Oh, Dearest Mother, Sweetest Virgin of Altagracia, our Patroness. You are our Advocate and to you we recommend our needs. You are our Teacher and like disciples we come to learn from the example of your holy life. You are our Mother, and like children, we come to offer you all of the love of our hearts. Receive, dearest Mother, our offerings and listen attentively to our supplications. Amen.



Active Topics || Favorites || Member List || Search || About Us || Help || Register || Login
Mothering and Family Life (Forum Locked Forum Locked)
 4Real Forums : Mothering and Family Life
Subject Topic: Induction help! - baby update page 2 Post ReplyPost New Topic
Author
Message << Prev Topic | Next Topic >>
Maryan
Forum All-Star
Forum All-Star
Avatar

Joined: Jan 02 2007
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 3145
Posted: Oct 21 2010 at 7:46am | IP Logged Quote Maryan

I have a high risk pregnancy (blood incompatibility with my little girl -- anti-Kell to be specific). She has sailed through pregnancy with flying colors and just a few hiccups. We are so blessed. Anti-Kell becomes hard to monitor after 35 weeks, so most babies are induced around 37 weeks (provided they don't need to come earlier).

I have also been blessed in labor. It's been so easy. In fact, with my first and second, I walked in at 7 cm and 9 cm respectively and they were born within the hour.

So... induction is a foreign entity. I'm a little afraid of laboring in bed for so long. I've never done it.

Oh... and I'm totally afraid of needles, and induction sounds like a long affair!! So I'd love to not get an epidural if I could, but not sure if I could handle it!

Any advice for me who'd like to go as natural as possible in my induction? Any requests that I should make? (FYI - because it's high risk, so I have very limited saying power. So I think monitors have to stay on).

__________________
Maryan
Mom to 6 boys & 1 girl: JP('01), B ('03), M('05), L('06), Ph ('08), M ('10), James born 5/1/12
A Lee in the Woudes
Back to Top View Maryan's Profile Search for other posts by Maryan
 
Nique
Forum All-Star
Forum All-Star
Avatar

Joined: March 07 2008
Location: Canada
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 1222
Posted: Oct 21 2010 at 9:15am | IP Logged Quote Nique

You walked in at 7cm and 9cm respectively Maryan?

That's fantastic!!

I will pray for you! All I know is when I knew I was in labour, climbing up and down stairs REALLY helped my contractions get closer together.

I haven't had an induction..so I'll be watching the advice you receive from others

__________________
I had always thought that once you grew up you could do anything you wanted - stay up all night or eat ice cream straight out of the container. ~Bill Bryson

Back to Top View Nique's Profile Search for other posts by Nique
 
Marie
Forum Rookie
Forum Rookie


Joined: Jan 28 2008
Location: Canada
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 74
Posted: Oct 21 2010 at 10:20am | IP Logged Quote Marie

I went through an induction with my first because of blood pressure issues at 38 weeks. My body was not ready for baby to come and it was rough we got a healthy baby in the end. That said, I think inductions often (but not always) go easier with future babies. A few things...my hospital allowed me to sit on an exercise ball on the side of the bed - they were still able to monitor me and I was able to move a little bit. I also was able to do some different bed positions that allowed me a more upright position. My nurses were helpful with this so its worth seeing how they can work with you. That all said, you're right, when its high risk, you're not given all that many choices. And pitocin contractions are nothing like real contractions. I've had it with 2 deliveries and with my first I had an epidural. Not what I wanted, but definitely what I needed at that point in my labour. Praying for a safe delivery for you and your little girl!

__________________
~Marie
DS 2005, DD 2007, DD 2009 and a new little DS 2011 DS 2014
Back to Top View Marie's Profile Search for other posts by Marie
 
MelissaClaire
Forum Pro
Forum Pro


Joined: May 16 2007
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 475
Posted: Oct 21 2010 at 11:08am | IP Logged Quote MelissaClaire

I've had 2 pitocin births with no pain meds, so it's totally possible. The first one I sat on a birthing ball the whole time and the second one I stood and leaned over the bedside hospital table extended as high up as possible with pillows on top.

Honestly though the thing that got me through it was laughter. I find my husband hilarious and he kept me laughing (which in turned kept me loose) the whole time.

You can do it! I'll be praying!

