Natural labor induction - what's safe, what works

I've been asked many times, "Can I induce labor naturally and/or safely?" Well, if you've been wondering, here's the answer. Yes! Midwives have been inducing labors naturally for centuries. Here are the most common ways and how to do them. I don't recommend all of them since some are safer than others but they are all tried and true methods. Just a note: never, ever try to induce labor until you are 37wks. Always wait until you are full term. Also, none of these methods will work unless the hormone shift that is necessary for labor to establish has already begun.
Intercourse Yes, I know, "Who wants to do that at 9 mths pregnant?" Well, how badly do you want to get that baby out of the womb and into your arms? Intercourse is by far the safest and best way to induce labor. Unless you have a serious health condition and have been told by your ob/midwife to abstain, have fun, it really works. Semen contains prostoglandins in higher quantity than any other form. Prostoglandins soften and "ripen" the cervix and birth canal making them soft and stretchy which makes it easier for baby to come out. Orgasm for mom also produces the hormone oxytocin, the natural form of pitocin, which gives you contractions.
Nipple stimulation This method can go hand in hand with intercourse or be done on it's own. Anything that simulates suckling of a baby produces oxytocin in mom's body. It can be "over done" so don't go over about 5 minutes per side since you can overstimulate the uterus.
Castor Oil I highly recommend NEVER trying this. 9 times out of 10 Castor oil only give you false labor and diarrhea. For the mom who it does induce real labor, you will be starting off labor dehydrated which can cause exhaustion in mom which could result in fetal distress and low milk supply.
Spicy food Hot spicy may cause you to have contraction but since hot peppers have capsasin in them it will reduce the endorphins in your system which, endorphins are the feel good hormone. You really don't want a reduced level of that during labor! Italien spicy, however, is a different story. Both basil and oregano have been used for centuries to induce labor but scientist have not been able to prove if it works yet. Many midwives give their patients a recipe for eggplant parmesan and see "results" but there, again, is no proof that it works.
Acupressure Many women swear by this method. It is possible that the acupressure itself is the reason for labor to begin or the fact that mom is relaxed. Either way, most women who try it love it since it is very relaxing, especially when done by your spouse or a professional.
Here's how:
1. Press firmly on the webbing between your thumb and index finger for 30-60sec. Stop for 1-2mins and proceed until labor is established.
2. Press firmly and rub in a circular motion 4 fingers up the inside of your ankles (both at the same time) until you have a contraction. Stop until the contraction is over and continue again until you have another. continue this cycle until labor is established. You know you have the right "spot" if it is tender.
Cohosh Cohosh is the most recommended herb but should never be used without an ob/midwife/naturopath's direct advisement since it can over stimulate the uterus very easily.
Evening Primrose Oil This is a very simple and safe method. Evening primrose oil is bought in the capsule form and can be taken 1 of 4 ways:
1. Orally, beginning at 34wks, 2 capsules/day
2. Vaginally insert 2 capsules starting at 37wks before bed
3. Both!
4. Used during perineal massage, break the capsule and use the oil form that as your lubrication, but again, not until 37wks. I hope these tips help those of you who are ready to go and looking for safe and effective ways to induce labor.

The natural caesarean: a woman-centred technique

This is just amazing! If only this could be brought to the hospitals here in the US! If a C-section for something like previa is necessary, why can't mom have this experience? She deserves just as much as the mom who has no complications.

Midwives Diner

This video is absolutely hilarious but it is very true! The midwife model of care is safe and great for the mom who wants to go as natural as possible.