Naturally induce labor and avoid a medical induction. Naturally inducing labor will make labor easier on you and easier on your baby. But if you’re past your due date, chances are pretty good you’re getting pressured to medically induce your labor. These 10 tips can naturally induce your labor. Naturally inducing labor takes patience and consistency. It won’t happen overnight unless your body is really ready for labor. So hang in there, and stick with it. You can naturally induce your labor and have a great birth experience.

KEEP MOVING TO NATURALLY INDUCE LABOR!

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from whattoexpect.com

Keep moving, walking, swimming, yoga, exercise. All these could facilitate contractions to start. Exercise can help your baby get into a position with the head against the cervix. The pressure of the baby’s head on the cervix can naturally induce labor. 

HAVE SEX TO NATURALLY INDUCE LABORImage result for free images of couples in love

Have sex. Prostaglandin is the hormone that helps to ripen and soften the cervix. There is plenty of prostaglandin in semen. Stimulating an orgasm will stimulate your body’s production of oxytocin, the hormone that causes contractions. So, yes! Sex can naturally induce labor. Have fun!

STIMULATE THE NIPPLES TO START CONTRACTIONS

Breast stimulation is often one of the safest types of natural induction. You can rub the nipples, or you can massage the entire breast. You must do it one breast at a time for 15 minutes at a time. You can use an electric breast pump or a hand pump if you prefer not to massage or rub the breasts. Apply heat compresses to your breasts and alternately stimulate one breast manually or employ a breast pump till contractions begin. This can take some time to stimulate your body’s oxytocin production, so be patient. You can also do it daily for a few days in a row. Natural induction requires patience and may not happen immediately.

RELAX, LET GO!

Practice relaxation. Use Mindfulness techniques. There are many free Mindfulness apps available. Anxiety alone will delay the onset of labor.

VISUALIZE YOUR LABOR

Get quiet and relaxed, and picture your baby getting ready, in the right position. Visualize your birth happening exactly the way you want it to.

ACUPRESSURE NATURALLY INDUCES LABOR

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Maya Benattar

The 4 main treatment points for naturally inducing labor are:
the roof of your mouth simply behind the ridge behind the teeth, like thumb sucking; four finger-widths higher than the inner ankle joint; deep between the thumb and index finger in the webbing of your hand; The center of the palm of your hand. Apply light pressure with the thumb of your opposite hand.

EAT PINEAPPLE

Some women swear that eating a lot of pineapple has naturally induced their labor.

EAT SPICY FOOD

Spicy Food. Be aware it could cause heartburn or an upset stomach. I’m not sure that would be worth naturally inducing labor.

HAVE A CUP OF TEA TO NATURALLY INDUCE LABOR

Cumin Tea is often utilized by midwives in Latino cultures to naturally induce labor.

CONSULT AN HERBALIST 

Black and Blue Cohosh are common herbs used to treat a variety of female hormonal issues. Herbs should be used with extreme caution for beginning labor. You must solely use these if you are post-dates, 41+ weeks.  You should only use them to naturally induce labor after consulting with a certified herbalist or midwife knowledgeable in the use of herbs in pregnancy.

This information does not substitute for a care provider-patient relationship and should not be relied on as personal medical advice. Any information should not be acted upon without professional input from one’s own healthcare provider. The views and opinions expressed in these articles are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of my employer.