Journal Essay Contest: Self Induction

[BlazzinBebe88]

Castor oil. Raspberry leaf tea. Nipple stimulation. Sex. Walking. What do these things have in common? They are all commonly used by women to self-induce labor.
Rather or not they really work, what's your views on self-induction? Is it okay, or should a woman wait until labor starts on its own? 

I think that certain kinds of self induction are totally WRONG. I think babies will come when they are good and ready. It is in Gods will and grace they will be born when they are rightfully due.  Self induction can be a dangerous thing. I don't think it should ever need to happen. There IS no need. If a baby is so past due that the baby needs to be born I am sure the doctor's will do it when they feel it's time. In a SAFE manner, with professionals who know what to do. A mother cannot know what to expect when self inducing. I think it's a very risky and not to mention kind of stupid thing to try. And I do not mean walking and having sex, those kind of 'normal' 'everyday' occurances. I am talking self induction by means of oils and foreign objects. If you just so happen to go into labor while walking, then that is 100 percent natural and 100 percent okay. It was due to happen anyway. I say let nature take it's course. And speak with medical professionals about when it is time for THEM to induce you if you do not feel like being pregnant anymore.

[logansmomma2007]

Nov. 16, 2009 at 6:48 PM

I think that inducing in general is risky when there is not a medical reason to do so.  To me it doesn't matter who is doing it. 

I was just at a Thanksgiving lunch at work today listening to my co-workers discussing their wives scheduled c-sections and inductions.  Boy did I want to give my 2-cents, but in the end they probably wouldn't understand anyway.