When you get to the end of your pregnancy you are generally uncomfortable, tired and a little bit over it all. Mostly though, you just want your new baby out in the world with you. There are a few natural induction methods that you can try to get labour started.

Please remember that any attempts at inducing labour should be supervised by a health care professional. Please don't try any of these methods without consulting your doctor first.

Following are six of the dozens of options you have to try and induce labour naturally, in no particular order.

Sex

As I’ve heard some midwives say, “the best way to get the baby out is the same way you got it in there!” While you might be skeptical, there is actual evidence that having sex can help with inducing labour naturally. Semen contains prostaglandins, which is on of the hormones that help labour to begin. In fact, when you go into hospital to be induced medically, often it will involve having a prostaglandin gel placed near the cervix to help it to ripen.

Nipple Stimulation

Another natural way to induce labour is through nipple stimulation, either by yourself or have your partner help you. This method of induging labour naturally relies on the release of oxytocin. As with prostaglandins mentioned above, oxytocin is another one of the hormones needed to start labour. During labour, if you are given an IV medication to help a stalled labour or to induce labour, it is a synthetic version of oxytocin used.

To release oxytocin, the recommendation is to massage your nipples by rolling them between your thumbs and forefingers for approximately two minutes and then rest for three minutes. Repeat this pattern for around 20 minutes.

Fresh Pineapple

The newest craze for inducing labour naturally is to eat freshly cut pineapple. There is an enzyme in pineapple (and also papaya, kiwi fruit and figs in a lesser amount) called Bromelain, which is believed to work in the same way as prostaglandins. The catch is that the enzyme is only found in fresh pineapple, so canned and cooked pineapple and pineapple juice aren’t going to help get things moving.

Spicy Food

The reason why spicy foods are suggesting as a way to naturally induce labour is because the food can cause spasms in the intestines. With the uterus being located close to the intestines, it may begin to contract at the same time. This induction method is usually classed in the realm of old wive’s tales but as long as you’re not suffering from heartburn it’s worth a try.

Castor Oil

Castor oil induction works on the same theory as spicy food, intestinal cramping causes uterine cramping and therefore a start to labour. This method will also cause your bowels to empty within a few hours of taking it. The biggest concern here is that your baby will empty his or her bowels as well which is quite dangerous, so please use this method only with strict medical assistance.

Acupuncture

To naturally induce labour with acupuncture, several acupuncture needles are placed in particular spots on the lower legs, feet and hands. Sometimes these needles will be stimulated with an electrical pulse, depending on the acupuncturist. You must be overdue before and have a doctor’s permission before attempting acupuncture to induce labour as it is quite effective and a lot of women will go into labour 6-48 hours after their first session.

While the following two things won’t necessarily induce labour naturally, they are both uterine tonics and will help with preparing your cervix and uterus for labour and birth.

Evening Primrose Oil

Evening primrose oil is a great source of prostaglandins and can be used to naturally induce labour from around 34 weeks. There are two options for using evening primrose oil, orally or internally, and both are quite effective at ripening the cervix.

The recommended oral dosage is two 500mg capsules every day from 34 to 38 weeks, at which time you can increase to 3-4 capsules per day.

It isn’t recommended to use the capsules internally until 36 weeks. At which time, one or two entire capsules can be inserted vaginally as close to the cervix as you can reach. It’s best to do this at bedtime, as the oil will pool at the cervix overnight while you are sleeping. You may have some excess oil discharge in the morning, so wearing a pad is recommended.

Raspberry Leaf Tea

The aim of raspberry leaf tea is to tone the uterine muscles and is thought to help your contractions be more efficient when labour starts. So whilst it isn’t a direct labour induction method, it can be quite useful. You can start taking the tea as a drink, which is quite bitter, or you can take capsules orally from around 28 weeks.

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2. Labour
3. Birth & Labour

Births, Deaths and Marriages Victoria has an excellent Popular Names Search facility online where you can look right back to 1929 for the top 100 girl’s and boy’s names for inspiration. Find it here. This data isn’t publicly available for any other state governments.

Here are the top ten girl's and boy's names popular from the 30s to the 50s that is not popular right now anywhere in Australia.

Girls:

Margaret is a clear leader. It was number one through the 30s and 40s to drop to fifth in the 50s.

Elizabeth hung towards the bottom of the lists in the 30s through to the 50s.

