Trying to get labor going at 40w4d.
With my BP going up, protein in urine, and getting sick with fever this past Tuesday for the second time in a month, I am afraid I was not able to talk my doctor out of scheduling me for an induction this coming Monday night at 41w0d.
I'm really trying to give it the college try to get it going this weekend. Even with my desires for a natural birth, even I am concerned about going much beyond 41 weeks, so Monday is my deadline. (Am I getting myself kicked out of naturalbirth as I publish this?)
So far I'm knee-deep in fresh pineapple, been bouncing on my yoga ball, walked for 40 minutes today even though it was pretty uncomfortable, have been trying to climb the stairs in my house when I can, I'm doing what I can to get psychologically ready.
I think what remains from my understanding short of hospital induction is castor oil (ehhh), sex (yeah OK but I am just not even remotely in the mood), herbs (not really my thing, sorry), some sort of raspberry tea, and nipple stimulation.
More than a few people have recommended that I use my breast pump to stimulate my nipples. I have a Medela double-electric pump that was given to me. I'm a little wary of doing this just because I don't want to start, um, abusing (?) my nipples before I even start breastfeeding for the first time ever, and I don't particularly want a pump I have to clean that I have no idea how to do, and storage bags with colostrum I don't expect to have to use later. But yes, if it's going to work, I will try it.
Penny Simpkin's Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Newborn recommends that I should be stimulating my nipples with my hands for an hour at a time, three times a day. I mean, I'm off work and all, but this does not sound like any way to be spending 3 hours a day.
Does anyone have experience with using a double electric pump to induce labor? Advice? Thoughts?
I'm really trying to give it the college try to get it going this weekend. Even with my desires for a natural birth, even I am concerned about going much beyond 41 weeks, so Monday is my deadline. (Am I getting myself kicked out of naturalbirth as I publish this?)
So far I'm knee-deep in fresh pineapple, been bouncing on my yoga ball, walked for 40 minutes today even though it was pretty uncomfortable, have been trying to climb the stairs in my house when I can, I'm doing what I can to get psychologically ready.
I think what remains from my understanding short of hospital induction is castor oil (ehhh), sex (yeah OK but I am just not even remotely in the mood), herbs (not really my thing, sorry), some sort of raspberry tea, and nipple stimulation.
More than a few people have recommended that I use my breast pump to stimulate my nipples. I have a Medela double-electric pump that was given to me. I'm a little wary of doing this just because I don't want to start, um, abusing (?) my nipples before I even start breastfeeding for the first time ever, and I don't particularly want a pump I have to clean that I have no idea how to do, and storage bags with colostrum I don't expect to have to use later. But yes, if it's going to work, I will try it.
Penny Simpkin's Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Newborn recommends that I should be stimulating my nipples with my hands for an hour at a time, three times a day. I mean, I'm off work and all, but this does not sound like any way to be spending 3 hours a day.
Does anyone have experience with using a double electric pump to induce labor? Advice? Thoughts?