Natural Labor Induction Techniques

We all know that by the time you’re into your ninth month the novelty of being pregnant quickly wears off. You’ve long seen your tummy grow, stretching and expanding because of the baby pushing it in all directions. All that’s left is to anxiously wait for the big day to come.

The problem arises when you’ve passed your delivery date and things just don’t seem to be moving along. In response to this situation and the endless numbers of questions we receive everyday, we thought we’d share some useful tips and methods on how to get your labor going naturally.

The Myths

It’s a funny world out there, so along with the real life methods and tips on inducing labor naturally you’re going to find the weird and wonderful aswell. Most of these are not only unsubstantiated but carry no scientific basis behind them, so don’t touch these with a barge pole. Examples include sleeping upside down, eating excessive amounts of butter mixed in milk and even painting the house white. Don’t ask us where these came from because we have no idea, but certainly they’re the ones to avoid.

The Real Labor Inducing Methods

As well as the most commonly known techniques such as walking, nipple stimulation and even sex we’re going to spend most of the article covering the more lesser known techniques in the hope that you’ll find something to suit your personal situation.

Dancing & Music

The first tip is dancing, it’s not very well known but one can induce labor by doing certain forms of dancing. Examples include hula dancing and belly dancing, obviously any form of dancing is fine as long as you do it gently. You might feel a little strange at first but it’s a great way of giving your labor a kick start. Try going into a room, sticking on some relaxing music and dancing, the movements will stimulate the uterus and contraction may begin, so be prepared.

Relaxing

Sometimes the excitement and desire to deliver your baby can mean it just doesn’t happen. Whatever it is, some women have found that simply relaxing and forgetting about the baby can sometimes help get the labor going.

If you feel anxious and can’t stop thinking about labor and the delivery room then relaxation maybe the solution for you. The key point here is do something that will a) relax you b) take your mind off the pregnancy. Some people like to meditate others like to go out and do some shopping, either way do something that will take your mind away from the delivery room.

Foods That Induce Labor

For some people certain foods will stimulate their system to get labor going naturally. Now although there’s no scientific proof with these methods, some women and cultures swear by them, so if you’re not afraid of trying something different check out some of the foods below:

• Castor Oil - This is an age old method which apparently goes as far back as the Egyptians, but essentially it works by acting as a laxative which not only stimulates the guy but also the Uterus. Drinking oil is a pretty nast experience so only do this if you think you’re strong enough. A suggested cocktail is mixing it with orange juice and water.
• Spicy Foods - If you’ve been eating spicy foods throughout your pregnancy this technique may not work but if it’s not your normal stuff, then eating spicy foods may well get the labor contractions going. Just remember not to eat too much, excessively spicy foods such as curries may cause indigestion which wouldn’t be great during your labor.
• Pineapples - Yes funnily enough pineapple is on the list too. Apparently it contains the enzyme bromelain which is thought to soften the cervix, preparing it for labor.

Final Words

Well we hoped you picked up a few new methods from the article, and just remember try these techniques at your own risk, they’re not proven but a large number of women do swear by them. Lastly if you’re at all unsure about a tip or recommendation then always refer back to your doctor who will be the best person to advise you of your situation.