Patricia and Barbara were big in the 30s and 40s but disappeared from the top ten in the 50s.

Judith, Helen and Lynette were popular from the 40s to the 50s.

The top choices in the 50s clearly changed away from previous trends. Jennifer, Susan and Christine where the top three for the decade, not seen in the decades before.

Ten classic baby girl names from the 30s to the 50s in Victoria that are not popular today:

1. Margaret
2. Patricia
3. Barbara
4. Elizabeth
5. Judith
6. Helen
7. Lynette
8. Jennifer
9. Susan
10. Christine

Boys:

Classic names really come in to play with boy’s names. Biblical names like John, Peter, and David were big from the 30s to the 50s and are not seen on top ten lists in Australia today.

Robert was also very popular, steady in third position from the 30s to the 50s.

Ronald and Brian were popular from the 30s to the 40s. Ian appeared in the 40s and continued popularity into the 50s.

Kevin, Kenneth and Donald were towards the lower end of the 30s list and have not been seen since in Australia.

Ten classic baby boy names from the 30s to the 50s in Victoria that are not popular today:

1. John
2. Robert
3. Ronald
4. Brian
5. Peter
6. David
7. Ian
8. Kevin
9. Kenneth
10. Donald




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]]> http://www.ninemonths.com.au/classic-baby-name-ideas-that-are-not-popular-right-now/feed/ 0 http://www.ninemonths.com.au/preparing-for-labour/ http://www.ninemonths.com.au/preparing-for-labour/#comments Tue, 06 May 2008 06:05:07 +0000 Pregnant Mother
11. Sex As A Labour Catalyst
12. Labour
13. Birth & Labour

You may already have an idea about how you wish to bring your baby or babies into the world. A birthplan can be useful in considering the options available to you including where you wish to give birth, how you envisage giving birth, which methods of pain relief you would prefer, and who will be with you during labour. In reality, your entire plan may become redundant once you are in the throes of labour.

Most women say the greatest benefit of writing a birthplan is that it prepares you psychologically. Your birthplan will give you and your partner, the midwives and the doctor/obstetrician an aim to work towards. Some of these factors you may feel strongly about and may wish to highlight.    

Environment

The first thing to consider is your environment. You may wish to give birth:

• at home
• in a hospital labour suite
• at a birth centre

Birthing partner

Who do you wish to have present at the birth?Wherever you plan to have your baby, do you wish to have your partner with you? If so, do you wish for him to be there throughout labour and birth? Does your partner really wish to be present?

Discuss this together openly, including any misgivings either of you may have. Some partners may be eager to be present and be fabulous support throughout. Others dread the thought of witnessing their partner in pain and covered in blood. Think practically about what is suitable.

Doulas

In many cultures, birth is something that is attended by women only. Research carried out has revealed that if a woman is accompanied by a woman birthing partner, there is less need for pain relief and labour is shorter, with less medical intervention. The babies are in better condition at birth.

More and more “doulas” are being used at births around the world. The Greek word translates to “female birthing companion” and marks a return to ancient and tribal custom. So if your male partner prefers to be on the other side of the door, maybe it’s a wise decision.

Family

Do you wish for a family member or friend present? If you already have children, have you considered where they will be during the labour?
If you are having a hospital birth, check the hospital policy as there may be a limit of how many people can be present.

Professional help

Do you plan to use a complementary therapist? Do you want a birth coach to guide you through? Do you want a paediatrician on hand?

Labour

Where would you like to experience the most part of your labour? If you are planning a hospital birth, and depending on how far away the hospital is, some obstetricians prefer you to remain at home until you can no longer talk. What equipment would you like?

Do you need a birthing stool? Water tub? Birthing bed?, A Swiss ball to bounce on?

Pain Relief

Would you prefer to try natural pain relief methods such as acupuncture, acupressure, massage, relaxation, breathing, water submersion? Or would you prefer gas, pethidine, an epidural?

Induction

Would you consent to being induced if you pass your due date? If so, would you prefer an intravevous drip, artificial breaking of the membranes, acupuncture, herbs, an enema, or walking?

Episiotomy

In the second stage of labour, you may be advised to have an episiotomy. Would you consent or risk or prefer a tear?

Position

How would you like to give birth? Semi-reclined, side-lying position, squatting, hands and knees or standing upright?

