#momsadvice

Here are some NATURAL ways to induce yourself at home so you don’t have to wait till you are 41 Weeks to get induced at the hospital by your doctor. 

But a couple of things you should know before. 

1. Induce yourself should only be a helping hand. You want the methods to be gentle enough that you wont go into labor if your body is not ready. Its not recommend in till 39-40 weeks  if you don’t begin before 39-40 weeks, CHANCES are that it won’t happen. 

This should have been # 1 but I would like to tell you the chances before you start!      2. Don’t stress about being overdue! First time pregnancies are  up to 80% more likely to go past due. Doctors say that you are not officially “overdue” in till 42 weeks. But to be induced by a doctor has to have your permission.

3. If you feel unsure consult your doctor, before you begin. This is your pregnancy do what your heart desires.

Good luck on your induction

Natural ways to start your induction:

1. Acupressure: In addition to alleviating morning sickness and stopping bleeding or spotting in the early months of pregnancy, acupressure massages can also induce labor.

2. Bananas: Bananas have lots of potassium, which is crucial to muscle contractions. So, being low on potassium could potentially delay labor.

3.Bouncing on birth ball/ exercise ball: Ball exercises can help turn your baby and move him or her into the birth canal. Midwives and doulas have been using this technique for years to speed up the dilation and move the baby down into the pelvis. Find a comfortable position and gently bounce up and down to encourage your baby to move into position.  

4.Evening primrose oil: Can be taken orally from 35 weeks on or used internally from 38 weeks. If you decide to go with the second route, I would recommend doing it at night and using a pantyliner. However keep in mind that it DOES have risks, so do your own research.

5.Kneeling on all 4′s: A friend of a friend was told to do this. Swing the hips back and forth. Her waters broke just a few minutes later. Coincidence? Maybe!

6. Nipple stimulation:  Gently rub or roll the nipple to try and induce labor. The stimulation releases oxytocin, a hormone that causes contraction. The jury is still out on this method though: some claim that it causes very strong contractions which can be dangerous. If you’re concerned, some experts recommend only massaging one breast at a time, or only massaging for five minutes and then waiting to see what happens before continuing. I tried it and I had barely more than cramps! For increased stimulation try a breast pump.

7.Pineapple: Best taken fresh and raw. Pineapples contain the enzyme bromeliad, which can soften your cervix and and can bring on labor. It can also stimulate your stomach, which could also help get some contractions going. Statistically speaking, the chemicals which pineapple contain, which are said to start labor aren't very high. So that means about seven pineapples should put you into labor!

8. Sperm:  If you feel up to sex, this is a good start towards getting ready for labor. The sperm contains natural prostaglandins that help soften and dilate the cervix. 

9.  Spicy foods: A very well known labor starter! The reason it works may be because of the upset it causes to the digestive system which then upsets the uterus. Not highly recommended.

10. Squats: Doing a few of these each day often helps to move the baby down and into position. Squats use gravity to push the baby downwards, thereby jumpstarting your birth naturally.

11. Walking/ Dancing/ Bumpy car rides:The bumping up and down can help the baby move into the birth canal. In fact, this is one of the few ways that most doctors agree on for starting labor. If walking doesn't work, try walking up and down stairs. Lifting your legs further in its range of motion can help further push the baby downward.

12.Yoga/stretching: Many places offer special classes for all stages of pregnancy.

I  wanna start  off by saying this is my personal advice, so there maybe some things that I talk about maybe upsetting to you or you feel that its to personal than I am warning you now. But as for me NO ONE talks about this stuff. So for me as a first time mother, I was never ever told what happened after delivering a child or what

After Delivery Tips & Tricks.

Hospital Bag.

I wanna add something to this topic today is what you should need in your hospital bag. For you, Baby & Father:

For You:

Purse

Robe.

Comfortable Clothing: Nightgowns, Sweats & and T-shirt for breastfeeding.

Socks & Slippers.

Make Up if you feel you need it.

