having, & I was sharing this post because I am so excited my son is here and healthy!!! but to go out and say a mom is irresponsible for desicions she made (with her midwife btw) is unecessary. Especially when it's based on your assumptions! Use yoga balls, walk, have sex, I tried all of that & nothing.... Nonetheless, keep your rude comments to yourself!

flas · September 2015

bethforeman said:
I was just sharing my experience, no where in my story was I advocating to go out and buy some castor oil... I spoke to a midwife in regards to taking it... Along side my prodromal labor that I've been having, & I was sharing this post because I am so excited my son is here and healthy!!! but to go out and say a mom is irresponsible for desicions she made (with her midwife btw) is unecessary. Especially when it's based on your assumptions! Use yoga balls, walk, have sex, I tried all of that & nothing.... Nonetheless, keep your rude comments to yourself!

I'm glad your baby is here and healthy but your post is about castor oil working so yes that is advocating for it whether you realize it or not. I posted my experience because I also tried this and the result was horrible, and I wanted to show women another side to trying something that has risks. I have a cousin who is one of the most respected and sought after midwives in her province and she strongly opposes using anything that could cause harm to a baby so I guess I'm the end not all OBs/ midwives think the same. As far as people making rude comments, well it's a discussion board and unfortunately we can't dictate what others might say, and maybe, like me these women are just extremely worried about others trying something without proper research just cause someone on the Internet said it worked.

mgdunn · September 2015

Everybody on here is a grown woman and will make their own choice on whether to try castor oil or not.. Just because OP said it worked for her and somebody else made the decision to follow that choice does not make it in ANY way the OP's fault? That's YOUR choice to try it or not. Personally, I would never ever ever ever even consider it... However, I'm not gonna to bash someone else for trying it? To each their own..

comland · September 2015

@bethforeman - Congrats! So happy for you and beautiful baby!

baconlady · September 2015

I love how disagreeing and sharing a different point of view is automatically considered bashing.

ems028 · September 2015

Well, if you're going to post on a public forum..be prepared for people to disagree with you. As I said before..congratulations on your baby. However, don't expect everyone to congratulate you on your method if they think it's foolish/dangerous.

CCasey2015 · September 2015

mgdunn said:
Everybody on here is a grown woman and will make their own choice on whether to try castor oil or not.. Just because OP said it worked for her and somebody else made the decision to follow that choice does not make it in ANY way the OP's fault? That's YOUR choice to try it or not. Personally, I would never ever ever ever even consider it... However, I'm not gonna to bash someone else for trying it? To each their own..

THIS!!!!! The exact samething I was thinking! If you are going to follow & listen to anything that someone says off of the internet (good or bad) without doing YOUR own research & speaking with YOUR doctor first then you're crazy.

tate62610 · September 2015

Oh yeah, I would someone would do more than consult Dr Google before inducing themselves.

amberrmariee20 · September 2015

ems028 said:
Well, if you're going to post on a public forum..be prepared for people to disagree with you. As I said before..congratulations on your baby. However, don't expect everyone to congratulate you on your method if they think it's foolish/dangerous.

Apparently your not aloud to have an opinion if it differs from the OPs opinion !

joellelee91 · September 2015

Is there a certain kind you used?

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Well castor oil worked!

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