I need an Induction, Now What?
You’ve gone through all the Evidence Based Birth podcasts and articles, and you’ve read all the Aviva Romm you can handle. You know the right move for you is to start medically induced labor. People telling you their trauma-filled story of induction or how awful Pitocin is, isn’t helpful. The big question now is how do you make it the best experience for you?
Loads of information is out there on why induction isn’t often the best idea. I’m finding my clients seem to get that. When you’ve heard the news and you’ve done the research what’s next? When an induction is medically necessary how do families make it the best experience for them? As a doula, if I know the decision has been made, I work on helping families decide where to focus their energy so that they still feel in control of their experience despite the directions labor may go and decisions they may have to make.
It isn’t typically ideal to start labor in the hospital. How do you put your best foot forward for the long journey of an induction?
Inductions can take a long time. If you haven’t listened to Rebecca Dekkers video on hormones and their role in labor and delivery, then watch it now! Just wanting things to happen faster does not make it so. Your body, baby and mind all play a role in your body’s progress. Birthing people who have had a baby previously have more oxytocin receptors so there’s a chance labor could move faster but never a guarantee. First thing you want to do to prepare for an induction is to accept you’ll be there for a while. Bring some ideas for distraction. Early labor can take some time, sometimes even 2-3 days. You are not helping the process if you are sitting around waiting and getting anxious for things to kick in. Bring your laptop, iPad, favorite book, a journal to document the experience or card game. I’ve seen people get really into their Sudoku :). Just like being in early labor at home, it’s helpful to do your best to get yourself into a comfortable and relaxed state to tell your body you’re safe. Do your best to be patient with the process. This can be hard with constant conversations with your providers about next steps. Remind yourself it’s all part of the process and the story of your littles ones birth.
Make it pretty!
You will be in this room for a few days so make it feel like a place you want to bring your baby into. I realize you can only do so much but a little goes a long way. Bring some electric tea lights, or twinkle lights, pictures of someone, or something special. Bring some flowers to freshen up the space.
Make it cozy!
Hey, we of course would all love to be that person who has babies fly out after a whiff of pit, right? The reality, however, is you should always prepare to get comfy. Do you sink into your own pillow and blanket at home, then bring them! Do you have an old stuffy that brings you comfort? Do you have a sleep mask, ear plugs, and/or slippers and socks you can wear around the room and the hospital corridors? What do you have at home that you can bring to make you feel safe, secure, and relaxed? It might seem silly to bring these small things, but bringing on labor and helping your body progress is more than medically forcing your cervix to thin and open, it’s also about your mind allowing it to happen.
Nourish Yourself!
Bring your favorite snacks and drinks to nourish your body, and music to nourish your mind. Some families choose to bake something special to nibble on throughout labor. Some bring a cooler and bag of their favorite snacks. I encourage families to bring something that not only tastes yummy but feels good too such as lollipops to give you a good boost of energy when you need it. Have options for listening to music or meditation, whether it be through air pods or a speaker to fill the room. Fill yourself with all things good!
Expect Anything!
The process and timing are really different for everyone. Our bodies respond in their own unique way (contrary to what the medical world would like) and the induction process is based on where someone is and ready for when they start. One person may get moving after a balloon catheter gets them effaced (thin) enough for their body to take over where another person may need 4 doses of Misoprostol to thin out before starting Pitocin to encourage strong contraction and cervical dilation. Whatever you do, prepare to be patient with your body as it works out how to respond so you can meet your baby. A good care team will communicate fully with you throughout the entire process and let you know your options at every step.
The number one mantra anyone being induced needs to put in their mind is that induction can still be beautiful. If prepared for the ins and outs of induction with a great support team, anyone can have a beautiful and empowering experience. Some of the most gorgeous births I have been to have been inductions. They had loving and strong support surrounding them at all times, without a questioning look in the room. If you are needing an induction, know that your mind and your body are working together with the medical needs to keep things moving. Don’t define your labor by the Pitocin bag hanging on the IV. Whatever you need to kick start your body, your body is still in charge! You should be so proud of what you accomplish and work through to meet your baby.