__________________
Melissa
Mom to a dd ('02), ds ('03), ds ('05), dd ('07) and baby due 9/01/09
Back to Top View MelissaClaire's Profile Search for other posts by MelissaClaire
 
Mackfam
Board Moderator
Board Moderator
Avatar
Non Nobis

Joined: April 24 2006
Location: Alabama
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 14656
Posted: Oct 21 2010 at 11:53am | IP Logged Quote Mackfam

I have high risk pregnancies that require induction. It's not my ideal, but I accept that it's what I must do to bring a healthy little one into this world. I focus on the end result and the present moment without allowing myself to think of my first birth experience which was all natural. If you have been blessed with home births or natural births, an induced delivery will be very different from those experiences and flies in the face of much of what you hold dear in delivery. A big part of this delivery is prayerful preparation for medical intervention in my delivery. I try hard to focus myself on the positive, and be grateful for the medical technology which allows me to VBAC and is watchful for the health and safety of my little one and myself.

Since this is a medically necessary induction, you're right Maryan, your choices will be very limited.

I ask not to be admitted until I'm at least 4 cm on my own. It means daily checking at the office of my OB, but it's something I'm willing to give on. The basic idea is that I want my body to be somewhat ready for an induced labor. Not sure if that would be an option for your situation, Maryan.

I ask to complete the complementary enema AT HOME the night before being induced rather than at the hospital! That's BIG FOR ME!! I WOULD NOT want to do that or experience the after effects of that in the hospital!!!!!! Ask if an enema is required before an induction, and if you can do this AT HOME!

It will take at least 3 hours for paperwork and setting up and monitoring to begin...so nothing happens really fast once you get to the hospital.

After I'm all hooked up, my OB checks me and breaks my water - not pleasant, just wanted to be honest and forewarn you. For me, this is the start of significant labor. Everyone will be different, but I deliver within 2 hours of my water breaking. Labor moves QUICKLY for me from here.

On the heels of my water breaking is the epidural and it is my least favorite thing, but it is endurable. The actual administering of the epidural is the hardest part for me since it is happening in the middle of active labor. I can't give you any great tips - I do what I have to do because I have to be still. Rob stands in front of me to support me and I pray the Hail Mary to keep my mind focused. Boy, I hope I'm not being scary - I just want to be honest so you'll know.

I ask to be induced when my OB's favorite and very competent anesthesiologist is on duty because we now have a "relationship". It's worthwhile to ask about the potential timing as well as anesthesiologists your (hopefully) trusted OB prefers/works with regularly. With an epidural I can still feel pressure, and I'm grateful for the awareness so I can still push and proceed through labor prompted by natural signs of my body which I can still feel.

My last 3 deliveries have been induced VBACs, Maryan. I try to take charge of what I can with the delivery (by asking about those things that I can direct ahead of time), be as healthy as I can be, and surrender the rest to Our Lady of La Leche, asking her to assist me, our little one, and assist those helping with the delivery so that our little one is born safely and placed in my arms as quickly as possible!

PRAYING FOR YOU AND THIS PRECIOUS LITTLE GIRL!!!!

__________________
Jen Mackintosh
Wife to Rob, mom to dd 19, ds 16, ds 11, dd 8, and dd 3
Wildflowers and Marbles
Back to Top View Mackfam's Profile Search for other posts by Mackfam Visit Mackfam's Homepage
 
guitarnan
Forum Moderator
Forum Moderator
Avatar

Joined: Feb 07 2005
Location: Maryland
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 10883
Posted: Oct 21 2010 at 12:05pm | IP Logged Quote guitarnan

Maryan, you are in my prayers...I'll be praying for you all day long on birth day, too...

I am glad there are so many helpful ladies here to give you good information!

__________________
Nancy in MD. Mom of ds (24) & dd (18); 31-year Navy wife, move coordinator and keeper of home fires. Writer and dance mom.
Back to Top View guitarnan's Profile Search for other posts by guitarnan Visit guitarnan's Homepage
 
Erin
Forum Moderator
Forum Moderator


Joined: Feb 23 2005
Location: Australia
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 5814
Posted: Oct 21 2010 at 3:21pm | IP Logged Quote Erin

Well we could start a novena that you spontaneously go into labour at 37 weeks.

__________________
Erin
Faith Filled Days
Seven Little Australians
Back to Top View Erin's Profile Search for other posts by Erin Visit Erin's Homepage
 
Nique
Forum All-Star
Forum All-Star
Avatar

Joined: March 07 2008
Location: Canada
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 1222
Posted: Oct 21 2010 at 4:56pm | IP Logged Quote Nique

Count me in on the Novena Erin

__________________
I had always thought that once you grew up you could do anything you wanted - stay up all night or eat ice cream straight out of the container. ~Bill Bryson

Back to Top View Nique's Profile Search for other posts by Nique
 
Grateful in VA
Forum Pro
Forum Pro


Joined: Oct 22 2010
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 277
Posted: Oct 23 2010 at 1:26pm | IP Logged Quote Grateful in VA

I was induced for 3 of my 4 labors. 2 of them were at 39 weeks the other for twins was at 37 weeks. I, thankfully, was never required to have an enema .

