Positive, epidural-free induction experiences?

[josh_2415]

I'm a little desperate here.  I've been planning to have a natural birth my entire pregnancy.  But, I'm 42 weeks today, and I've been having contractions 5-7 minutes apart since I woke up yesterday morning.  I went to an appointment this morning, and my midwife said they absolutely need to induce me tomorrow at 6am.  They're worried about fetal distress, among other issues.

I'm kind of devastated and have been crying on and off since I found out.  My poor husband doesn't know what to do.  I'm not super hopeful that labor will progress on its own.  I know I should be happy that our son is being born, and I feel kind of guilty for being so distraught, but I can't really help it.

However, I absolutely do not plan on getting any pain meds, even though I've heard being induced makes the contractions a whole lot worse.  The rest of our plans for labor have been taken away from us, so I feel we can at least still have this.

Anyone have any positive pain-med free induction stores?

[GeekMom1213]

Ask to start with cervidil instead of going straight for the pit. You've been having contractions, your body just needs a little something to kick it into gear. Cervidil might be all you need. And it would probably be much much easier on your body, significantly less stressful and painful.
I have not been induced but I have had a med-free birth, and it was an amazing experience. Trust yourself. Trust your body. You can totally do it. You'll do awesome. Don't give up. Don't let anyone push you into anything you don't want. Relax and let your body do its job - don't forget to breathe. If you hold your breath you'll tense up and you can't dilate if you're all tense and terrified. This is what you've been waiting for. Go for it!
(In addition, as a nurse, I would absolutely advise against trying castor oil at this point. You are overdue enough that the risk of baby passing meconium in utero is pretty significant already - you don't need to add any more risk factors, I personally think it would be a bad choice.)

[Isabelmommy]

Sometimes things dont happen as planed. I wanted no epidural with my first but when it came down to it I got it and I did not feel guilty about it afterwards. Just try your best an go with the flow. Labor is never how you imagine if this is your first.

[jen0221]

I would maybe try the castor oil then. It is pretty cheap and it might work. I'd say you have nothing to lose by trying it. There also is a pressure point on the ankles that I learned about when i went to massage school. I can't remember exactly where it is at, but I bet if you looked it up online you could find it. It is a spot that is contraindicated for pregnant women because if massaged, it can cause them to go into labor. That might be worth looking up too.

[josh_2415]

Thanks for the stories.  It's helpful to know that other women have been in the same place.  :)  Jen0221, unfortunately, I've had my membranes stripped 3 times already.  It hasn't really done anything for me.  :/

[jen0221]

I did a more natural induction with my first. I took some castor oil and my midwife stripped my membranes. I wouldn't recommend doing either if you were in different circumstances, but if you have to go in anyway, it isn't the most terrible thing. Labor was hard and very spuratic most of the time, but I can't imagine pitocin would be any better.... When I did it, I had my membranes stripped in the morning and took the castor oil as soon as we got home, which was around 12-1 or so. My water broke at about 4. Contractions started within 5 minutes of my water breaking and my son was born at 7:51 that evening. I did a natural home water birth. It was hard, but in the end I had the natural birth I wanted. You can also try sex or nipple stimulation. Best of luck!!!!!! Keep me updated pretty please! :)

[Rsdavis]

I was induced at 41 weeks with my first due to sudden high blood pressure and I did it med free. I was induced at 12:15 and contractions started 10min later which were very intense until my water broke at 6am and then what I thought was intense wasn't lol. I started pushing at 9am and she came out at 11:30! I did the whole thing med free and loved it, I delivered my second med free and plan to do this one med free also. Good luck and with the right person by your side it can be done and enjoyed!

[xxXxshannon23xx]

With my daughter I went in ayer my water broke but my contractions weren't very strong so they gave me pitocin to help then a couple hours latest they jumped it up to a lot of pitocin and my midwife stretched me a couple times but I ended up having her no epidural and only .5mg of what ever IV pain med. It was hard to do definitely bring a stress ball. But if you stay focused you'll be fine!