If you're like me and your babies like to stay cozy...here is a list of ways you can help start labor! (And avoid being induced...) Plus if you've had a C-section like I did with my first baby, there are some options that aren't safe and you may have to consider some of these instead.
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1. Curb Walking
Basically this looks like walking down the street but with one foot up on the curb and the other in the gutter. Apparently it helps open up your hips which can in turn, help baby descend and get their head engaged on your cervix. I *think* this really helped me get labor going with baby #2.
2. Have sex.
Did you know that sex can help start labor? My midwife educated me more on this as well — semen actually contains a high amount of prostaglandin (a hormone‐like substance which ripens the cervix). And if you have an orgasm, it can help stimulate the uterus to help labor start as well. Sex in general can release the hormone oxytocin, which causes contractions.
3. Nipple Stimulation
Rubbing or gentle pinching of the nipples releases oxytocin. Either you or your partner can do this, or you can even use a breast pump for a few minutes at a time.
4. Ask your doctor or midwife to strip your membranes.
Basically, this just means that your doctor or midwife will use a gloved hand to separate the amniotic sac from the wall of the uterus. I had this done twice with baby #3 and although it's uncomfortable, I wouldn't say it was painful (at least for me).
5. Mentally clear and relax.
I know it's hard to hear: "Exercise! Have sex! Make freezer meals! Oh and relax too!" But really. There is a reason labor often starts in the middle of the night. I think a big part of why I didn't go into labor on my own with baby #3 is because I had such a long to-do list and I just mentally didn't let go of it! There's something to be said for clearing your mind and your schedule and mentally preparing to have a baby.
What about you? What got your labor going?