Labor Begins On Its Own
The first healthy birth practice is simple enough - let labor start on its own.? This means no meddling around.? You don’t need to tinker with a process that’s ultimately perfect for the vast majority of women.? Your baby’s brain grows so much in the last few weeks of pregnancy - why lose that?? Why risk induction?? Here are some ways to avoid induction:
- Don’t whine about being uncomfortable to your doctor or midwife.? That’s what you do to strangers, your family and your girlfriends.? Your practitioner might just put you out of your misery (and theirs).
- Just say no to late pregnancy vaginal exams.? Sure it might tell you how far your are dilated (or not), but you also risk breaking your water, infection and the like - not to mention who enjoys vaginal exams?
- Don’t answer your phone or except pressure from email.
- Do not be swayed by false promises of fast labors or easy starts like stripping the membranes.
What would you add to this list?
Be sure to check out the advice from Lamaze on the Healthy Birth Practice #1: Let Labor Begin on its Own.? You should also see the materials provided at Mothers Advocate, including a really great, but short video.
Oh, the big girl cuff only for those who actually need the big girl cuff….those overweight mommas….
I got so frustrated the first couple weeks past my due date, labor even seemed to start about 1 week past and then staled. I very much wanted a home birth and no induction, after 2 weeks though, it finally hit me to be patient. I did end up with an induction at more than 43 weeks, but I needed very little PIT and he was born safely and healthy. I know that waiting was the right choice even though it still ended with induction.
I would say to think of your due date in terms of a range give or take two weeks.
Don’t allow late sonograms.
Don’t allow talk of induction until you are at 41 weeks.
Remember, you can reschedule appointments to the doctor or midwife if you think there will be pressure to induce.
Do not share that your last birth went fast if you have a new practictioner. Really, don’t.
Don’t insist that your provider be there for the birth. You may have someone else, and that is better than going in to be induced just to get your provider.
Do ask for the big girl cuff for blood pressure.
Do be willing to ask for a second opinion in certain instances.
If baby is breech, it’s okay to NOT induce after the turning…I had this discussion with my OB in case.