You and your partner have anxiously have been counting down the days til' your little one makes their debut! It's been a long journey and you are OVER being pregnant.
Now, you may have loved being pregnant, or maybe you didn't have the easiest pregnancy. Either way, you're ready to hold your bundle of joy you've been patiently waiting a long 9+ months for. If you've passed your due date or are approaching it within the next week or so, here are some tips and tricks nurses and doulas swear by!
Did you know Pitocin (an injection used to medically induce labor) is a synthetic form of Oxytocin? Our bodies naturally produce oxytocin when in labor. Producing this hormone naturally is said to speed things up a bit. Rubbing your nipples can help your body release this hormone in turn putting you into labor. If you already have your breast pump, this is a great way to mimic a baby's latch. If you're currently breastfeeding your other little one, even better! Note: you'll want to focus with one breast at a time, specifically the areola, in 5 minute intervals.
Now, if you've been using a birthing ball or peanut ball during a majority of your pregnancy you are in the right place mama! Preparing your body for baby is one of the best things you can do for an easier and possibly quicker labor. If you've procrastinated, you may want to order one off our site. Sitting on your Birth Ball, and moving your hips side to side will help relieve pressure off your tailbone and loosen the pelvic floor.
This technique has no scientific proof that it actually induces labor, but, it doesn't hurt to try. Pineapple contains the enzyme bromelain, which some believe softens the cervix. You can consume pineapple by eating fresh or frozen pineapple, or pineapple juice.
At this point, most of us are feeling the least bit of "sexy". We're physically uncomfortable, our bodies are not the same and our exhaustion may be through the roof. It may be difficult for you to get into the "mood" Find positions that are comfortable for you! Being intimate with your partner is important and may be put on hold after the baby comes. If sex is out of the question for you, self pleasure can do the trick. Orgasms can help stimulate your uterus as well as release of the hormone oxytocin. Semen is also said to soften the cervix. So throw on that lingerie and surprise your hubby! Again, be sure to consult with your doctor to ensure sex is safe for you.
You may have came across the ole' castor oil trick during your recent research on how to induce labor. Castor oil is a multi purpose vegetable oil and is made by extracting oil from the seeds of the Ricinus communisplant. Personally, I would use this as a last resort as it can bring on excessive diarrhea and dehydration. Two things you definitely don't want, especially while pregnant. So why do people resort to this? When consuming castor oil, it attaches to molecules that make muscles in both your uterus and intestines contract. If you decide to use castor oil, use with caution and of course with docs' approval.
What is it exactly? EPO (evening primrose oil) comes from the evening primrose plant. It is sold in small capsules that contain the oil that can be consumed orally or inserted into the vagina. It can be found at your local drug store, GNC on online at a fair price of roughly $15. It is believed to help the cervix soften as well as thin out preparing your body for labor. Some also believe it helps shorten labor (wohoo)!
Walking (or waddling) does it actually work? Some think this is a myth but it wouldn’t hurt to try! Walking is thought to release the hormone oxytocin (the one we keep referencing) as baby’s head rubs up against your cervix. Go at your own pace, and don’t over walk. Being pregnant is exhausting in itself, don’t over do it!
An excuse to eat? Um…yes please! Now, if spicy food isn’t your thing or it gives you the worst heartburn in the world, steer clear of this one. There isn’t actually any scientific proof with this one, but there is proof it can irritate your intestines just like the castor oil. If you’re already dilated, this can cause your uterus to contract.
Woman are usually advised by their doctor to workout for 30 minutes a day 3-5 days a week. This doesn’t mean you need to get a hardcore workout in at the gym everyday. Even just cleaning the house, doing laundry or taking a morning walk around the block counts. It is said, including exercise into your routine during pregnancy can in turn result in a an easier pregnancy, labor and delivery. Squats and kegal exercises are #1 on opening your pelvic floor to prepare baby for his or her debut. Using a pregnancy ball can also come in handy while performing certain exercises.
So what are you going to try? Whatever you decide your health and baby’s health is the most important, so speak with your doctor prior to trying anything on your own. As tired as we may be of being pregnant, baby will come when they’re ready! Find tips on inducing labor with a birthing ball here!
Good luck Mama!