I hate needles. I, literaly, come very close to passing out at just the thought. I have learned that The IV start is much easier if you are well hydrated so drink up before heading to the hospital. Stay as relaxed as you can stress just constricts your veins more. My Dr. always had an IV with saline in place before breaking my water.


My Dr.'s approach was to break my water and then wait about an hour to see if contractions started on their own. Unfortunately for me that's not usually the case.
So that's when the pitocin gets started. They up it in intervals and watch how you respond.


You are allowed to walk around while you are being induced up until you get an epidural. They just ask that you put the monitor back on when you get back into bed to rest.

The epidurals really weren't bad. They numb you first so you get that first pinch and then it is just some pressure until they get it in just right. After that you don't notice it. I honestly probably would have skipped the epidural for my last delivery except the Dr. thought it would help me relax more and help my contractions do their job better(ds was born 30 min later).

All 4 of my labors were around 10 hours. So there wasn't a significant change for me with the inductions.

I hope this helps some.

I'll be praying for you. God Bless.
Back to Top View Grateful in VA's Profile Search for other posts by Grateful in VA
 
Grateful in VA
Forum Pro
Forum Pro


Joined: Oct 22 2010
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 277
Posted: Oct 23 2010 at 1:30pm | IP Logged Quote Grateful in VA

One more tidbit I forgot to mention. You can preregister at most hospitals to avoid all the extra stress of paperwork on induction day.
Back to Top View Grateful in VA's Profile Search for other posts by Grateful in VA
 
Pilgrim
Forum All-Star
Forum All-Star
Avatar

Joined: Feb 28 2007
Location: Wisconsin
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 1286
Posted: Oct 23 2010 at 2:17pm | IP Logged Quote Pilgrim

Just wanted to second the fact that an epidural is not that bad, or as bad as I always thought it would be.. I never thought I'd have one. I prefer to go with things natural and also take the oppurtunity to offer up labor pains. But with the twins I prayed and discerned with dh, and we decided I should get an epidural for a number of reasons. I have always been horrified at the idea of having a big needle put into my back not being able to see what they're doing, but many graces from many prayers made it so much better than I expected. It really wasn't that bad having the epidural put in. Thought I'd put in that $.02, hoping it would help put your mind at ease in case it comes to that you and dh disecenr you should have one.

__________________
Wife 2 my bf, g14,b8,g&b6,g4,g3,g1 1/2,4 ^i^

St. Clare Heirloom Seeds coupon 4Real 20% off

St. Clare Audio
Back to Top View Pilgrim's Profile Search for other posts by Pilgrim Visit Pilgrim's Homepage
 
wifemommy
Forum All-Star
Forum All-Star


Joined: July 10 2006
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 732
Posted: Oct 23 2010 at 3:29pm | IP Logged Quote wifemommy

I have had a couple of inductions and I just look at the bright side it makes planning child care a lot easier Seriously it is not that bad I didn't think the pitocin was that bad even pre epidural after which I relax and baby came out quickly and painlessly. I have gone natural and never thought I'd go with an epidural but now I am a big fan of them. I am able to relax focus on baby and until # 8 delivered with in the hour or less    I will pray for a positive experience for you no matter how it works out. Annie
Back to Top View wifemommy's Profile Search for other posts by wifemommy
 
Maryan
Forum All-Star
Forum All-Star
Avatar

Joined: Jan 02 2007
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 3145
Posted: Oct 26 2010 at 6:17am | IP Logged Quote Maryan

Ladies, I'm sitting here with a notebook taking notes! Thanks for the great advice and encouragement.

My cutoff is 37 weeks (whether that's exactly on the day - I have no idea.) I doubt my body will be *that* ready on its own because I'm never more than 2 cm before going into labor.

I did buy an exercise ball that I'll use as a birthing ball in hopes that they might let me sit on it while I'm all hooked up? And I definitely haven't ruled out an epidural since this type of pain sounds like it will be quite different.

They're giving me an inducton date when I'm 36 weeks 4 day. I feel like I'm missing out on the perk to induction: so much for planning ahead!! But since I'd rather keep her in as long as possible, I guess I'm okay with not knowing.

And I would love to just go into spontaneous labor as soon as I'm admitted!! Wouldn't that be an answer to prayer!

