Self-Induce Labor

Updated on October 28, 2008
A.A. asks from Tracy, CA
74 answers

Hi,

I'm a first time mother and am passed my due date. I'm very uncomfortable and am anxious to go into labor and meet my little one. Do any of you have successful experiences with inducing your own labor? I've tried sex, spicey food, and ankle massages. Any tips or advice of what to do OR not do would be very helpful.

Thank you!

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So What Happened?

Hi Everyone,

I'm shocked and grateful for all of your responses! I was nearly desperate for my little one to arrive. I tried most things mentioned from the Prego Pizza, to spicey Indian food, to the Rasberry Red Leaf tea, to walking, squatting on a yoga ball, to cleaning, etc. I don't know exactly what worked for me...maybe the combination of it all including the fact that I was passed my due date. Thank you all again for your responses and hope this was helpful for other mothers that read it. I was blessed with a beautiful and healthy baby boy!

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R.A.

answers from San Francisco on

i was advised to walking. I wud go to the mall and walk the whole day with breaks in the middle. Also climbing stairs worked wid me. Goodluck!

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C.H.

answers from Sacramento on

I have heard that pineapple is supposed to help bring on labor. I don't know if it does, but I was eating a can a day (didn't know it was a labor aid, it just tasted good to me!) and had my son 10 days early.

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G.M.

answers from San Francisco on

Going for walks really worked for me. My contractions stopped and started for a couple of days, but each time I walked they started up again.

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D.S.

answers from Fresno on

I know you are very anxious to meet your new little one and probably very uncomfortable too. I was the same way you were; I was huge, swollen and incredibly itchy all over due to two different rashes. But I'm going to repeat what some other moms have said: Enjoy these last few days you and your husband have to relax! Go get a pedicure or a pregnancy massage, take walks with your husband and revel in how things are now and how they will change. Just be lazy and lay in bed all day.
People will say all sorts of silly things worked for them. Heck, I could say the gigantic banana split I had the night I went into labor worked or the pull of all the electronic gizmos as I walked around Best Buy did the trick. In the end, your baby will come when it is ready. Be thankful for those last few days. You will look back on them fondly someday!

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M.H.

answers from Merced on

Good evening A.! I read so many of the responses that I finally gave up....the list was too long! I'm not even sure if you will read this one! I just want to agree with Sarah. You should be sure that you are ready for this baby and that you are not allowing your nervousness/anxiety cause you to not go into labor. Be sure that you are enjoying as much of this miracle of pregnancy that you can. The moment that baby comes out, you will never have him/her inside you again. You will then be two seperate beings...right now you are ONE with eachother. How wonderful a blessing, isn't it? Enjoy the movements of your baby within...feel every kick, every hiccup, every twist and turn. Once you deliver...all that you hold within your womb is now in your arms instead. Not that delivery is bad...but I believe that a LOT of women...me included...has a moment when they go home and miss those kicks and flutters in their tummy. Don't rush it...your baby will be here SOON! Your doctor won't allow your baby to stay in there forever! Begging my doctor worked well for me though. He broke my water and my son was delivered 7 hours later. My last son was two weeks early, but it was MY fault. I was to have my tubes tied the day after delivery and I was worried that the nurses would give him formula...which I was totally against...soooo, I decided to pump some colostrom each day to have some stored up for him while I was unable to nurse in the hospital. I pumped every other hour for about 15 minutes throughout the day. By 8:00 that night I was having some pretty serious contractions. I was admitted and had him the next evening at 7:53pm. PLEASE NOTE: I was told that what I did was a VERY bad idea and that it could have turned out poorly for the baby and me both...so I want you to AVOID IT all together!!! I am just telling you about it because I see that several people have recommended nipple stimulation. I think that mild stimulation might be ok, but I would check with the doctor first! I suggest MORE sex, cause you'll be on pelvic rest for 6-8 weeks after the baby is born...and LOTS of crocodile tears to the OB/GYN. hehehe! It worked for two out of four kids! Good luck to you and God Bless you and yours! (Oh! And I just would like to say...I had my first three kids ALL NATURAL...WITH LAMAZE ONLY...and my last one with an epidural! GO FOR THE EPIDURAL BABY!!!! IT MAKES IT SO MUCH MORE ENJOYABLE OF A DELIVERY...SERIOUSLY!!! I WISH I WOULD HAVE KNOWN SOONER!)

