Tell me about your induction....

[AndiE]

I had a successful, beautiful VB with DS3 following induction (he was 2 weeks late, DS1 and DS2 arrived prior to EDD ).

I'll keep it short-ish and simple ... had one shot of gel inserted around 7.30pm and I was only 1cm dilated prior to gel insertion, immediately started with mild contractions which ramped up considerably over the next 2-3 hours. Having birthed naturally twice before (with 7 hour labours from slow gradual build-ups to births), I estimated I was approx 6cm when it rolled around to 9.30pm when they did internal to check my progress. Nup. Still only 1cm . Felt a bit disheartened as my head and body told me I was much further advanced. Was talked into having a nap on the ward (hubby went home for a rest). Was put to bed at 10.30pm and hypnobirth breathed my way through some good contractions while relaxing my body into a semi-sleep. Next thing "pop" ... waters broke. It was 11.30pm. Went to loo and by the time I got back to my bed, whoompa ... into transition. Very quick call to hubby "GET HERE NOW!" and breathed my way through the next 45 mins to birth my 4.5kg bubba just after midnight. Was a memorable, quick and beautiful birth. Hubby made it back with 10 mins to spare.

I'd really worked myself up into a doozy about the induction (I'd tried everything from acupunctre to DTD but he just wasn't complying) and I was so worried about the "cascade of interventions". But my body was ready to birth, and bub just needed a gentle prod, so to speak. Given he was 2 weeks overdue, he made up for it with his super speedy delivery

Though ultimately quick, DS3's birth was actually easier as I was on my knees (I was on my back with the other boys, though didn't have any probs and had short pushing phases). To me, it was almost like I'd had a spontaneous labour given my membranes ruptured of their own accord. At least the birth itself felt no difference from my first two.

Be positive hun and my big tip ... negotiate, negotiate, negotiate before letting them break your waters/use synto etc. I made it clear I wanted plenty of time inbetween "the next step" to get things going myself, and my midwives were brilliant. They helped every way they could to ensure I got the birth I wanted. As it turned out, I didn't need anything beyond the gel.

So I hope my successful induction story gives you some reassurance. Good luck tomorrow morning hun