__________________
Maryan
Mom to 6 boys & 1 girl: JP('01), B ('03), M('05), L('06), Ph ('08), M ('10), James born 5/1/12
A Lee in the Woudes
Back to Top View Maryan's Profile Search for other posts by Maryan
 
Bridget
Forum All-Star
Forum All-Star
Avatar

Joined: Feb 07 2005
Location: Michigan
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 2198
Posted: Oct 26 2010 at 7:57am | IP Logged Quote Bridget

Dear Maryan, we've induced my last 3 for various reasons. It has gone smoothly and quickly each time. Since your other labors were fast, once the pitocin jump starts it for you, you will probably progress quickly.

The pitocin contrax are a different quality than natural contrax. They are not as manageable so an epidural is something to seriously consider. I have been absolutely grateful for the epidurals since I have such 'fast finishes' as my doc calls it. It would be horrendous without them.

You don't get the epidural till labor is well established so you can use the birthing ball, walk, rock or whatever with the pit IV in in till contrax are doing their job. They only need to monitor you on the leads periodically before the epidural.

I am so happy and excited for you!

__________________
God Bless,
Bridget, happily married to Kevin, mom to 8 on earth and a small army in heaven
Our Magnum Opus
Back to Top View Bridget's Profile Search for other posts by Bridget Visit Bridget's Homepage
 
mamasue
Forum Pro
Forum Pro


Joined: Nov 09 2009
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 139
Posted: Oct 26 2010 at 10:16am | IP Logged Quote mamasue

I've never gone into labor, all 6 kids had to be induced. My doctor always brings me in the night before induction and gives me cervidil (sp??). It's a little pill he puts next to the cervix to soften it. 3 out of 6 times this has put me into labor and we had an early morning delivery. Contractions are not unbearable as with pitocin.
The other 3 times he came in early morning and broke my water. This works for a lot if women, starting contractions immediately. Unfortunately it has never worked for me. In fact the water doesn't really come out, strangely enough.
Anyway, that's when we start the dreaded pitocin. For me, contractions start almost immediately. the pitocin is given through an IV with a lock and key on the machine. Nurses are supposed to come in every hour (i believe it's an hour) and check your contraction and crank up the pitocin.Those nurses are relentless.. If they think you are handling it "too well" they will turn it up a couple extra notches. If they try to do this I would ask to talk to your doctor. I don't think it is safe at all, but I've had a few try to do this to me. Not to say that every nurse will do this...
Anyway, you are allowed to walk to the bathroom but you have to wheel the machine in with you. It's not fun but doable. For the most part they like to keep you monitored, to make sure the baby is handling the pitocin ok! I believe I was able to walk around frequently, but had to go back every hour to be monitored for 20 minutes.
Contractions with pitocin- mine were normal at first but then right on top of each other and horribly strong, felt much worse than contractions with cervidil, can't compare them to normal contractions as I have never gone into labor alone.
The goal with pitocin is one cm per hour.
Epidural isn't quite as bad as Id been afraid of. My only advise is if you are sure you want to get it then get it early! You have to curl your back for five or ten minutes and stay completely still while he's putting it in and adjusing it. it is so hard to stay curled when the pitocin is doing it's magic
     I would definitely ask about at least trying the cervidil
good luck!
Back to Top View mamasue's Profile Search for other posts by mamasue
 
anitamarie
Forum All-Star
Forum All-Star


Joined: Oct 15 2008
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 819
Posted: Oct 26 2010 at 2:13pm | IP Logged Quote anitamarie

I have had one natural and 3 pitocin induced labors. An epidural scares the life out of me, so I've never had one. I have, when necessary, used Stadol. It helps me relax and stops the shakes I get when overloaded with pain.

I can then focus with dh on managing contractions. My pitocin labors have run anywhere from 6 - 9 hours. My non-induced labor was 12.

Good Luck,

Anita
Back to Top View anitamarie's Profile Search for other posts by anitamarie
 
Anne McD
Forum All-Star
Forum All-Star


Joined: Dec 21 2006
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 499
Posted: Oct 28 2010 at 10:26pm | IP Logged Quote Anne McD

Maryan, I've have all five with Tep at F.O. Hosp-- all with epidurals, two were induced. I'd be happy to give you the details of my experience if you'd like. I was in labor with number five, but it was so slow that they put me on pitocin to speed things up-- and he ended up being my longest labor!

