From the article: How to Avoid an Induction of Labor
As the induction of labor rates rises, so do the complications that go along with induction. How to avoid an induction is something that many women ask about. While you hear of women scheduling inductions for convenience and using Pitocin (drug to induce labor) like candy, there are also many women who wish to avoid an induction of labor. What's your advice for women who want to let labor start on its own. Share Your Advice
Induction
- First hire a doula next, advocate for yourself, know your options and stay home as long as possible when you go into labor.
- —Guest Linda Brown
Get a doctor on board!
- My first OB induced every before or on their due date. I saw something on the news about how risky that was and when I asked him, he said yes. I asked if I could wait for my baby to come on its own, he said no, it wasn't his practice. I left there at 37 weeks and didn't look back! I'm expecting number two and happy I waited for my first baby, born just after 41 weeks.
- —Guest Tracee
Choose a midwife
- Consider choosing a midwife for your care instead of an O.B. Unless you are high risk, you are likely a candidate for their personalized care which, unlike the medical model used by O.B.s, does not seek to intervene unless there is a medical reason for it. That said, not all midwives are alike, so be sure to screen yours. While most are willing to avoid induction, some especially Certified Nurse Midwives, may still take a more medicalized approach. Discuss your concerns early on.
- —Guest Christy
