I am putting up my hand here for a bit of love... am either 7 or 5 days overdue (depending on which measurement you take!!), and finding it really tough (who doesn't?). I know you're all lovely ladies out there and I figured it was worth asking for a bit of encouragement from you all!
For what it's worth, I have tried basically everything that is recommended for bringing on labour. Hasn't really worked. Have really gone hard with the clary sage and the acupressure. Often get contractions afterwards, but they don't last.
Have had s&s last Tuesday (was 1-2cm dialated), have had show on Thursday, have had a couple of times when I thought 'this is it', but then contractions petered out into nothingness. Usually in the middle of the night I get quite sever lower back pain, but in the morning it's usually fine.
I am mentally ready, physically ready, house is ready, bags are packed etc etc.
Am officially 7 days over now, and had a disappointing doctor's appointment today - nothing really seems to be happening. Am booked in for an induction on Sunday night, but really really don't want to go that path.
Had a hot curry for dinner and a hot bath. Will see what the night brings!
Jellymaker you can share the cheer squad too!! (and anyone else who is waiting)
FWIW I felt dead against induction until 40 weeks, felt regretful about induction at 41 weeks, and felt downright thrilled about induction at 41+5! In fact even news of my emergency c/s came as awesome news by 41+5.
Light at the end of the tunnel (or birth canal) for you.... I do hope you have some lovely things to occupy yourself with for the next few days.
You said you've tried acupressure - what about acupuncture?? It can be a bit more aggressive - the practitioner can attach electrodes to the needles (sounds a bit crazy I know) and really help push things along.
Another thing - you've heard about hot curries obviously, what about the hot bath and hot s*x thing???? Might be worth a try
And another FWIW - my sister was induced 3wks ago when she was exactly 42wks and had a really positive birth - wireless monitoring so she could stay upright, minimal synto use and birthed with only gas to help, about 6hrs after the drip started. Its not all bad!!!
OceanPrincess - am booked in for acupuncture at 1 today - was a bit uncertain so glad to hear it can be really effective. Tried the hot bath last nite after the hot curry - nothing! Thanks for the positive induction story - sounds like your sister had the 'ultimate' induction, IYKWIM?
After 41 weeks I started to blame myself that baby hadn't come... I wondered was my attitude wrong, was I not emotionally ready to welcome bub... I beat myself up for not doing more to make him come - I 'should' try this and that and the other home induction method / old wives tale despite none being proven and me not really believing that they work. I realised it wasn't doing me any favours to be always anxious about what I SHOULD be doing / feeling, so I stopped trying anything and just focussed on being in the best physical and mental state possible. eg I found a woman who does home massage, reflexology and reiki - I told her that my aim was not to induce but to just be at peace and feel ready. I felt much better once I relaxed and realised that my body and bub would call time eventually.
Maybe reflect on that before your acupuncture session, it might be that the session can deal with more than just attempt induction.
Am about to head off to my appt so really glad I popped in and read this beforehand. You're right - it's so easy to start blaming yourself and your body and to think that nothing will work. I will spend some time now getting into a better headspace before I go.
Last night wasn't the night....you're online again!
So you're booked in for Sunday... that's 41+5, the same day my Barnaby was born. A fine day to have a baby I think! Even better would be today or tomorrow...
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