Inductions… Top 5 things to know and prepare
From a Doula with over a decade of experience.
Over the years supporting families one of the top fears or concerns from families was hearing the dreaded words “We need to schedule your Induction.” As a new doula I had the view of avoiding this as much as possible. As I have gained experience I have learned to dig deeper into why it is recommended and helping clients choose for themselves, and come to terms with the choice or need. Reframing their mindsets, and preparing their body and changing what they bring to help them have a beautiful birth experience regardless of starting point.
I would love to share the top 5 ways that I work with clients to help them!
- Reframe your expectations
Lets make sure that we understand why your provider is recommending an induction for you. Often simply knowing and understanding the why will help you with the reframing of the concern about the induction. You can read on my blog about understanding the WHY here. Don’t let your concerns or fears prevent open communication with your provider.
Great questions to ask your provider: Is this a policy recomendation, or a medical one? What is the benfit to an induction versus waiting on spontaneous labor? Is my baby at risk, or am I at risk? Please help me understand your reasoning, so that we can get on the same page.
Don’t let your concerns or fears prevent open communicaton with your provider.
Write down questions before your appointment, and bring your partner or your doula to you appointment if that feels supportive.
- Know your Bishop Score.
Knowing your Bishop Score can really help you understand your body's readiness for labor/induction. If induction is the BEST choice for you, knowing your score can really help you understand and set your expectations for labor prep, and what the likely process and timeline will look like for your inductions. You can learn more about your Bishop Score here!
Understanding your score gives you the data you need to move to the next phase of preparation: creating a comfortable and supportive environment.
- What to pack- The Induction Difference
When we are preparing for spontaneous labor there are things that you want to have ready at your home, and a plan in place for what to do during early labor while at home. That script is kind of flipped when you have an induction in the hospital. So there are different things to pack and bring with you for this.
- Pillow and cozy blankets for you and your partner.
- Comfort/Environment: Pillow and cozy blankets for you and your partner. Eye masks and ear plugs.
- Nourishment/Sustenance: Favorite tea and a mug.
- Entertainment/Mindset: Time passes, such as UNO or another fun game for you and your partner to play, a way to watch your favorite shows on streaming, a book to read, or listen to, and bring your mindset of patience.
4. Team Dynamic
Before you get to the hospital for your induction take some of your planning time to consider who all is on your team and how they can best support you.
Often with an induction you can consider which provider you are hoping will deliver your baby, make sure they are not the one starting your induction.
Partners, who do you have in your corner to support you throughout this process, with food and connection. Do you have a way to tag out to someone in the early stages.
Friends and family, are there any people that you want to be around to help distract you from the passing of time? OR do you need someone to help you keep friends and family at bay and informed so that you are not pulled away from this journey?
How is the best way to utilize your doula during this time?
5. Being open, and holding your plan loosely
I cannot stress this enough. Just because your ideal birth plan changed from spontaneous to induction does not mean that you throw the whole plan away. We can still honor the goals, hopes and dreams. Communication is your biggest tool to help you through, use your doula and the nursing staff to make sure that you remember the options you have for the process and the support options you have at the hospital.
There are no wrong choices in birth, just OPTIONS.
In closing, remember by educating yourself, reframing your mindset, and planning intentionally, you are an amazing human who has grown a baby and is giving birth while wildly supported throughout it- in whatever ways you need!!