M....

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K.R.

answers from Sacramento on

As a hypnotist, I have assisted mothers to birth their babies. Babies arrive in their own time :-). The proceedure for self hypnosis is simple. Get very relaxed. If you are having trouble relaxing, go to www.karenrothstein.com and download my free progressive relaxation. Once you are very relaxed journey within to talk to your baby and invite it into the world. Acknowledge to the unborn that birth is a different experience, and what is beyond is joyful. Assure it that you are there. Talk from your heart. Ask why it is not wanting to come into the world. Dialogue with it.

I have found most babies are actually scared to come into something new and different. They like the environment they are in - warm and safe. Moms-t0-be- have reported in their talking with the unborn, that the child has picked up on the mother's fears of birthing, or memories of prior births that were not pleasant.

If you are wanting to talk more about this, you can call my office at ###-###-#### and I would be happy to walk you through the process.

Warm regards,
K. C. R., MA CHT
www.sacramentohypnobirthing.com

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C.G.

answers from San Francisco on

Hi,
Good luck with your labor. I hope all goes well for you and your little one! The day I went into labor with my daughter, I walked three miles. I had been walking everyday in my last trimester so it wasn't a big deal for me to walk that much. But gravity definitely seemed to help me. Take care and enjoy your time with your little one once he/she is here!

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K.W.

answers from San Francisco on

A.,
I know how you feel, and I have been there. So, here it is, 1st of all the way to get contractions really going is nipple stimulation, be careful because they can really come on strong. Also you probably already know about sex, but keep it up. Another thing I did was I ate a "labor inducing pizza" it was from a pizza place in Danville, I am pretty sure that it is Primo's pizza. I'm not sure if they still have it, but it worked (although I think we almost killed the nurses with our breath when I went in labor that night). Good Luck!!!

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C.D.

answers from San Francisco on

try castor oil, it tastes gross, mix it with orange juice and a little bit of vodka and blend so the oil will emulsify, but it brought on labor for me when I was 2 weeks over due, it does clear your intestines out so be ready to stay home and use the bathroom and have some cramping for a few hours Take it in the morning so you will be done and be able to sleep that night, unless your labor starts right away
good luck

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J.L.

answers from San Francisco on

WALK WALK WALK... I WALKED myself into dialating which helped start the labor process! I think the neighbors after my 7th time around the block knew exactly what I was doing. :))

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M.C.

answers from Bakersfield on

You baby will come when it is time - You will hear all kinds of home remedies and people will swear that it worked for them. There is nothing that will work other than nature taking it's course or the doctor inducing medically. Many of the home remedies can be harmful to you and to your baby. Good luck :)

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A.E.

answers from Stockton on

Just be patient and wait for your body. With my first daughter I was two weeks overdue and they finally induced me because my fluid levels were not as good as they would have liked them. My second was fine. But my third pregnancy I was pregnant with twins and was extremely uncomfortable. I had to sleep semi upright, could hardly walk because I was so easily winded and had a lot of pain in my pelvic area. But I knew that I needed to keep those babies in for as long as possible. I went full term and had two healthy baby girls. I know it gets hard towards the end, but really your body knows when to do it's job. And if you end up going to much further past your due date they will just induce you. Just be patient, your little one will be here very soon.

