Inductions

Oh, so the media are now commenting on the numbers of medical inductions? This is hardly new stuff. For many years women have been bullied into unnecessary medical inductions. They are presented with so many fear based scenarios that no wonder many give in. Where is the fear coming from? It is obstetrician based fear – fear of being sued, fear of what might happen if baby stays inside for longer than 40 wks. and of course, fear that they might be called out in the middle of the night for a ‘normal’ birth, rather than a nicely scheduled induction. Women need to trust their birthing bodies, and connect with their baby. If a woman’s blood pressure is within normal limits, there is normal amount of fluid around baby, and normal movements then let’s leave well alone. The problem occurs when women get caught up in all the fear surrounding ‘waiting for nature’ which can slow down or even prevent labour from starting naturally. Our doulas deal with this issue all the time and are very skilled at supporting women through this hospital/doctor bombardment. So take charge of your birth and your baby. Don’t be bullied, if all the above is within normal limits. Offer to go in daily for CTG’s, ultrasounds and whatever other testing they want. If it is all O.K., then it is your right to say, “we are happy to wait, thank you”.