Skip to navigation | Skip to content

Share your knowledge. Make a difference.

Natural Labor Induction

1 - I can do better 2 - Jury's out 3 - Pretty darn good 4 - Splendiferous 5 - Awesometastic (by 22 people)   Your rating: 1 - I can do better 2 - Jury's out 3 - Pretty darn good 4 - Splendiferous 5 - Awesometastic

Ranked #899 in Health, #10996 overall

Rated G. (Control what you see)

Natural Labor Induction

Many women giving birth wish to avoid an invasive medical labor induction.  There are many natural labor induction techniques which are safe, effective alternatives to such things as pitocin, cervidil, and other such drugs.

The advantages of natural labor induction is that these techniques will only be effective if the mother's body is ready for labor.  Thus they carry little to no risk.  When a medical induction is started, there is usually no turning back.  If the mother's body isn't ready, a c-section may be at the end of the road.

Effective Methods of Natural Labor Induction 

Here is a guide to the most effective natural labor induction techniques, including links to dispel myths about certain methods.
  1. Acupressure
    This is a non-invasive natural labor induction method that has good results. Even if it doesn't put you into labor, it's a great relaxation technique.
  2. Herbs
    Another effective method of labor induction that works by toning the uterus rather than actually starting contractions.
  3. Nipple Stimulation
    This is one of the most effective methods. It works by stimulating the production of oxytocin, the natural hormone that causes contractions. This is also a great method for regulating contractions during early labor or if labor slows.
  4. Sex
    Although probably not the top choice on your list at nine months pregnant, the prostaglandins released help the cervix to efface and dilate.
  5. Castor Oil
    Definitely the least-appetizing of the natural labor induction methods. Castor oil is disgusting but can help stimulate intestinal contractions which in turn stimulate uterine contractions. This is definitely a last resort.
  6. Foods
    While many women will swear that those spicy enchiladas put them into labor, the jig is up! There is no statistical evidence to prove that foods induce labor.

Must-Haves for Natural Childbirth 

The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth

Amazon Price: $10.85 (as of 07/26/2008)

Ina May's Guide to Childbirth

Amazon Price: $11.56 (as of 07/26/2008)

NOVA - The Miracle of Life

Amazon Price: $14.99 (as of 07/26/2008)

Share Your TIps for Natural Labor Induction 

Share your experience in using any of these natural labor induction methods or post your own!

Minivan_Mama

I did castor oil twice, but baby #2 came when SHE chose. Your other page is beautiful, too. I have lenrolled you because I think that parents who are interested in How to Install an Infant Car Seat will also NEED this info. 5 stars.

Posted June 25, 2007

Giving Birth Naturally 

Keep informed on all things related to natural childbirth including the latest natural childbirth videos or brush up on your childbirth knowledge with online childbirth classes or visit the Online Childbirth Classes FAQ for more information.

Loading Fetching RSS feed... please stand by

Looking for more information on natural childbirth? 

If you didn't fare so well on the challenge, hone your skills on GivingBirthNaturally.com.

Read about which birth positions or take a stroll through our natural childbirth video galleries.
X
givingbirth

About givingbirth

The natural births of my two daughters sparked my passion for spreading the word about natural childbirth.

Childbirth is a gift.  Cherish it well. 

givingbirth's Pages

See all of givingbirth's pages