Before attempting to induce labor, even using natural induction techniques,
remember any induction technique is still an intervention and should be used with caution. Copyright 2001 by PageWise, Inc.
Discuss with Your Care Provider First
Discuss any natural induction techniques with your practitioner before using. The following natural induction techniques are less dangerous than drug induced labor, but it is best not to use any of them unless you have already reached your due date.
Start After a Good Night’s Sleep Only
Use the natural induction techniques early in the day when you are well rested. Another thing to keep in mind is that many of these techniques will not work unless your body and the baby are ready for labor. The same cannot be said with medically-induced labor.
Walk, Walk, Walk
- Stay active. This can help the baby engage and can encourage contractions to start.
Make Love
- Sexual Intercourse. Semen on the cervix and having an orgasm can both stimulate labor.
Stimulate Your Own Oxytocin
- Nipple Stimulation. This is one of the safest forms of
induction because it uses the mother’s natural oxytocin. Apply warm compresses to your breasts and alternately stimulate each breast manually or using a breast pump for 15 minutes each until contractions begin.
Stay Calm
- Anxiety alone can delay the onset of labor.Get quiet and relaxed, and imagine your uterus contracting as well as the process of labor.
Acupressure
- Three main acupressure points for encouraging labor are: the roof of your mouth just behind the ridge behind the teeth, four finger widths above the inner ankle, between the thumb and forefinger.
Spicy Foods and Pineapple
- If it doesn’t give you heartburn, eating lots of pineapple is reputed to begin labor.
- Spicy Food. Again, only use this if it won’t give you heartburn.
Herbs and Spices and Prosaglandins
- Cumin Tea. This is used by midwives in Latino cultures. Traditionally, a raw cube of potato is added to the tea, but the reason for this is not known
- Natural Prostaglandins. Borage oil, evening primrose oil, flax seed oil, and black current oil all ripen and soften the cervix and increase the flexibility of the pelvic ligaments. You can take the capsules orally or put one or two in the vagina to melt. Use directly on the cervix only if the amniotic sac is still intact. These will not start labor. They only prepare the cervix.
.< - Herbs. Black and blue cohosh are common herbs for inducing labor, but these should not be used if a woman is anemic or has a history of postpartum bleeding. Combinations of false unicorn, black haw, and wild yam can be useful. Goldenseal is an herb that should be used with extreme caution for starting labor. You should only use this if you are two weeks past your due date and want to avoid synthetic drugs. Goldenseal can be EXTREMELY effective and the full effects of it are not known. Proceed with caution or with the advice of a certified herbalist or midwife knowledgeable and experienced in the use of herbs.
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Use the natural induction techniques early in the day when you are well rested. Copyright 2001 by PageWise, Inc.
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