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Getting Labor Started
Ok ladies I know we are all getting to the point that we want our little ones to get here. Had my OB appointment today and Naomi is engaged but no dilation as of yet. I was wanting to know if there was anything you ladies knew to try to get things going? I was thinking about taking a walk to see if I could get something to start happening but is there anything else I can try?
I have been walking a ton and DH and I had sex today, so I am praying something will start up soon. I have been having more contractions, but nothing too painful or enough to worry about having to go in. The sex wasn't all that great for me, as it kind of hurt. Is this normal? With my other two I didn't have sex after 6 months b/c either DH wasn't interested, I wasn't in the mood, or I was on bedrest. I might end up trying to pump if nothing happens within the next week!
If you've breastfeed before they do say that the milk does come in faster. When breastfeeding multiple children the body will actually change what to give the baby based on the slivia(sp), although I'm not sure as I basically pumped after the first 5 weeks. I know that some dr's suggest mom's to stop a month or two before they are due, although not every somen follows that. I did a lot of looking into it a while back, but I don't remember most of the stuff.
I've always wondered about moms who breast feed their babies up until the birth of the next baby..... the colostrum won't come in before the newborn comes right? And does their milk supply kick in faster and better? If it does- is it because the mom has been breastfeeding, or is it because most moms who breastfeed that long have unmedicated births (medications during labor can interrupt milk supply).... is there just a correlation or real medically backed information. I haven't had time to research the topic personally!
Well pumping works better than most other nipple stimulation. Some soon to be mom's will breastfeed another baby to help it along instead of pumping. It works best if you pump both sides (start on low and use a lube so it doesn't hurt, I prefer olive oil). When I pumped it was jump starting labor, although shortly after I stopped it stopped. If your that close it might be just what you need to set you off! And if you choose to pump, stop pumping as soon as a contraction starts, then shortly after it stops start again. As alaysha said I think what I read was if you pump through contractions it can hyper stimulate things and that's what can be bad for the baby. Many mom's are still breastfeeding there youngest towards the end up a pregnancy and don't stop, so it is safe regardless. The pump isn't that much different from nursing a baby.
Its supposed to be the only thing proven to stimulate contractions but you have to do it 3 times a day for an hour each time. Only thing is its not recommended since it can cause extremely strong contractions that can do more harm to baby then good.
I am 4cm and 90% effaced, but haven't progressed any and my little one is SO low that I can barely walk. Been having a ton of painful BH, but nothing!!!! My hubby won't have sex with me until at least next week;( b/c I guess he is afraid I will immediately go into labor! I was praying that the full moon might work, but that's wishful thinking!!!! I am SO miserable & ready!!! When you say pumping, does that mean any type of nipple stimulation? Has that worked for any of you before?
For contractions and dilation I've heard sex and pumping are the most effective. Walking and birthing ball can be effective too, but only if the baby engages correctly.
Did they tell you which station you are at? Engaged can be anywhere from +5 to -5 with +5 being she's crowning, 0 head is fully engaged and you should be in labor -5 free floating. Until she fully engages she can move back at anytime. My daighter went from a -1 to a -2 and back to a -1 in only a couple days. I would still do exercises to help her get lower since the lower she is the more pressure she puts on your cervix and the more likely you are to dilate.
I need to get my contractions going and get my cervix to dilate and thin out. She is where she needs to be just needs to get her way out open.
I've been walking, getting Chiropractic adjustments, saw a acupuncturist, Doing figure eights with my hips and sitting on a birthing ball. They've all helped out a lot. I've got an apt with my midwife in a few hours so I'll have a better idea where I'm at and what else I can do. It depends on what you need, Sex is another good thing too. Sperm will help the cervix soften and diolate. Also, pumping can help bring on contractions, I've also tried that a little and it seemed to help some, although I'm at the point where I need the baby in a better position as I'm having a lot of contractions. Good luck!
I've been walking for the last couple of days and my BH contractions have seem to calm down. Before I use to get about 3 an hour, now I'm only getting about 1 an hour!!! I heard acupressure is really good for inducing labor. You can try workouts. Sit on a workout ball and rotate in circles. I got my mom to let me borrow her workout ball so I'll be trying that today. Last, but certainly not least, sex!!! Sex is suppose to be really good for that. I remember with my daughter I had sex that night and by 3 am I was having contractions!! I hope it works because if none of the above work for me then I will have to try the sex too!! On the acupressure look it up on yahoo and it'll give you instructions on how to perform it yourself. Good luck, let me know if any work!!
Walking can help since it puts the babys head on your cervix which causes pressure and can help with dilation and effacement. Since getting off bedrest I have walked all over the place, had sex frequently, drank organic red raspberry tea, ect and other than dilating 1 cm more on the 2 I already had nothing has happened. The only thing proven to kinda start contractions is nipple stimulation but even then its like 3 times a day for an hour each time but not recommended at all because it causes super strong contractions which could cause more harm then good. I know you are going to hate me saying it but until your body is ready nothing is going to help get labor started. You can even be induced and not have labor start if your body isnt ready. I know how anxious you are to meet your daughter but you only have 2 more weeks! Im sure within that time something will get start happening!
If you are married, you may want to tell your husband it is time to have sex. Sometimes that will help get things going. Walking can also help.
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