pitocin

[hippobaby]

What exactly is this and do you have to take it? I'm wanting to go all natural. I recently watched a documentary on Netflix about it and it made want to go natural. Called The business of being born I believe. Any inputs on it those who've seen it? Any experiences you care to share with pitocin or natural birth? Due in 6 weeks and would love some intake on what's best.

[hippobaby]

Oh wow thank you countrymomtobe! I just don't want labor to go longer nor do I want the process to be sped up. She'll come when she's ready. I don't want Dr's to push it when she's being slow is all.

[CountryMomToBe]

Pitocin is synthetic oxytocin.   Oxytocin is what is released in your body naturally during orgasm or arousal (nipple stimulation, etc...).  If I am not mistaken I thinj it is also released when you make eye contact with people, particularly those you are attracted to, etc... It is essentially the love hormone.  It is released naturally during labor & is responsible for helpung your labor progress as well as bonding mommy & baby.    

There was a study done not long ago about people on the autism spectrum being unable to secrete proper levels of oxytocin for social interaction.   Quite interesting actually.

Anyway, ignore my tangent... lol Basically pitocin IS overused in hospitals... but I don't always think it's the fault of the hospital.... a lot of women these days actually *choose* to be induced (which is beyond me).

So, if your body is not truly ready for labor and you are given pitocin to speed things up it actually does put you at a higher risk for longer, more painful, more arduous labor or emergency c section.  

Now, I am quite positive that there are medical situations in which pitocin can be beneficial.... but if you are wanting an "all natural" birth then you probably would just want to stick with your body's natural hormone rather than the synthetic version.

I am a FTM, so I have never actually been in labor (though I'm planning a natural homebirth sometime in the next 14 + or - days)... but all of my information came from loads of research (I.e. books, trusted websites, etc...)

[hippobaby]

When you say induced, does that mean when they give you pitocin?
And thank you all for the input! I think just all the scary stories my friends had went through it made me wonder if I really wanted an epidural or not. Still unsure what I want as a birth plan. I was told epidural would help since most likely I'll go through back labor, but I've known people to get one and not be able to push because of being numb that they have to have a c section. Has this happened to anyone here??

[mitch_14]

I had to be induced for medical reasons with both my first two boys and both births were fast and great no problems at all.

[whisper3rdbaby]

I had my 1st natural no pain meds or nothing but with my 2nd they decided I was at 5cm too long and wanted to speed things up and started the pitocin drip without discussing it with me 1st. The pain was beyond excruciating, it sent my blood pressure extremely high and my baby started to go into distress. I didn't dilate any further and I actually ended up with a hemorrhage because of it. They finally gave me an epidural 12hrs later because 1st time I asked stupid nurse stuck me in leg saying that med was better than epidural and then I had to wait 9hrz after that to get the epidural. I did not dilate further until they finally stopped the pitocin and then an hour after that I finally started dilating. Not every woman has a bad experience but inducing you carries a lot of risk and you should do your research. Doctors do like to get things done on their own schedule and can be quick to induce even if their is no reason. Honestly unless there is a medical need I wouldn't recommend it. This pregnancy there is a need for me to get it and I plan to try and get labor started and going on my own before if not I pray this time goes better than last because I'm terrified of what happened last time.

[brit333]

The thing is just because you have a baby with no pain medication doesn't make you a better mom. That's sorts what i got from that movie. It's like having to have a c section. Just because you didnt experience labor doesn't mean that you are less of a mom. Every labor and delivery is different. They all come with their little hiccups and everyone handles labor differently. I tried to go natural but was so exhausted by the time I was 8cm that I decided to get an epidural because I needed energy to push and the only way I would get that was a little break from the pain. My contractions were so close together I didn't have time to recover before the next one hit. My best advise is keep an open mind during labor. Just because you have a birth plan doesn't mean that's exactly what will happen. A healthy baby and mom is all that matters in the end. Don't feel like if you decide to have some pain management that you have failed. You are still a mom no matter what! Do what you feel is right for you and baby.

[kaylastiritz]

Everyone is gonna have horror stories of labor, but just remember that doesn't mean your labor is gonna be that way just trust & believe follow your instinct its gonna be your best guide! & even in labor don't be afraid to get a second opinion if you don't like or aren't comfortable with what your doctor/nurse says, it's your birth experience!

[kaylastiritz]

My sister in law told me to watch the business of being born & honestly I thought it was very one sided as well I didn't like the vibe it put off & honestly made me nothing but more afraid of labor & what they said happens in hospitals, but after birthing classes and talking to my doctor it seems to me to just not be how things are, at least not where I am. Truthfully in my opinion when your getting ready to have that baby what's best for you & what's best for the baby is what needs to be done! Anyone can give there opinion or advise but when it comes down to it no one is gonna know whats right for you except you & your doctor. I didn't want to be induced unless I needed to be I'm now 40+5 days if he doesn't come on his own I will be getting induced on Sunday he will be 10 days late by that point I'm just not dialting & there are risks with him being so late such as getting too big, & him inhaling merconium. My doctor does not believe in inducing to early or too late since both run a higher risk for a c section. I would ask your doctor what their views and policies are for inducing & then see how you feel.

[hippobaby]

Mind you I'll do anything if it means the safety of my baby of course. My baby comes first. But was just wanting to know all my options. I'm in the middle of switching hospitals so I don't really have any Dr to ask and advice from personal experience would really help me

[hippobaby]

I agree about the documentary in that they went a little extreme about how bad hospitals are and all. But they made it seem like natural was the safest and most rewarding experience, so that's why I was wanting to try. I'm scared to take meds in labor because I've had so many friends say they took them like epidural and ended up not being able to push, so then having to have a c section. :(

[brit333]

I agree with previous poster about the approach they took. It is a very one sided documentary that is not the case for all hospitals and or doctors. I watched it after I had my baby and every thing they said was opposite of my experience. With that being said I had pitocin yes but it was at the tail end of labor because my contractions had slowed down to much during the time I was pushing and they needed them closer together. You don't have to have it if you don't want tho.

[Butterball66]

I had my first all natural. No pain no drugs no nothing. Had been in labor all day and didnt know. Great experience i just had push when they told me cause i felt no contractions. With my second they gave me pitocin and i wish i didnt. While i had a great birth i felt everything til i finally gave in and was given epidural. If you want to go natural pitocin is not the way to go in my opinion. And the birth video is complete crap to me. Hope this helps and you have a great birth.

[mommiKat]

I watched that.. & was dissappointed in the approach they Took. I'm 22wks with baby #3. I've had pitocin both times around.  Pitocin is a drug used to speed up & strengthen contractions. No you don't have to have it but if it is medically necessary there is nothing wrong with it. With my first,  baby failed the stress test so baby had to come out.  I was induced the next morning.  They broke my water & started me on pitocin because I wasn't dilating enough. You ridk infection after your water breaks.  So I got the epudural & had a great labor. With my second, my water broke on it'd own & I got to l&d they started me on pitocin becsuse I was only 3cm for hours. Wanted to natural but pitocin gives you horrible contractions. So got the epidural again,  great labor experience. Go in with an open mind whatever you decide.  The best way to have a baby is, safe & healthy.