Inducing Labor

[Monkey-Mom]

Yesterday I went for my 32-week check up and my Doc. decided he wanted to pick out a date for me to have the baby. I was a little confused about what he was talking about. And before I realized it, he was talking about inducing my labor. I was so caught up in the moment that my b/f and I picked a date and before we knew it we were on our way home and I was in tears. I didn’t understand what had just happened until the decision was made. I have always had this idea of how I wanted my childbirth to go, as all moms-to-be do. I want to have a natural childbirth and there is nothing natural about being induced when there is no reason to. I am not saying that there is anything wrong with this choice, it just isn’t the choice for me. (I don’t want to offend any woman by saying this because I have nothing but respect for all moms and their decisions.) But I feel both upset and disappointment. Upset because I feel that I had no say and disappointed b/c I felt so comfortable and had such high respect for my doctor. But he never gave me a choice. It was either have a C-Section or be induced. After doing more research on induced labors I really have decided to go against it and I will talk to him about this upon my next visit. I just don’t think it’s right for a doctor to dictate a mom’s birth plan. She should always be able to select her method of childbirth no matter what the inconvenience is (unless there is a situation at hand regarding the mother’s/baby’s health).

Have any of you come upon the same situations? I would love to get some feedback.

Thanks

[BJoan]

Jul. 23, 2008 at 10:29 AM

I would want to know the reason for the induction if I were you, but if the doctor said induction or c-section I assume there is a reason. I think "birth plans" have limited value because childbirth is one of those things that can't always be expected to go according to plans anyone makes. The bottom line is that you want what is best for the baby because it is not really just the birth itself that matters..... I do wish you lots of luck! And you shouldn't be induced for "no reason" that is for sure!  

[mommabiggs]

Jul. 23, 2008 at 10:33 AM

I have been induced at 2 weeks over due with all 3 of my babys... They just love me too much I guess...

We INSIST that it does not happen until 2 weeks PAST the due date...

Being induced I can say that its not bad... Some may have those" It wasn't natural and ended up in a C-Section" stories... But I have nothing but praise for the inductions... (Epidurals are another story... Had one, NEVER AGAIN!! And i have 10 lbers all natural.) Although we all have those thoughts of what the "perfect" birth would be not many women have the perfect birth. Don't set your self up by saying things like "i won't" or it will never happen this way... My hubby said all that with our first and everything he said "we wouldn't agree to" drugs, suction cup, internal monitor etc, HAPPENED!!! and that was the longest labor i've had.

My only advice for during labor is use the tub!!! It is relaxing (progresses things better) losens things up down there (less chance of an episiotimy) lessens the pressure and feeling of discomfort of the contractions...

Tell your dr that you guys thought about it and unless there is a bonified medical reason,(low amniotic fluid, stress etc)  you don't want to be induced until you are well past your due date...

good luck!!!

[jlknudsen5478]

Jul. 23, 2008 at 10:58 AM

I was induced with my 7 year old, but it was necessary.  I had separated my pubic joint and was in so much pain that the stress was starting to affect her.  I stopped gaining weight and U/S showed that while she was getting longer, she was really thin.  The U/S tech actually said "Wow, what a skinny baby".  I had an appointment on my due date, a Thursday, and the doctor and I agreed to give her the weekend and if she didn't show up then Monday morning we would 'serve her eviction notice' (the doctor's words) lol. 

Is there some complication that would make the doctor want to induce?  Unless the baby is overdue or there's something else going on, I can't see why they would require induction or C-section.  Don't let your doctor bully you into it just because it's more convenient for him!