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L.F.

answers from San Francisco on

You're probably not going to like this answer, but try to be patient. Go for walks, get lots and lots of good rest, indulge and relax. Babies come when they are ready. If you go much past due date like over a week and a half, talk to your midwife or doctor about castor oil or a vaginal sweep, but I would advise NOT taking castor oil without talking to your care provider. It's kind of a hit or miss so seek professional advice. Good luck! You're almost there...and remember typically first time babies, typically, come way past their due "dates" it's a ballpark number remember.

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K.G.

answers from San Francisco on

Castor Oil and Nipple stimulation, also suck your thumb. Press your thumb against the roof of your mouth near the back.

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D.T.

answers from San Francisco on

A.,
try nipple stimulation. I've also heard of a lemon juice salad dressing that works. Do a google search for it. Good luck! But don't worry. Not everyone goes exactly 40 weeks. You can got 2 weeks over with no problems. After 42 weeks is when you run into problems with placental deterioration, etc. Not all ripe oranges fall off the tree at the same time :-)
Hang in there.

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M.T.

answers from San Francisco on

Hi A., well it is very possible that by the time you get this you will have already given birth and met your baby, but incase you haven't let me first say that my mom is a big beliver in Castor oil but it really tasts nasty. I however am a huge fan of primrose oil, calcium and blue cohosh. You can get these suppliments at any health food store. I self induced with both of my girls who were over 7 days late. What I like about these suppliments is that if the baby is not ready to come out these will not force the baby out. With each of my preganacies I took the primerose oil and calcium for a two days, and then I took one round of the blue cohash and within hours I was in active labor. Good luck!

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L.M.

answers from San Francisco on

I tried acupuncture and seemed to have success this way. Good luck in you labor!

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C.T.

answers from Sacramento on

Taking vitamin E will help to thin your membranes and red raspberry leaf tea helps to tone your uterus. I did both from 36 weeks and was in labor at 39 and had no idea! That said take a look at your life and environment. While you say you want your baby to come now is there anything that is not in place yet? Are all the people you want to be there available? How ready is your husband? Your body will not go into labor if you are not truly ready or if there is any sense that you are not ready i.e. it is not truly the right time for the baby yet. If you or someone in your house is still rushing around making preparations then the baby will know you are not truly ready yet regardless of what you say. Do all the things people are suggesting and also make a psychological space for the baby to come into. Contemplate the change you are about to go through and honor it and the baby will come.

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L.C.

answers from San Francisco on

A labor and delivery nurse once told me to stimulate your nipples. I never tried it but that was the advice I got.

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A.C.

answers from San Francisco on

Go walking...walk, walk, walk!

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M.S.

answers from San Francisco on

I know you have tried sex but have you tried just having your husband suck on your nipples, that is supposed to get the uterus contracting and the baby to come on out!

Good luck,
M. S.

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K.M.

answers from San Francisco on

Acupuncture worked like a charm for me after one session- I gave birth 6 hours later!

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M.E.

answers from San Francisco on

Hi A.-
Lots of responses but only one other mentioned what worked for me. Stairs! My dr said stairs were good..so, I took a nice long nap and then we went to the gym and I did step-up's on a flat bench. Mind you, I felt like a big, awkward, clumsy cow..but, three sets of ten later and some hefty contractions and splooosh! My water broke at 6pm and we were off to the hospital. Sofia was born at 3:43 am. I also want to say..the thought of having any sort of upset stomach or the 'runs' from castor oil sounds terrible..you'll have enough going on without any side effects from that- yuck! Plus, if you need any meds, your body has enough to filter out. I agree with the other mommies...if you can just relax and do nothing but sleep and dream of your new little angel, DO IT! Those moments are fleeting and it might be the best sleep you have for some time.........
God Bless you and your little baby!
Take cae,
M

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M.B.

answers from Sacramento on

Hi A.,
I was late with both my girls and I would always walk alot. Just around the block or so in case something happened. It did help though. Good Luck!!!!