Toiletry Bag: Maternity Pads (you can bring your own, but the hospital provides them after delivery) Summers Eve, (it gets crazy down their) 

Lotion

Chap Stick

Coming Home Outfit.

Boppy Pillow/ Nursing Pillow

Nursing Bra

Nursing Camis

Nursing Pads

For Baby:

Diapers are not need, they are provided for you and you can take all the things they give you are welcome to take them home with you.

Hats

Mittens

Socks/Booties

Swaddle Blanket, they give you those at the hospital.

Burp Clothes, I use pre-folded, reusable cloth diapers

Sleepers

Pacifiers (if you are breastfeeding they don’t recommend giving baby in till they understand the difference between,nipple and pacifier.)

Car seat & Base.

For Father:

Clothes for  Couple Of  Days Depending on C- Section.

Camera

Cell phone & charger

Baby Book, (For Foot Prints)

Snacks

Pillows

Extra Cash For Cafeteria

After Delivery Tips & Tricks.

Sleep When Baby Sleeps:  You will probably never be as tired again as during the first few months of motherhood. Forget about doing things around the house it can wait,SLEEP is necessary.

Do chores with baby: Interacting with baby is a good bonding time.

Do your best to get out of the house everyday: Even its just around the block, GET SOME SUNSHINE & FRESH AIR!

Take care of You (perinael area.) If you tore during delivery or had an episiotomy, sitting in a few inches of water several times a day not only keeps the area clean, but can soothe any pain. You can reduce swelling with ice packs or chilled witch hazel pads.

Hazel Pads: This is because many women who give vaginal birth experience a vaginal tear, or have to have an episiotomy, which is a surgical cut to widen the opening of the vagina.

     5. Eating Right: That means following the same healthy diet you followed during pregnancy and abstaining from alcohol if you're breastfeeding.

     6. Watch Out for warning signs:  If you suddenly start bleeding heavily again, develop a breast infection, or feel pain in your pelvic region, call your health care professional.

Postpartum Signs, Tips & Tricks.

Their are different types of POSTPARTUM:

1.) Baby Blues

2.) Postpartum Depression/ Anxiety 

3.) Postpartum psychosis.

BABY BLUES

Signs and symptoms of baby blues — which last only a few days to a week or two after your baby is born — may include:

Mood swings

Anxiety

Sadness

Irritability

Feeling overwhelmed

Crying

Reduced concentration

Appetite problems

Trouble sleeping

Postpartum Depression/Anxiety

Postpartum depression may be mistaken for baby blues at first — but the signs and symptoms are more intense and last longer, eventually interfering with your ability to care for your baby and handle other daily tasks. Symptoms usually develop within the first few weeks after giving birth, but may begin later — up to six months after birth.

Postpartum depression symptoms may include:

Depressed mood or severe mood swings

Excessive crying

Difficulty bonding with your baby

Withdrawing from family and friends

Loss of appetite or eating much more than usual

Inability to sleep (insomnia) or sleeping too much

Overwhelming fatigue or loss of energy

Reduced interest and pleasure in activities you used to enjoy

Intense irritability and anger

Fear that you're not a good mother

Feelings of worthlessness, shame, guilt or inadequacy

Diminished ability to think clearly, concentrate or make decisions

Severe anxiety and panic attacks

Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby

Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide

Untreated, postpartum depression may last for many months or longer.

Postpartum psychosis

With postpartum psychosis — a rare condition that typically develops within the first week after delivery — the signs and symptoms are even more severe. Signs and symptoms may include:

Confusion and disorientation

Obsessive thoughts about your baby

Hallucinations and delusions

Sleep disturbances

Paranoia

Attempts to harm yourself or your baby

Postpartum psychosis may lead to life-threatening thoughts or behaviors and requires immediate treatment.

Tips & Tricks: 

Don’t forget to take care of yourself and do things that make you feel happy.

Get out with you husband/ partner, Date night.

Don’t be scared to ask for help.

Love Alli.