Facing induction after prev. stillbirth--Advice on birthing as natural as possible?

[mikaylasmommy]

Hello ladies,

Due to my daughter being stillborn at 35+ weeks, my doctor thinks it would be best to not go past 38 weeks this time. I understand that this is a different pregnancy and baby, but I also feel that my mental state is very important and I agree with what my doctor says, especially with all the anxiety I have been experiencing (and it doesn't help that the anniversary of her death just passed and her expected due date is approaching).

What I want to know is how I can achieve as natural a birth as possible. I just began drinking Red Raspberry Leaf tea (1 cup/day) and will increase my intake gradually and will begin taking EPO around 34 weeks. I understand that these natural ways of "inducing" labor will not actually work unless my baby and body are ready, but are there other ways of helping the process? Is hoping I go into spontaneous labor between 37-38 weeks to avoid medical induction unrealistic?

Also, do you think asking for a membrane sweep at 37.5 weeks might be too early? If I don't go into labor on my own by 38 weeks, how do you recommend I proceed (maybe cervadil first, AROM, then pitocin if necessary)? Have you or someone you know ever labored without an epidural while on pitocin?"

Thank you for any and all of your suggestions. What matters most is of course is having her arrive healthy, but I am also so hoping to have an empowering birth this time around as it was traumatic and painful my last time.

**Also please excuse any typos as I am on my phone.

 

[ZoeZo]

I'm not sure on the RLT and EPO, I know RLT strengthens the uterus rather than brings on labour? But I mostly wanted to say how sorry I am to hear of Mikayla just can't imagine how you must feel

Another natural method of induction I've heard of is nipple stimulation

https://www.birthingnaturally.net/cn/technique/nipple.html

Wish you all the best

 

[aliss]

so sorry to hear about Mikayla.

i would go with the least invasive options first and then progress from there. I had pitocin before AROM and it did nothing, once they did AROM it went like a rocket. i did the first 24 hours without an epi but found it too much after that.

getting through it without the epi was hard but i found being mobile helped and sitting on the ball. I'm assuming they will want to monitor baby in your case, you can opt for an internal monitor. I understand most women hesitate to use the hook for baby's head but after enduring it with an external monitor and no mobility, i feel it has a lot more value in terms of benefits-risks.

there is a slight risk of infection but it can also be more accurate.

 

[Mervs Mum]

How about some preparation acupuncture? If you can find someone specialising in obstetric acupuncture they can gently encourage things in the run up to your planned induction date. It may help you have a much easier induction and lead less pitocin. It's entirely possible to labour with pitocin without an epidural and I'd be investing lots of time in some relaxation techniques to hek with that.