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K.L.

answers from Fresno on

I went to see my chiropractor for a "pregnancy" adjustment. A few days later... we were delivering! It is supposed to open up the hips so the baby can drop into the birthing canal. Very safe and actually provided me a lot of lower back relief until the contractions came on!!! Good Luck (By the way, I only pushed 30 min... I swear it was the adjustment! I also recommended this to my cousin who only pushed for 26 min... we were both first time moms, just make sure that the chiropractor is trained to do maternity adjustments.)

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D.S.

answers from Stockton on

Hi A.

I went to the ocean and my husband and kids buried me in the sand with my feet towards the ocean the gravity of the ocean will help you go into labor Good luck and congratulations

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S.S.

answers from San Francisco on

I've heard nipple stimulation can induce labor. Good Luck! Although you may be ready maybe baby is not. Be patient. The doctors will monitor baby and make sure things are ok. If the baby is stressed, your doctor will induce you. I had Gestational Diabetes and my son was 2 weeks late and I had to be induced although he was perfectly fine. The doctor will not let you go too far past the "due date".

E.D.

answers from San Francisco on

Skipolini's pizza parlor...the Prego pizza is famous for inducing labor. here is a link. http://www.skipolinispizza.com/prego/prego-pizza-frameset...

It worked for my sister in law, three hours later her labor started. They are in Clayton and Walnut Creak.
Power to you mamma.
Happy Birth.

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J.K.

answers from Fresno on

It is far better to wait it out because you have a better chance at an easier faster delivery.

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S.B.

answers from San Francisco on

I can tell you that nipple-stimulation worked like a charm with both of my babies. It has also worked for many of the women at the birthing center where I had my children. My contractions started within 1 minute of this with both children. This was my experience.

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L.G.

answers from San Francisco on

My friend Kelly just used Castor Oil this April. Our midwife told her that results usually happen within 12 hours, and she went into labor 12 hours later! She took the full dose and spent quite a bit of time in the bathroom. It's cleaning out your bowels... But says it was totally worth it as she was so uncomfortable and anxious.
Good luck!

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N.R.

answers from Sacramento on

OK, I know this works because it did for me and now three of my friends but it sounds crazy.

Eat Mountain Mikes Pizza with the red sauce. Any kind of toppings the sauce just has to be the red one - within 3 days you will have your baby.

N.

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M.S.

answers from San Francisco on

A.,

I feel your frustration--- I would walk. Keep walking-- I put myself into labor by walking, cleaning the whole house(deep cleaning, scrubbing on hands and knees etc.) and visualization of labor starting and getting into a good pattern. Congratulations and just remember, your baby won't stay in there F.-- I know it feels like it.

Take care and happy laboring~

Molly

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P.C.

answers from San Francisco on

With nipple stimulation I went into labor almost immediately.I was instructed to have my husband pul on my nipples as if he were milking me. It worked!
P.

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C.B.

answers from San Francisco on

Hi A.,
I am a acupuncture physician, and although for best results I'd suggest you see an acupuncturist, you can try these acupoints.
Be sure to press pretty hard, but comfortably.
All points are bilateral (both sides of body)
Large intestine 4: press between the index finger and thumb on the dorsal aspect of the hand. You'll find where two bones go into a "V" shape- press the skin toward the bottom of the "V".

Spleen 6: about 3 inches above the ankle bone on the inside of your legs. Find the tender spot and press.

Gall Bladder 21: this one is easy. Sit upright in a chair and have your husband or someone stand behind you. They simply rest and lean their forearms on the uppermost part of your shoulder- basically in he middle between where your neck attaches to your body, and the rotator cuff. This is also where we hold a lot of tension.

Bladder 67: at the corner of the nail of the little toe, lateral (outside). You can massage this point, but we use moxabustion for best results.

good luck and be well!
C.