Record

Would you like to watch the birth in a mirror?
Would you like the birth recorded on video? Do you want your birthing partner to take photos?
Again, check the hospital policy.

Assisted Delivery

Would you consent to vacuum extraction or forceps?

Caesarean

If a Caesarean section was necessary, would you prefer a general anaesthetic, an epidural so you’ll be awake, or a spinal block?

Post birth

Would you like your birthing partner to catch the baby?
Do you wish for the umbilical cord to stop pulsing before it is cut and clamped?
Do you wish for your partner to cut the cord?
Do you want the vernix coating to be washed off completely? The vernix is nourishing for your baby’s skin and will absorb easily if left on.

Would you prefer to deliver the placenta naturally without an injection? Do you want to see it before it is disposed of?
Would you prefer all your baby’s testing procedures to be done in front of you?
Providing you and your baby are healthy, would you prefer to be alone with your partner and baby in the hour following the birth? Research indicates that this is the most crucial moment for parents to bond with their newborn. An important element in this is skin to skin contact.
You may wish to enhance your environment with any of the following:

• candles
• music
• television
• VCR
• You may wish to have present:
• a video camera
• an ordinary camera

If you wish to give birth in a hospital, your next decision is whether you opt for private or public medical care.

In deciding who will be at the birth with you, consider whether or not your birthing partner could withstand the sight of gore and blood. This is inevitable in a birth.

If you and your partner decide to both be at the labour, write your plan with him and allow him to speak on your behalf.

Visit your local hospitals during your pregnancy and ask a lot of questions. Choose to have your baby at the hospital that feels most comfortable to you.

Your midwifes and obstetrician have much more experience at birth than you do.

No related posts.

Labour bag

• birth plan
• fresh facecloths and towels for compresses
• small sponge
• cooling and refreshing facial mist spray
• aromatherapy massage oil
• lip balm
• supply of ice cubes
• books, magazines, card games, radio or walkman
• energy snacks and drinks for you and your partner
• tissues
• icecubes
• fresh facecloths
• your choice of Australian Bush Flower
• emergency Essence
• your choice of Bach Flower Remedy
• candles
• your choice of relaxing music
• coins/phone cards and numbers for your partner to call - most wards ban mobile phones
• a symbolic photograph or picture of your choice
• large hand mirror if you want to see your baby actually being born
• camera or video camera (check with hospital about recording the birth)

Personal bag

• 2 cotton night dresses or t-shirts in which to give birth
• slippers
• warm socks as your body temperature may fluctuate during and after labour
• cosy dressing gown
• hairbrush
• toiletries/make-up bag
• soft towel
• 2 -3 nursing bras
• breast pads
• 6 pairs disposable cotton or paper pants
• at least two packs of large maternity sanitary pads (buy more for home too - you will need them)
• earplugs
• day clothes

Baby's bag

• 2-4 stretch suits
• 2-4 singlets
• 4 pairs of socks/booties
• 4 cardigans
• 1 cellular blanket
• scratch mittens
• disposable nappies
• cotton wool
• clothes to take the baby home - shawl or all in one
• correctly fitted car seat
• Boab Bush Flower Essences

Father's labour bag

• layers of clothing as temperature can change
• bathroom items to freshen up including a toothbrush and toothpaste, facecloth, deodorant.
• plenty of snacks as it is unlikely that you will be catered for and you may spend hours waiting.
• money for parking or to buy something for you or your partner to drink or eat
• small change for phone calls as most hospitals do not allow mobile phones
• a book or magazine to read
• a diary to record the birth
• a camera or camcorder to record the birth (check hospital or birthing centre policy first to avoid disappointment)
• games to occupy you both during idle periods
• a list of prioritised phone numbers of friends and relatives
• Australian Bush Flower Emergency Essence
• copy of the birthplan

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2. Stress & Anxiety during Pregnancy
3. The Essences

Many people think that the position in which your baby is lying in the womb is down to good or bad luck and that there’s nothing you can do to change it. But that isn’t always the case. There are things you can do to encourage your baby into the best position so as to help towards a shorter, more straightforward labour later.

