Restarting contractions? Any hints?

[dusty]

You know.... you could just relax, and leave it for bub to decide. It's actually a protein within lung surfactant (which is vital in order for lungs to expand and contract properly) that initiates normal labour when there is enough present in the amniotic fluid. Trying to initiate labour under one's own steam does no one any favours because you'll keep trying to push the issue while bub sends out adrenaline that will stall your labour if it's not ready, and what you'll get is start and stop labour that's just plain annoying, more painful than it needs to be and gives medical staff a reason to interfere. And perhaps it's the stress of trying to start labour (I see you're 42 weeks) that could be self-sabotaging. Murphy's law - as soon as you give up - it'll will start up.

I'm so glad you posted this. It gives me another perspective to consider Yeddi.

Thanks everyone, it seems my body isn't ready just yet for things to progress . I am getting a bit disconsolate about it all. I couldn't sleep much last night (ie switch my brain off) and had a few big contractions randomly thrown in but nothing is happening. I'm feeling a lot of external pressure to 'do something' - not sure whether it is out of concern for me and Phoenix or because people are fed up waiting... DH is going to try and shield me from it as much as possible, and I have a supportive birth team sticking by me. I've got an appointment with the Fetal Medicine unit at the hospital this morning for routine tests and monitoring of Phoenix. I wonder what they are going to say.

Thanks for the advice Alan, I'm not going to touch the Blue stuff.

[MummaSue]

Well, hun, you just relax and take it easy - hehe, you won't get much rest after little Phoenix makes an appearance I'm sure!

Sue xx

[~Trish~]

Just popping in again to say you are doing a great job baking Phoenix, you have obviously made a very happy home for him/her .

Sending you support, well wishes and labour vibes!

[Miss.B]

Hey Dusty!!!! Been stalikng you too, can't wait for bubbie to be finally here!!! So excited for you hun! No pesonal experience here (has a c/s with DS) BUT I've heard most of what others suggested already, loooooong walks, going over speed humps (ha ha I like this one), spicy food, DTD..... that oil thing doesnt sound nice , AC.

GL sweetie, thinking of you and can't wait for your BA!!!!!!!! Way to go girl!!!!!!

Big hugs
B xxxxxxxx

[OceanPrincess]

Ahh dusty you poor thing. I know what the external pressure can be like - my dad kept telling me to "hurry up and have the baby!"

He was only joking but gee it rubbed.

You sound like you have a great attitude - utilize your DH to screen the pressure away where possible. Turn your mobile off, don't answer the land line... Spend some time talking to Phoenix, stroke your belly and tell him/her that you are ready and waiting to meet him/her!

Have lots of cuddles with DH. Try expressing - 5mins one side then wait... Try the other side after ctxs have started and stooped.

The thing that I think worked for me was having a big meltdown, emotionally. If you feel yourself getting ovrwhelmed and teary, just let it all out. I felt like my body was letting me down, it had gone into spontaneous labour before my Edd once before, why was I now over?? So I let it all out and went into labour 12hrs later.

Huge hugs. We are all here for you, in the most supportive, non-pressuring way possible.

[Miss.B]

Oh, I forgot to say I totally agree with MummaSue.......maybe you SHOULD take it easy for now hun, when bub arrives there won't be time to relax!!!!!!!!! ha ha ha xxxxx

[Liviam]

Hi gorgeous lady. You are such an amazing woman with such a fabulous attitude regarding your pregnancy and letting Phoneix come when he/she is ready. Why don't you get your amazing husband and sis to take you out to lunch, get a pedicure and facial and have a beautiful relaxing day before you become a mummy (you must be near bursting with excitment now ). We are all here for you. Have an amazing day and I hope all your tests show Phoneix is healthy and happy in his/her mummy's belly.

[Arimeh]

Totally agree with Ocean Princess.

I didn't go into labour with DD1 and I went to 42 weeks and I'm sure it was because of the pressure to go into labour.

