Inductions can sound so scary! Especially with all the information that is shared online and between friends that have had babies previously. First, let’s remember that while inductions sound scary, oftentimes they are not.
1. Inductions can take a LONG time. In fact, the average labor lasts anywhere from 12-24 hours. I often tell clients to hope for the 12 hour labor but anticipate a 36 hour labor. I say 36 because currently that's the longest labor that I have attended. Anticipating the longer labor helps prepare you for it. Remember that every pregnancy, labor and parenting journey is different so while one person may have an 8 hour induction, another one could be a 24 hour induction.
2. There is such a thing as a gentle induction. Talk with your provider about this prior to your induction date. You will want to ask questions like; how do you plan to start my induction? Can I go home after my induction has started? If you aren’t starting your induction with pitocin ask to start with a cervical ripener at night so you can rest before the pitocin starts. Or ask to do a pitocin induction starting in the morning after a full (ish) night of sleep. I would also ask if your provider is ok with stopping the pitocin once a steady labor pattern has started. It's entirely possible that once a labor pattern is established that your body will just take over and do the rest.
3. You don't have to use pain management if you don’t want to. Although, it's totally ok to use pain management if you do want to too.
4. Your doula can still support you through your induction. Everything from providing hands-on support to postpartum care. Your doula would be pleased to support you and your partner.
5. Remember to stay active leading up to your induction date. To help your baby stay (or get into) an ideal fetal position you will want to keep moving your body. This can be simple daily stretches, a daily walk, or even stretching on your birth ball. Ensuring that baby is in that ideal position will help to make sure that you have an efficient and positive birthing experience.
Did you have an induction? How was your experience?
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