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A.C.

answers from San Francisco on

Try walking ... LOTS of walking. Although I honestly think, while it'll help with movement of the baby maybe, that baby will come when he or she is ready and not a minute before :)

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J.F.

answers from San Francisco on

Hi A.,
I went a week past my due date and believe me, I was VERY uncomfortable. I tried everything, and finally had to be induced-she did not want to come out! Some people swear by accupuncture, but it did not work for me. I tried eggplant parmasagn, garlic, spices, sex, walking, EVERYTHING except for castor oil, because it is very dangerous. DO NOT try castor oil, that can make you sick, and the baby, too, so please DO NOT do that. Anyway, your little one will come out when he/she is ready, truly, it will happen before you know it, and you'll feel much better, and you'll see that beautiful little face and forget all about how rotten you felt.

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C.M.

answers from Chico on

Walking, sex and nipple stimulation work best. Enjoy these last quiet moments before baby arrives enjoying being alone with your husband and being pregnant...beleive me, there will be times when you miss that little one inside you even when it is right there next to you. Unfortunately, first babies tend to be later because your body has never done this before and is not primed for it. Also, due dates is approximate, so it could be incorrect, which is a bummer, but often a fact. The baby actually releases a chemical that signals your body to begin labor when he/she is ready, so the visualization techniques mentioned below may help. Invite the baby out and release any lingering fears. Breathe, stay calm and embrace the labor when it begins because if you tense up or are afraid, it can slow the process down and there are only two ways the baby can come out. LOL! Congratulations and good luck with your first baby!

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K.R.

answers from Bakersfield on

I induced my own labor with my third child at home (I also had an unassisted homebirth and had him in my shower, it was AWESOME).

I took Black Cohosh and Blue Cohosh in liquid form. The company that made the product I used is 'Herb Pharm'. I used one dropper full of each one (about 30 drops) every hour for 4 hours.

My labor began before the fourth hour passed that night and I had him that next morning. I was not late I was a couple days within my due date.

You have to use the two cohoshes together they work best that way. One cohosh makes you have contractions and the other cohosh regulates them and makes them more effective. I highly recommend the liquid (though the taste is awful) the capsuls are not as effective. Just chase it with good clean water.
I found them at the local health food store.

Some people say they make your contractions to harsh or labor to intense but I've birthed all three of my boys at home with just my husband and I and my contractions from this last time using the cohoshes were no different than the first two times without.

Let me know if you try it and let me know your results.

Shalom!

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S.M.

answers from Sacramento on

Take a really, really long walk. I went into labor 2 weeks early after i did a little 5 mile walk.

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K.W.

answers from San Francisco on

oh honey, I've been there. WALK till you can't walk anymore!!! My son was due the 29th, I walked for 3 hours on the 21st, 6 hours on the 22nd, Swam for 3 (this mighta done it) and walked for 1 on the 23rd and went into labor at 9 pm that night my son was born on the 24th. WALKING HELPS, even though it's uncomfortable....

good luck!! I've been were you are (carring around that extra 63 pounds, yes 63, was more than I could handle anymore).

J.A.

answers from San Francisco on

Walk every day - not just down the block either, for an hour. It'll also help give you strength and stamina for labor. Also remember that due dates are estimates. I was exactly one week "late" with my son.

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A.O.

answers from San Francisco on

Have you tried going for walks? I know it can be uncomfortable, but I have heard this works also.

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M.K.

answers from Chico on

Walk, walk, walk! And also try nipple stimulation: maybe along with sex ;). Seriously, the nipple stimulation can help release one of the hormones that cause contractions. If you breastfeed, you will notice. I had some mild contractions going on and tried the nipples and walking and had the baby the same day. Hearty congratulations on your baby!

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M.A.

answers from San Francisco on

Some spicy soup coupled with a long bumpy car ride did it for me. My water broke at sundown (I'm convinced it was because of the car ride) and my boy was born at sunrise. Best wishes to you on a beautiful birth!