The anestisiologists have been great. I was hoping to go w/o drugs this last time, but I figured that since I was being sped up (ha!), that I'd need it. Maybe it slowed it down? Anyway, I haven't had any problems with it, and you can sometimes control the amount of med you get. With number 2, they gave me a button to press that would give me a boost of the epidural (would only work once in a certain amt of time) if I felt I needed it. Many times they check in on you to monitor how you are feeling and will increas the meds if needed.

There are side effects. The epidural opens the blood vessels in your legs, so all the blood in your body rushes to you legs as it tries to equalize, and that can make you feel like you're going to pass out- happened to me twice. I've also gotten the chills very badly and it takes a little while to warm up. That being said, I've been grateful for the time to rest up and get ready to push. However, if there is a next time,I do want to go without. My sil has had a couple of inductions, and did them w/o meds. I think if you are used to doing it that way, you'll be able to tolerate it, even though the labor pains may be comeing on faster and one on top of the other.

I hope I'm not scaring you! Just want to give you a clear picture of what I went through. You'll do great!! Like I said, if you want more info, let me know!



__________________
Anne
Wife to Jon
Mommy to Alex 9
James 8
Katie 6
William 3 1/2
Benedict Joseph 1
and baby on the way! 10/14
Back to Top View Anne McD's Profile Search for other posts by Anne McD
 
Grateful in VA
Forum Pro
Forum Pro


Joined: Oct 22 2010
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 277
Posted: Oct 29 2010 at 6:05am | IP Logged Quote Grateful in VA

Anne McD wrote:

There are side effects.

Yep, I remember that now too. I normally have very low blood pressure to begin with. After the epidurals my pressure drops even more. Have no fear this is a perfectly normal reaction to an epidural. The Dr.s are well aware of it and know how to adjust your saline to fix it.
Focus on your little one don't fret about how she will get here.
Your in good hands...God's.
Back to Top View Grateful in VA's Profile Search for other posts by Grateful in VA
 
Anne McD
Forum All-Star
Forum All-Star


Joined: Dec 21 2006
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 499
Posted: Oct 29 2010 at 7:09am | IP Logged Quote Anne McD

Grateful in VA wrote:
Anne McD wrote:

There are side effects.

Yep, I remember that now too. I normally have very low blood pressure to begin with. After the epidurals my pressure drops even more. Have no fear this is a perfectly normal reaction to an epidural. The Dr.s are well aware of it and know how to adjust your saline to fix it.
Focus on your little one don't fret about how she will get here.
Your in good hands...God's.


Ditto! The were able to counter the low blood pressure the first time it happened. The way I see it, all of this is here for a reason-- God has alowed us to make many strides in medicine and He'll take great care of you through the drs and nurses.

__________________
Anne
Wife to Jon
Mommy to Alex 9
James 8
Katie 6
William 3 1/2
Benedict Joseph 1
and baby on the way! 10/14
Back to Top View Anne McD's Profile Search for other posts by Anne McD
 
seeker
Forum Pro
Forum Pro


Joined: July 19 2010
Location: Tennessee
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 186
Posted: Nov 01 2010 at 11:05am | IP Logged Quote seeker

Maryan, I have a blood antigen incompatibility during pregnancy as well. Mine requires that I receive immunoglobulin every week from about eighteen weeks until birth, so the needle thing was something I got used to, but boy do my veins get tired by the time the baby comes!

I was adamant about not having an epidural even though I had to be induced. It was fine. I also requested not to be given an enema, to be able to eat and drink, and not to be cut. These were reluctantly agreed to by the Drs. I wasn't able to use a birthing ball, walk around at all (even to go to the restroom), use a heating pad, and even though I did eat and drink I was lectured by one of the nurses. Think about it, labor is hard work, some of the hardest work you can do; you need fuel to sustain you for it.

Once I got to 10 cm I pushed... Doctor or no Doctor. I can't imagine holding back. The key for me in labor is letting go and letting my body do what it needs to which cuts down so much on pain. I won't lie, the pitocin was rough, but I found that since I knew what to expect during transition that it made it much easier to get through those contractions. (Also, my husband assured me that he wasn't letting the nurse turn up the pitocin ).

I don't know what natural birthing method you use but I can't sing enough praises for the Dr. Bradley Method.

I walked in at 7 got induced at 9 and had a baby at 12, so the labor isn't terribly long.

You can do it! I believe that almost any woman who sets her mind to it can have a baby without an epidural, induced or not!
Back to Top View seeker's Profile Search for other posts by seeker
 

Page of 3 Next >>
  [Add this topic to My Favorites] Post ReplyPost New Topic
Printable version Printable version

Forum Jump
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot create polls in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum

Hosting and Support provided by theNetSmith.com