Kick-starting labour??

[becky]

Hi guys!
i know there have probably been posts regarding this before, but I thought Id put it anyway. Are there any things you can do to kick start labour? I had to be induced with DS, and want to do anything I can to avoid that this time. I have heard the old wives tales about RLT etc, but is there anything that is proven to work, or will bubs just come when she is ready? I have also heard that sex can start things. Is this true?
Thanks guys

[BellyBelly]

Becky, the best way to avoid induction is just to say no They can't do ANYTHING without your consent no matter if its policy or not. There is a natural induction methods article on the main site here: https://www.bellybelly.com.au/birth

Good luck

[10longyears]

the following is a list of things that I have heard can help labour

castor oil: causes the bowel to clear and spasm which can in turn cause the uterus to contract
accupuncture: not entirely sure how this one works
jasmine oil: once again not sure how this one works
nipple stimulation (or very mild expressing): alters hormone levels ,and can cause the uterus to contract
Evening Primrose Oil: can be taken 500mg three times daily and can also be inserted which can help to ripen the cervix
Rasperry Leaf: helps to tone uterus muscle can help labour and spead uterine return after the birth also helps with breastmilk production
sex: well we have all heard this one although I am sure it was started by a DH somewhere
spicyfood: same as castor oil
exercise: gravity and muscle movement

Thats all I can think of at the moment but if I hear or remember any more I will let you know. I am planning on useing all or a combination after my last DS went 11 days over.

Sorry Kelly I posted at the same time as you, you can delete my post if you want.

[blue daisy]

Hey Becky

your baby comes when he or she is ready...but to get your body into the groove...

raspberry leaf tea - does not start labor, but tones the uterine muscle, making it more effective in labor and preventing postnatal bleeding
reflexology - stimulates points on the foot and lower lag
acupuncture
yoga - optimal position of the baby in the pelvis, and therefore acting on the cervix
hypnobirthing - to let go of any fear with childbirth, and letting the hormones do their work
sex - prostaglandins in semen soften the cervix, and orgasm releases oxytocin (the hormone essential for uterine activity)
chilli (such as a hot curry) - stimulates the bowel, which in turn stimulates the uterus

hope this helps

xx yogababy

[Alan]

Castor oil is a very old treatment and is no longer recommended. When castor oil is ingested it is converted by the body into something I can’t remember the name of that can be harmful to your unborn baby.

One thing that has not been mentioned yet is blue or black cohosh. This is supposed to help start labour, but you need to be a little careful with this as it has been associated with inflammation of the liver

[becky]

Thanks guys, but Alan, what is blue or black cohosh? I have never heard of it?

[Alan]

Its a herb grown in america. You may only be able to find black cohosh and you should be able to get it from your local chemist

[Julie Doula]

Hi Bec, Cohosh is a herb, you consult a Naturopath to obtain it. Check with your CP first before using it.

Even natural induction methods, like cohosh, are still interventions. Nothing beats good ol' fashioned waiting and patience, just taking it easy and relaxing, enjoying your labour music and a few gentle exercises - pelvic circles & tilts etc - and walks outdoors. Chill time.

I found doing the pelvic rocks etc on hands & knees etc was helpful because it was comfortable but also helps encourage the baby into an optimal position so the head is well on the cervix.

Walking, swaying your hips etc all helps because it encourages blood and oxygen flow to the area, and the hormones are carried in your blood stream. And it helps you get in tune with your body and get into the birthin' vibe!

I think the same things that help a mother relax and go with birth also help get you into labour. You relax - your hormones flow - it all happens. Same with DTD - same hormones involved. Try to force it - nup. No good. Relax and go with the flow? Here come the hormones ... NOW were cooking!

So, rest and relax, pamper and nurture yourself, fuel your body with nourishing food, listen to music, walk, swim, soak in the bath, a glass of wine perhaps, a relaxing massage, warmth and comfort, dim the lights, mood music, safety and privacy, kisses and cuddles - enjoy your body, savour your pregnancy, enhance the sensuality of it all, take some great photos of your bump .... and in the fulness of time ....

(These sorts of things work during labour too! For the same reason - they enhance hormonal release. Fear and tension, cool temps and bright lights, loud voices, interruptions and people coming and going - do the opposite: inhibit hormonal release.)

These days, so many women are routinely induced, that we've lost touch with what the average length of pregnancy is for un-induced women. 37 - 42 weeks is normal, some women go to 43, 44, 45 weeks, and average is about 41-42 weeks. 4% of babies are born on their 'estimated' due dates.