Getting into position

The best position for your baby to be in for birth is head down with her back against your tummy (occiput anterior or OA). It’s not uncommon for babies to face the other way, with their back towards your back (known as occiput posterior or OP). If your baby is in this position, labour can take longer as the baby can’t tuck her chin in very well, which makes it more difficult for your baby to get through your pelvis. Sometimes the baby continues to lie bottom down instead of turning head down – this is known as breech position.

Comfy sofas and low-slung car seats, appears to encourage babies to lie in a posterior position, because if you are reclining backwards then your baby will tend to roll towards that position as well. From about 30 weeks, your midwife should be able to tell you which way your baby is lying but there’s no need to panic if your baby is ‘back to back’ or breech, as there are things you can do which can encourage your baby to turn. If your baby won’t turn before labour starts, carry on doing the forward-leaning and hip-rocking movements during the early part of labour, as these can sometimes still help your baby to turn.

Pelvic floor

You may feel everyone goes on about pelvic floor exercises when you are pregnant. In fact they are worth doing at any time of life, particularly for women. Strong pelvic floor muscles not only help you have an easier birth, they also help to prevent piles and constipation, relieve you of the embarrassment of peeing when you laugh, and improve your sex life. They also support the contents of your abdomen (intestines, bladder and uterus/baby).

Turn, baby, turn

Go for a gentle swim and spend time floating on your front.

Sit on the edge of the sofa or chair with feet apart, belly between your knees, rather than slouching back.

Get onto all fours and rock your hips from side to side. Try doing this when you can feel your baby is awake and active. You might want to do it to music.

When watching TV or chatting to friends, kneel forwards leaning on cushions, a beanbag or a birthing ball with knees apart and bottom down.

Try sitting or kneeling with your knees lower than your hips so as to tip the pelvis into the correct position.

Push your chair slightly away from your desk at work and without hunching your shoulders or tensing your back, rest your elbows on your desk.

Sit on a dining-room chair backwards – astride the seat, facing the back.

Try not to drive for long periods without moving around and keep the seat as upright as possible.

Sit on a birthing ball rather than a sofa when relaxing.

In bed at night try lying on your left side with your right leg over and in front of your left one. A thin pillow between your knees will keep you from rolling around.

Breech Babies

Although most babies do turn in pregnancy, around 3–4% will still be in a breech position – feet or bottom first and head uppermost – by 37 weeks. Some hospitals may routinely offer you a caesarean if your baby does not turn from a breech position. Some will suggest that you try ECV to turn the baby (see below) and some will support women wanting to labour and give birth to a breech baby.

• You should be offered ECV (external cephalic version). This is when a doctor tries to move your baby into a better position by pushing on your tummy. ECV should not be painful though it may be uncomfortable. If ECV doesn’t work the first time, you can try again a few days later. If your hospital doesn’t offer you ECV, you can ask to be referred to one that does.
• You may want to ask your hospital if they have midwives who are experienced inbreech birth.

There are still some things you can do to try to turn the baby yourself:

• When you can feel your baby is awake and active, try kneeling with your elbows on the floor, head down, bottom up.
• Lie on your back, knees bent, feet planted on the floor. Place cushions under your bottom. Do this for 10 minutes, twice a day.
• Consider complementary therapies. Moxibustion, in which an acupuncturist burns a small stick of mugwort herb near your little toe, has been found by a small study to have a success rate of 70%. Reflexology and homeopathy are also worth trying, but always consult qualified practitioners.

There are three main pelvic floor exercises

Exercise 1
To tighten your pelvic floor, sit or lie in a comfy position with your knees slightly apart. Pull up the muscle s surrounding your back passage, the n pull up towards the front. Hold for a count of four, breathing normally all the time.
When you fee l you can do this exercise easily, try holding for longer count, up to a maximum of 10. Release between each pull up, and repeat 5–6 times.

Exercise 2
Imagine that your pelvic floor is like a lift. Tighten the muscles around the back passage and then around the front. Now tighten a little more as if going up to the first floor, then the second floor. Now gently come back to the ground floor again, making sure you’re breathing normally all the time.

Exercise 3
Try tightening your pelvic floor muscles as quickly as possible, 5–6 times. These are the muscles that contract instantly when you cough, sneeze etc.
Before you cough, sneeze, laugh or pick some thing up, try to take a moment to pick these muscles up.   
Try to do 50 exercises a day, some slow, some fast. It may seem a lot at the beginning, but as you get used to doing them it won’t seem as much.
Find a ‘trigger ’ for repeating the exercises, like every time the phone goes or when you switch on the television.