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C.F.

answers from San Francisco on

Walking a lot usually helps. I knows Skipolini's actually has a pizza that they claim induces labor! : ) I know it's frustrating, hang in there. C.

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L.T.

answers from San Francisco on

Hello, I did castor Oil and it worked wonderfully however you have to remember this is a laxative so be prepared. I was up all night and then to have a 13 hour labor the next day. I would do it again if I had to! =) but it is very tiring. Mix it with some juice though the taste will turn your stomach. Good Luck! Oh you can buy it at Walgeens.

L.

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Z.M.

answers from San Francisco on

My reservation about the walking is that it makes you TIRED. I have heard about these terrible 4 mile death marches, and then a week after the birth even the father was saying "oh my gosh! We should have been sleeping! What was I thinking?"

I had good luck with rubbing the skin between my thumb and index finger. It's supposed to be some reflexology thing? It's almost a pinching motion, but gentle, to take the thumb and index finger from one hand, and massage the area on the opposing hand.
I was at a party and one woman had gotten it from a friend, and we were joking around about which is on top? The thumb or the index finger? Pull? Rub? Massage in circles? We were joking around about all the itterations one could come up with. Understand, my daughter was 9lbs 8oz and kicking me in the liver. I was DONE. She was done, and had the hair and long nails to show for it. All the kids in my family are about 14 days early, so I was DONE.
That was a Saturday night, around 8pm.
Around 1:30am my water broke, and I had the baby about 12 hours later.
(13 days early)

Could be a cooincidence, but it was a SMOOTH L&D. It seems at worst to be cheap and harmless and you can do it yourself at red lights, waiting in line, etc.
If you trying googling relfexology, and then it might have something to do with expelling impurities?

GOOD LUCK!!!

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R.D.

answers from San Francisco on

Hi, not sure where you live and if it would be too far, but a pizza company called Skipolini's in Walnut Creek carries a Preggo Pizza they swear by. Worked for lots I know. Zachary's Chicago Pizza in Oakland, Solano & San Ramon have a similar pie. I have a coworker that does reflexology and she induced my labor 2 days past my due date and my son was born 5 hours later. Her name is Carolyn. Email me if you'd like her number. Good luck!

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K.M.

answers from Sacramento on

I swam, long walks and nipple stimulation.

Good luck.

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A.T.

answers from Stockton on

I've read that raspberry leaf tea can bring on labor. You can find it at any health food store. It's also good for cleaning you out afterwards. Not raspberry - the leaves only - tastes like grass clippings though :(
My mom swears running up & down stairs works.
You can be medically induced with pitocin - but it is pretty nasty unless you get good pain drugs.
Pre-natal yoga may help you move things along - my son popped my water during class - didn't like Child's Pose I guess. If nothing else, yoga can teach you to breathe and relax.

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J.S.

answers from San Francisco on

I scrubbed the bathroom on my hands and knees and then vaccuumed the whole house without the self-propel on so I was having to yank and push. Went in to labor the next morning.. I was a week early. Can't say if that was what did it or I just had good timing or what.... but you can give it a try. My aunt swore by it and she had 4 kids. Don't use mineral oil or whatever oil it is that some people say can cause labor. It gives you diarrhea and cramping and that is more uncomfortable and painful... plus you get the runs at the same time you'rehaving labor.

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J.T.

answers from Sacramento on

I have seen casteroil work wonders... but it is work in it self ....hanging out on the pot!

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A.A.

answers from San Francisco on

don't know if anyones mentioned it but a friend said accupuncture worked for her!

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D.W.

answers from Modesto on

Hello A.,

I know what you mean about being anxious when your past the due-date. Before I had my son, the family and I had gone out to the lake. We had a long hill to go down. So, returning and walking Up the Hill this is when I knew that the walk on a upper climb is what got him to Move Out...So, try a few walks and Good Luck with the Birth, and try to mentally relax your body when in labor. God Bless, D. W.

