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.

Natural Childbirth Positions

This is a great (yet short) clip about some of the best positions to be in for pushing. My favorite part is how this midwife ends, that she is there to aid the mom! Awesome! I would gladly hire her to be my midwife.

childbearing can be beautiful!

Lord, when doubts fill my mind, when my heart is in turmoil, quiet me and give me renewed hope and cheer. - Psalms 94:19 tlb

Often, after telling people what a wonderful experience the birth of our second was people look at me in disbelief. Was it hard? Yes. Was there time I didn't think I could do it? Absolutely. But when we rely upon the Lord for strength and comfort wonderful things happen.

It is sad that birthing is not considered beautiful and wonderful because it is! It is not torture, it's a miracle! I fully believe God made birthing as intense as it is so we would focus and bring glory and praises to Him. When Eve gave birth to Cain she exclaimed, "With the help of the Lord I have brought forth a man." (gen 4:1). This verse tells us that Eve used the Lord as her strength throughout labor. She clearly leaned heavily on God to guide her and pull her through labor.

After reading Genesis 4:1 and meditating over it and praying over it I came to the realization that perhaps that is what the Lord desires of us mom's-to-be during the process of childbearing. I spent my entire labor focused on the Lord. Praying and meditating over scriptures during contractions. I have never felt so close to Him as I did then. Yes, it was uncomfortable. And yes, it was a ton of work. But yes, it was wonderful. Anytime the Lord is close to you is beautiful and if you rely on him to pull you through the childbearing process you will be able to say it was beautiful, no matter what happens!

uniformed consent

Attached is a link to an article about uninformed consent. If you are expecting please read this and understand that this really does happen everyday. I have experienced it and know many others have too. Get informed. Take the time, do the work, learn the pros and cons of all the birthing procedures so you can make informed choices and not be led down a path that will lead you to a disappointing birthing experience.

http://www.gentlebirth.org/archives/gettingToYes.html

Natural Birth Elizabeth Sings at 10 cm www.serenitybirth.com

So Beautiful. This is what the Lord can do for you and your birth. all you have to do is invite Him. Look how it is affecting the staff at the hospital. This is the best way to minister, bringing the peace of the Lord to people! Thsi is also the best way to bring a child into the world, with love, peace, grace, and joy.