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The perineum is the area of tissue between the anus and the vagina. Massaging this area regularly during the last few months is thought to minimise possible tearing and reduce the need for an episiotomy. It is possible to massage this area yourself.

• Wash your hands.
• Blend one drop of lavender essential oil with 5 mls grapeseed or sweet almond base oil.Alternatively olive oil is suitable.
• It is easier the first time to sit in front of a mirror.
• Find the midline between the anus and the vagina. Press on the area gently at first then more firmly.
• Dip your fingertips into the oil blend.
• Using both hands press with the index and middle fingers on either side of the midline, pressing gently outwards on the skin. This is a tender area and may be sensitive at first.Repeat until you can press firmly without too much discomfort.
• Place your thumbs 3-4cm inside your vagina. Press downwards and to the sides at the same time. Gently and firmly keep stretching until you feel a slight burning, tingling or stinging sensation. This is normal.
• Hold the pressure for two minutes until the area feels a little numb and tingling subsides.
• For three to four minutes, place your fingers just inside the back rim of the vagina, gently running them back and forth along the lower half of your vagina and perineum (If you should feel any irritation, you may need to wash the oil from your hands of the oil).
• Avoid the urinary opening to prevent chance of infection occurring.
• As you massage, keep pulling gently outwards with your thumb inside the lower part of the vagina, stretching the tissue.
• Repeat daily. Your partner may wish to try the technique with you though it is best to do it yourself at first to assess the amount of pressure you can tolerate.

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Ninemonths has put together some answers to a few of our frequently asked questions

I have been drinking before I found out I was pregnant – will this affect my baby?

Chances are your baby will be fine. The highest risk of a serious birth defect occurring is when the baby’s organs are forming, between 18 and 55 days after conception.

What about using painkillers while pregnant?

Aspirin should not be taken as it has been linked to bleeding problems in newborns. Anti-inflammatory drugs should also be avoided in the last trimester as these may lead to a heart condition in the baby.

Is having sex safe for my unborn baby?

Yes. The baby will not be affected by having sex. However if you have previously miscarried, you may be advised to resist intercourse during the first three to four months.

Can my baby hear me inside my womb?

Talk to your baby while you are pregnant as he or she can hear you and can also distinguish your voice from others.

Will drinking tea or coffee have any affect on my unborn baby?

It is best to avoid caffeine during pregnancy as it can affect your baby’s birthweight. Try to steer clear of coffee, tea, chocolate and cola and instead opt for herbal teas or fresh juices. However many experts say it is safe to have a small amount of caffeine (one cup of coffee a day).

How can I get to sleep while pregnant without taking any medication?

A warm milky drink or chamomile tea before bed is a good idea. Try to relax early in the evening by taking a warm bath or reading a book. Avoid exercising in the evening or late in the day.

Will dying my hair while pregnant have any affect on my baby?

No. Bleaching or dying your hair will not affect your unborn baby. However, many women like to completely avoid any contact with chemicals during their pregnancy and for this reason avoid dying their hair.

What if I am too late getting to the hospital?

In your first labour, it is more likely you will get there early rather than late. It is usually not time to go to the hospital until the contractions are regular and about five minutes apart. First labours generally last at least 12 hours.

How many people will there be in the labour room?

It is up to you, so state this in your birthplan. If you are asked if a midwife or student doctor can be present, you are allowed to refuse.

How will I cope with the pain during labour?

Natural ways such as hot towels and a lower back massage can help to alleviate the pain of labour, especially in the first stages. Alternatively you can ask for an epidural.

What if I need to go to the toilet during labour?

You will be encouraged to use the bathroom throughout your labour – a full bladder slows down the baby’s progress through the birth canal. You may also want to ask for an enema to ensure your bowels are empty.

Will I need to have stitches after the birth?

About 70 per cent of mums need stitches after the birth but your vagina goes back to normal afterwards. Pelvic floor exercises can improve muscle tone and control and massaging the perineum with almond oil can enhance flexibility.

Will my baby be healthy?

Thirty-nine out of 40 women will give birth to a healthy baby. Many babies who do have problems only have very minor physical handicaps that can be corrected with the right treatment. Thanks to good antenatal care and thorough screening tests, parent’s are now more prepared for any problems.

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