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C.G.

answers from Fresno on

Walk walk walk walk walk walk walk . . . . and then walk some more. Good luck and have fun!

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J.G.

answers from San Francisco on

Hi A.,

Acupuncture induction is very successful . I dont know what area you live in, but I suggest finding an acupuncturist experienced in labor induction in your area. Look for an L.Ac. I'm in San Francisco. I'm an acupuncturist and I do this regularly with very good results. You should find people all around the Bay Area that are good at this. Its natural, safe , and a much better way to go than pitosin.

All the Best on this incredible rite of passage you are about to experience.

J.

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J.H.

answers from San Francisco on

Hi A.,
How exciting! Day before I went into labor (early!), I went hog wild cleaning the house. I think all that movement and bending over did something. Good luck!

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J.B.

answers from San Francisco on

You can get acupuncture to help the process along. Long walks help. And finally, there is a midwives' remedy involving castor oil. Get a 4oz bottle of castor oil. Drink 2 oz mixed with juice. An hour later, drink another oz and give yourself a Fleet enema. One hour later, drink the last oz and take a warm shower. My son was a full 2 wks past his due date. I used all of these methods, and presto, an hour after that last dose of castor oil, I was in labor. He was born 17 hours later.

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D.M.

answers from San Francisco on

I was 7 days over due and going mad, so when someone suggested eating fresh pineapple I thought what the heck I'll try anything. I ate almost a whole pineapple for breakfast and went into labor at about 3pm. Now, I have no idea if it was the pineapple or if it was just my time, but it couldn't hurt. It's good for you and if you like pineapple you may as well give it a try.

Good luck with your birth and your new wee one.

D.

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L.S.

answers from San Francisco on

Anticipation gets everyone kind of hung up! We went past our due date too, and I am not sure which worked: my ob/gyn swiped the cervical membrane on a Friday morning, and sometime around 5:00 the next morning, I was up alone at the computer, browsing the internet and thinking I'd be there waiting for another week, when I landed on this page:

http://www.bellpineartfarm.com/home/bp1/page_69_5/birthin...

and my water broke. We went straight to the labor room and six hours later, my daughter was born.

I love what other mamas said about babies being apprehensive about coming into the new unknown environment. Sending love and warm cozy welcome vibes to your little one.

Congratulations. You both are going to swim through the birthing process together JUST GORGEOUSLY. All good times ahead!!

Cheers,
Kristen

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M.C.

answers from San Francisco on

I'm sure by now you've heard that there are many old wives tales out there. Definitely do not drink any type of oil (most commonly castor oil). This can make you really sick! What worked for me was walking every day. I was overdue with both of my babies and although I do not know how much longer my pregnancies would have gone on for without walking, it definitely helped me get back on my feet sooner after birth! I hate to say it, but Mother Nature knows when it's time for baby to come out. As long as they are not in distress, try to trust your body. I really feel for you as you are anxiously waiting. Hang in there! =)

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A.L.

answers from Sacramento on

I was late with both of my kids and I tried everything to get labor started. I walked, had sex, spicey foods, massages. There is a tea that is suppose to help induce. I think it's called Raseberry Leaf tea. Didn't really work for me and I am not a huge tea person. Someone told me to get down on my hands and knees and scrub the floors. I didn't try that because I was tired and cranky and didn't want to do much of anything. =)
There is a pzza place in Walnut Creek that is suppose to make you go into labor. I am not sure what the pizza place is called the I think the pizza is called the prego pizza. My friend tried it with her first baby and by the next day, she was in labor.
I just figure that the baby is going to come when it wants to.
Good luck and congrats!!

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S.E.

answers from San Francisco on

Gardening. I trimmed bushes, floated in the pool for 20-30 mins.picked up the branches, floated in the pool for 20-30 mins.,back to trimming branches, floated in the pool for 20-30 mins., picked up branches, floated in the pool for 20-30 mins., etc. for most of the day (11-5) and my water broke in the pool. I had her the next night.

