Childbirth Class - Cesarean Birth
Learn about Inductions, Cesareans and Naturally Inducing Labor
In our online class series, class four consists of learning more about the medical aspects of labor as well as what you can do to naturally induce labor.
Class Four
Parents often ask, "How will we know if these interventions are needed? Doesn't my doctor know what is best for me?" Remember that while no provider would purposefully recommend an intervention that would cause harm to you or your baby, there may be alternatives that are worth asking about, including asking for more time to labor if your labor is long.
Let's take a look at some of the aspects of inductions as well as if a cesarean birth is recommended to you as part of our online childbirth class series.
Step One: Looking at the Pros and Cons of Labor Inductions
Research is showing that more and more women are having their labor induced. Most inductions consist of using an artificial version of the hormone oxytocin called pitocin which is placed in the mother's IV to stimulate contractions. In fact, a 2002 survey by Childbirth Connection showed that nearly 50% of mothers had their labors induced. And about 1/3 of those mothers reported at least one non-medical reason for why an induction was advised.
Some women want to plan the day or choose a certain care provider. Or in some cases where there are definite indicated risks for mother or baby, inductions may be medically necessary. These all can be reasons that inductions are desirable rather than waiting for labor to begin on its own.
What are some of the disadvantages of having your labor induced?
- More pain - experts believe that because pitocin does not cross the brain, inductions hurt more.
- Less Mobility - inductions require continuous electronic fetal monitoring which makes mobility difficult.
- Higher chance of a cesarean - research shows that inductions are more likely to result in a cesarean.
There are also several common non-medical reasons for inductions. How will you know if your provider recommends an induction that there is a medical indication for it? Having the right questions to ask regarding the reasons for an induction is crucial for every mother.
Step Two - Naturally Inducing Labor
Perhaps you are a week or more past your due date. You may be interested in finding safe and effective ways to naturally induce your own labor instead of having your labor induced with pitocin. There are a number of techniques that may work. Please remember to follow your own care provider's advice and do not naturally induce your labor with any of these methods unless it is safe for you and your baby.
- Spicy foods - some believe that spicy foods can stimulate the intestines.
- Herbs - some herbal remedies may get contractions going; however be sure you find out if these are safe for you.
- Acupressure - while these points can be an effective way to start contractions, they may help more to augment a slow labor.
- Making Love - oxytocin is stimulated by orgasm and love-making.
- Castor Oil - this can be effective to stimulate the intestines and increase prostaglandin production.
- Massage - touch and massage lowers stress hormones and can start labor.
Step Three - Learning about Cesarean Birth
Although only a small portion of mothers today would choose a cesarean for no medical reason, the vast majority of mothers know that even if a cesarean is not their first choice, they should not rule it out. Even a mother who plans a homebirth might have an unexpected cesarean.
While there are no guaranteed ways to avoid a cesarean, there are ways you can reduce your chances of having one including using a birth center and a midwife, hiring a birth doula to help you during labor. Some mothers may choose to go into labor spontaneously rather than being induced.
As you recover from a cesarean birth, remember that this is major surgery. Your activities will be limited for the first week or two and you should plan to remain on one floor of your house during the day rather than going up and down the stairs. One of the biggest challenges after a cesarean is that not only do you need to take care of yourself, but now you have a baby that needs you 24 hours a day. You should plan to have friends or family stay with you for those first few weeks. Recovery may take as long as six weeks or more before you feel back to normal.
One word of wisdom is that after a cesarean or even a vaginal birth, mothers should take care of themselves first so that they can be the best mother they can be to their babies!
Class Five is available so go ahead and take a peak!
