Let’s be honest, induction isn’t usually the first thing that comes to mind when people are thinking of their ideal birth, but in reality many of us end up here, trying to make our non-ideal scenario the best it can be.
Series after series of One Born Every Minute shows endless inductions with the outcomes almost always the same; a forceps delivery or a dash to theatre. Part of the problem is that this only gives us an edited version of reality. We don’t see relevant information being shared with these parents, and many of them may be misinformed, or were not given options, or reassured along the way that they can ask questions, change positions, and take back ownership of their experience.
Not only was this unfair on those in labour being filmed, the implications on someone watching this whilst pregnant can be negative, and many don’t realise this. Watching such scenes on TV without any accompanying explanation for what is happening might not be the best way to present induction responsibly!
The point is, there is a lot you can do to make a positive difference!
It is imperative that the whole picture around induction is given, the benefits, risks, alternatives, and for those that choose induction moving forward to look at how we can make the experience as calm as possible. Education and mindset are key!
Here are some top tips that can help make your induction more positive:
1 – Acceptance: It sounds so simple but it is imperative to able to move forward. This is sometimes the first thing you need to do, accept birth may need a kick start, accept that you are making a decision that is right for you and baby. It is normal to feel a level of loss or grief at the birth you had hoped for if your plans have changed, or to feel frustrated with your body in this situation, if you experience this, do be gentle with yourself and know you are not alone in feeling this.
Owning that decision has a huge impact on your mindset, your ability to work with your body in labour and how you feel about birth.
Time may be on your side in the days before you go into hospital, so check your bag again, have a nosy around the shops for any last minute baby grows in the sale! Once you have agreed with your caregiver on the date of your induction, use that time to meet with friends, maybe do something lovely with your birth partner… anything that usually becomes a logistical headache on the other side of birth!
2 -Connect with Baby – That leads on to knowing when you are likely to meet baby. When you have accepted induction, it can make the prospect of knowing when you will actually see and hold your little one for the first time so exciting and reassuring. Enjoy your bump those few hours or days more. They will be super alert now so talk to them, dance, sing. The bond does deepen doing these things, and it’s a nice reminder to reconnect with why you are doing this.
3 – Breathe Take time to breathe! It is worth investing time into learning breathing techniques that calm the mind and body.
Breathing techniques in labour can have a huge impact, it can help you feel calm and in control, and it can influence the release of certain hormones. Different methods of breath control in the stages of labour actually help relax the uterine muscles and therefore ease the sensations you are feeling.
If you are yet to look into these methods, it is strongly encouraged to do so and practice a range of breathing techniques that will support your mindset and physical use of energy. [This is covered in The Positive Induction Course]
4 – Get Moving – This is one of the most common tips, to get moving in the last days of pregnancy and in labour, but I want to add, if it feels good for your body. Yes there are many benefits of movement, in late pregnancy using different positions to allow baby into an optimal position, and in labour to help baby move through the pelvis and to find more comfort, but listening to what your body is telling you is important too.
Generally where possible, during labour, keep upright, off the bed and leant forward where comfortable. This will help open up the pelvis and of course gravity is on your side! If you are having the pessary or balloon this is a much more viable option. If you are on the drip and really want to be off the bed, use the edge of the bed as a support to lean on. Your hospital might even have wireless monitors for you and baby that can allow for more movement in the space. Have these conversations with your health care provider so you feel in control!
5 -Hypnobirthing – Know that Hypnobirthing works in this situation as well as any other, and I may argue that it’s even more important for induction!
A lot of people assume Hypnobirthing has to be totally natural, drug free and in a pool! This is definitely not true!
If you have been fortunate to complete a course, continue to practice the breathing techniques and ask your teacher for support. Hypnobirthing can be even more useful in induction as it helps to keep you calm if there are uncertainties.
You want to keep the hormones regulated as much as you can to avoid delays, exhaustion and assistance with delivery; breathing and calmness is your greatest tool.
If you’ve not done any hypnobirthing, or even if you did but you want induction specific resources, sign up for the Positive Induction Course now for induction specific hypnobirthing tools and techniques.
Research is vital, you may notice that many of the 5 things include things to do before your induction, even if you only have a few hours, there is still lots you can do to feel prepared and ready. Taking time to do even a little research so you are armed with knowledge. If you have knowledge, you have power, and super birth powers at that, to give you a say in one of the most important day of your life!
What are you doing to prepare for your induction?