Stephanie

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S.T.

answers from San Francisco on

I tried everything also..and the baby just did not come. He was 2 weeks late and I had to be induced in the hospital. I even did acupuncture in my feet.

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K.D.

answers from San Francisco on

where do you live? In Danville on the corner if Diablo road and Danville Blvd. Is a pizza restaurant that has a pizza that claims to put a woman in labor. Didn't need to try it myself but heard it works. Good luck!

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E.V.

answers from San Francisco on

Take your time. Both my boys were nine days late. They come when they want to and that's part of being a mom... learning to accept little ones timelines and needs. However, I will say that the longer you go, the bigger the temptation to be induced, please do your best to resist if you can. Doctors will give you plenty of scary reasons (many possibly true), so if it comes to that, there are natural herbs that can help too... go to a doula, midwife or accupunt. for help there. Raspberry tea, blue/black cohash, etc... will speed things along to avoid medical intervention.

BUT, it's OK to take your time. Walk and muse on your little one, make visions of how he/she will make her/his way into this world and focus on calm. It's all a part of the experience and remember, women experience the birth process in so many different ways, and rarely is it as they planned! Many positive thoughts going your way!

E.

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D.P.

answers from Fresno on

I know it's hard to wait that very first time, but try not to mess with nature's timeclock. The baby IS coming and will come at his/her appointed time! In the meantime, rest up - you'll be glad you did. (My first was late, too, and my husband's aunt invited us over for a turkey dinner promising that I would be in labor by the end of the evening...well, by the time we got to dessert, the contractions started and the baby was born the next night...yeah, yeah, long labor, but worth every minute!)

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J.N.

answers from San Francisco on

nipple stimulation is what worked for me.

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A.P.

answers from Sacramento on

walk alot and jump up and down but not too hard 8~) oh yeah, start am arguement with the father, get really upset! It worked for me...

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K.N.

answers from San Francisco on

Hi A.,

Get a big ball, like a therapy ball from Toys R Us and sit on it. While watching TV just gently bounce up and down for 30-45 minutes. Your water will break in 24 hours...at least that's what happened to me and several other ladies who tried this!

Good luck!
K. N

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S.Z.

answers from San Francisco on

Hi A.-
I too was very anxious and uncomfortable. Start asking yourself why are you so anxious? why are you uncomfortable? Are there some things that you and your sweetie need to address verbally before your little one comes? Also, try checking out emofree.com- this is a great tool and may help you afterwards. I wish I had had more trust and faith in a Higher Power- I think that would have helped me go through it. But just enjoy this last little bit, as weird as it sounds. Enjoy having your baby in you and give it good energy and tell it that you are ready to meet it whenever it is ready to come out. Tell it even though you are nervous that this baby is very welcome here... things like that. It may help you a bit too. Just keep in mind that you will do great, millions of others have been there too, and that everything that is supposed to happen will. This is a tremendous time. Enjoy and congrats!
-S.

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T.T.

answers from Sacramento on

When I was pregnant they told me to walk and that would help speed up dilation. I was in labor but they would not admit me because my cervex was only dilated 1 1/2cm, so they sent me home and told me to walk as much as possible. They ended up enducing me at the hospital almost 2 weeks later.

Good Luck!

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K.G.

answers from San Francisco on

Maybe candied ginger? It's supposed to cause uterine contractions. Acupunture might work as well. There's a spot somewhere near the foot that I know my acupunturist avoided like the plague when I went into pre-term labor because it could induce labor. Have you tried spicy food and sex on the same night? Two of my friends gave birth after doing this, though two people is certainly not a statistically significant sample and could be mere coincidence. Oh, and what others are saying about walking makes sense with what I saw in the hospital. I saw moms-to-be whose labor was progressing slowly walking the halls back and forth with their IV poles.

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