As soon as I mentioned I was having an induction, I was bombarded with ‘advice’ or ‘facts’ about how terrible it was going to be. There are plenty of myths and misconceptions about induction that can cause unnecessary stress and anxiety. So, let’s take a ride and bust some of these myths!
Myth #1: Induction is only done when there’s a problem. Fact: While induction can be medically necessary in certain situations, such as when the mother’s, parent’s or baby’s health is at risk, it’s not always the case. Sometimes, induction may be chosen for social reasons (sometimes referred to as a social induction), or because the parents choose this for some other reasons. It is my strong belief that people should not have to continually justify their reason for induction. It’s about making the right choice for you and your family, and it’s your choice, not your mother in laws, or your friend, or some random person on the internet.
Myth #2: Induction always leads to a C-section. Fact: Nope! While the risk of a C-section may be slightly higher with induction, it’s not a guarantee. Many give birth vaginally after being induced, in our induction birth story library you’ll find both induction stories including Caesarean births and vaginal births.
Myth #3: Induction is the most painful thing ever. Fact: It’s no walk in the park just like birth generally, but it’s not necessarily a nightmare. There are plenty of pain management options available, including hypnobirthing, gas and air, an epidural or other medications, to help make the experience more comfortable, just as there is with non-induced labours. And there are so many things you can do to support yourself and reduce pain levels, take a look at our induction of labour course for lots of tools and info for your induction toolkit. To me it’s about stacking the odds in your favour, whether that’s mindset, active labour, pain relief or anything else that works for you.
Myth #4: Induction always works. Fact: Induction is not always successful. It depends on various factors, such as your cervical readiness and the type of induction method used. Often you’ll hear the term ‘failed induction’ used, this can feel pretty rubbish to hear! In fact it’s not your body that’s failed but the procedure, your body is doing exactly what it believes is best, keeping baby in. Of course by choosing an induction you’ve consciously decided it’s the best option, but your body hasn’t got the message, so it really hasn’t failed!
Myth #5: Induction only happens in the hospital. Fact: While induction typically occurs in the hospital, there are some instances where some of the steps may be done at home, or you may be in hospital for a while then return home, this is quite common with the Cook Balloon method of induction.
Myth #6: Induction means you’re not having a “natural birth” or a “hypnobirthing birth”. Fact: Labels for birth should be thrown out! Induction is just one of many ways to start or speed up labour. Whether you have a completely unmedicated birth, use pain management options, or are induced, every birth is unique and special. Labelling births as natural, or as a hypnobirth or anything else promotes the idea of passing and failing at things and that doesn’t feel good.
Myth #7: Induction is a terrible thing to have to go through. Fact: Induction can be a necessary intervention, but it doesn’t always have to be a negative experience. With the right support and information, you can make informed decisions about your labour and delivery experience. I remember feeling devastated when I realised induction was the way forward for me, but with support and encouragement I was able to change my mindset and have a positive experience. You can also read lots of positive birth stories in our birth story library.
In conclusion, induction of labour doesn’t have to be a scary or negative experience. By busting these myths and misconceptions, you can approach induction with a more open and informed mindset. Remember, every ride is different, but with the right preparation and support, you can take back control of your experience.