| 4 Natural Ways to Induce Labor | | | | the cervix. I have one word for this |
| So you want to get that wiggly bowling ball of a | | | | procedure...OUCH!! It hurt so very bad, but more |
| baby out already!! Its been 9 months of puking, | | | | so the first time. I did experience some spotting |
| peeing, bloating and not sleeping and it is time to | | | | and cramping after having this procedure done, |
| put an end to the madness. The bassinet is | | | | which I was told by my doctor is completely |
| ready, your bags are packed and the nursary has | | | | normal. Although it was a painful procedure and it |
| a fresh coat of paint. Well aside from booking a | | | | didn't work to put me right into labour as I was |
| planned c-section there are no guarantees as too | | | | hoping, if given the choice, I would do it again. |
| when your little munchkin will make an | | | | 3) Sex-I know what your thinking. Isn't this what |
| appearance, however there are a few things you | | | | got me in this mess to begin with? Well |
| could try to give nature a nudge. These are the 4 | | | | sometimes how it starts is how it ends. So |
| methods I explored with my last two pregnancies | | | | although you may feel as big as a house and it |
| to get the ball rolling. | | | | feels that you got kicked hard in the crotch it |
| 1) Essential Oil-Clary Sage-This was a personal | | | | may be worth it to hop on board so to speak. |
| favorite of mine that I used to go into labor with | | | | Apparently semen contains prostaglandins that |
| both of my little monkeys. I am convinced | | | | can stimulate contractions. |
| without the assistance of Clary Sage that I would | | | | 4)Nipple Stimulation-Well I must say that this one |
| have gone overdue with both pregnancies, | | | | is much easier than the sex option and with |
| however both occurred right at my due date! I | | | | enough massaging I remember even feeling light |
| simply rubbed the oil on my wrists and ankles and | | | | contractions of the uterus. The science behind |
| added a few drops to my bath water. It also | | | | nipple stimulation is that it helps your body release |
| comes in handy during labor where the scent | | | | oxytocin (natural form of pitocin), which causes |
| helped to provide calm and comfort, and actually | | | | contractions and can even help to bring on labor. |
| assist in the effective dialation of the uterus. They | | | | Some doctors do advise against this method |
| do warn however, not to use until you are far | | | | because it can lead to long, hard contractions |
| enough along in your pregnancy to go into labor. | | | | which can stress the baby and the fetal heart |
| 2) Stripping or Sweeping Membranes- This was | | | | rate. |
| not a favorite of mine which I did do twice in the | | | | Ultimately, it is that little tike that will decide when |
| doctors office with my last pregnancy (at 38 & | | | | he or she is ready to come out, however it |
| 39 weeks). Basically the doctor inserts his finger | | | | never hurts to try to give nature a nudge. It is |
| into the vagina and attempts to separate your | | | | however, incredibly important that you speak with |
| bag of water from the lower part of the uterus. | | | | your doctor or health care provider before |
| This is suppose to cause a release of hormones | | | | attempting any approach to induce labour (natural |
| called prostaglandins which should help to get | | | | or otherwise). |
| contractions going and may help to further ripen | | | | |