My best advice? Turn off the computer. Give your mobile to your DH. Are you scared at all about labouring? I found with DD2 I didn't go into labour until I realised why I was having small panic attacks every night.... I was scared shiatless of going into labour!! I'd never done it before (even though it was my 3rd pregnancy) and I had so many doubts that I could physically do it... and I was just plain scared. As soon as I admitted that to myself - the tears started. I cried and cried and cried - letting it all out.

That was at midnight, and I had my first contraction at 5am.

Do you think there is something mentally blocking you? Perhaps a meditation session to connect your mind and body will help.

Good luck Dusty - it will happen eventually, so don't give up hope - even though I know exactly what you are feeling and its so very hard.

[onthefly]

Your body and baby are telling you it won't be long now. Rest up and get plenty of cuddles and good loving from your DH.

[csab]

I just want to for Mumma Dusty, she is doing a wonderful job. I say enjoy these last few days being pgy, enjoy all the pampering and attention. Pheonix will definately be here soon.

With one of my pgcy's I was anxious and worried about the date the Dr's were going to give me for my c/s. As soon as they gave me the date, I relaxed and went into labour the next day. So relaxing is definately a way to go. It can really help, move things along.

" I missed your last update hun, I wish you all the best with your appt today hun, and I am so glad your DH is trying to shield you from everything. Just remember its your decision on what you want to do, and dont lose faith in your body" hugs

[Yeddi]

I'm feeling a lot of external pressure to 'do something' - not sure whether it is out of concern for me and Phoenix or because people are fed up waiting... DH is going to try and shield me from it as much as possible, and I have a supportive birth team sticking by me. I've got an appointment with the Fetal Medicine unit at the hospital this morning for routine tests and monitoring of Phoenix. I wonder what they are going to say.

I think the fact care providers do this is just plain evil! Nine times out of ten it is completely unwarranted. An Estimated Due Date is just that - estimated.

And they'll come up with all sorts of excuses: baby is too big/small (3rd trimester ultrasound can be up to 1kg off, for a baby I don't have to tell you that's heaps), not enough amniotic fluid/too much amniotic fluid (anywhere between 5 and 25 is normal), baby is not practising their breathing enough/is practising their breathing too much (now if that's one they haven't just pulled out of their backsides...). It's very rare that the risks of keeping a baby in the womb until they are ready is more than the risks of an induction or c-section. It really annoys me that they'll put a woman under this much stress based on battery-hen logic (of which the Friedman's curve also relies). While it is normally done under the "best intentions", it's wrong and they should stop and save it for real issues, not created ones. Good luck Dusty, may your care providers use discretion and reason.

[onthefly]

Yeddi, it's cool, her birth team are supportive, I think it's just everyone else that's getting impatient.

[Yeddi]

The thing that I think worked for me was having a big meltdown, emotionally. If you feel yourself getting ovrwhelmed and teary, just let it all out. I felt like my body was letting me down, it had gone into spontaneous labour before my Edd once before, why was I now over?? So I let it all out and went into labour 12hrs later.

That's not actually a bad idea. If you are stressed Dusty, your body will be full of adrenaline that needs somewhere to go so it stops interfering with oxytocin release. You could just let all your frustration out on a pillow - yell, scream, punch it without holding back and let your body burn up those stores.

[Honeybee]

Hope all went well at your appointment this morning, Dusty. Have been thinking of you and Phoenix every day. xxxx

[mrsmac]

Hope the appt went well.

[*Infinity*]

Dusty, just wanted to pop in & let you know I'm quietly thinking of you and cheering you on as you prepare to welcome Phoenix earthside. Like Mel said, mabe you just need to bunker down, release anything you're holding onto emotionally and let things flow from there.

I hope you're appointment went well today.

[csab]

Thinking of you Dusty, hope all went well with yesterdays appt. Hope your doing well. hugs

[Jahzara]

Just popping in to give you a hug and wish you all the best !

You are doing wonderfully Dusty xoxo