Is your estimated date of arrival approaching for baby? Are you scheduled for a medical induction that you are not interested in participating in? Or are you just plain exhausted from carrying around an extra 20-50 lbs. Well then let’s get this baby out! Here is a list of a few suggestions we have for our clients that help to kick start labor.
So, let’s be clear, none of these will kick you into labor within minutes or will start your labor at 26 weeks. They are all gentle enough to just give your body some extra nudges to let it know, the time has come for baby to come out. Many of these can and should actually be done starting earlier in pregnancy. Our doulas can help you navigate which strategies are best for you and offer referrals for care providers near you. There are many other strategies you may have heard about from having sex, to taking castor oil, to eating lemon cupcakes. Check with your doula about which ones are silly myths and which are truly practices we suggest.
Chiropractic Care
Chiropractors who specialize in pregnancy (Webster Technique) can help with optimal fetal positioning. Their gentle adjustments to mom help the pelvis to be symmetrical. This, in turn, helps the uterus to be more symmetrical. When the body is aligned it can help the baby to fit in the pelvis better. Then the baby will engage in time to help stimulate cervical ripening. Bonus * Chiropractic care can ease common pregnancy pains. Research also found that women who receive chiropractic care during pregnancy have approximately 6 fewer hours of labor than women who did not receive care. Chiropractic care is beneficial all through out pregnancy. It should be started before you hit that 40 week due date.
Spinning Babies
Midwife Gail Tully developed Spinning Babies. She believes that self-care and specific body work restores the balance and makes room for the baby. Then baby can put themselves into the best position possible for childbirth. You honestly need to check out the website. There is just a plethora of information about stages of pregnancy and labor and what positions and stretches are good for each stage. We highly suggest getting the daily activities DVD which comes free when you take our class!
Acupuncture
The Journal of Maternity Fetal and Neonatal Medicine, published a study in Aug 2006. The study was conducted to evaluate the utility of outpatient acupuncture for pregnancy and labor induction treatments. The results were very encouraging. Compared to controls, women in the acupuncture group tend to be 70% more likely to labor spontaneously and 39% less likely to deliver by cesarean section.
In the cases where labor does not start spontaneously, acupuncture can encourage the early changes that precede labor. As a result a woman’s Bishop score can increase so, she is a better candidate for medical induction.
Nipple Stimulation
Manipulating the nipples triggers the release of a hormone called oxytocin. This hormone has several effects in the body. Oxytocin produces uterine contractions throughout labor and delivery. Nipple stimulation can set off the initial contractions and keeping them going. Pitocin is the synthetic form of oxytocin that is used for medical inductions. So, why not try the real thing first. Check our this video for a how to
Red Raspberry Leaf Tea
One study found that women who consumed Red Raspberry leaf tea regularly are less likely to go overdue or give birth prematurely. The tea tones the uterus which, in turn, can improve the effectiveness of contractions and the strength of amniotic sac. Bonus * This can also reduce pain during labor and after birth. Also by toning the muscles used during labor and delivery, labor may be shorter and less painful.
Eating your dates
We talked about this in last week’s blog so check it out if you missed it. Just click on the link and we shared plenty of delicious recipes!
