Edited: 11/12/2022 - DISCLAIMER: All information on this website is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, and does not establish any kind of patient client relationship by your own use of this website. We strive to provide accurate general information, the information presented here is not a substitute or any kind of professional advice, and you should not rely solely on this information. Always consult a professional in the area of your particular needs and circumstances prior to making any medical decisions.

Babies come when they are ready. Oftentimes, babies are waiting for their respiratory system to fully develop. And who are we to rush that if it’s not medically necessary?

Drop the idea of a “due date”

Your estimated due date is based off of your last known menstrual cycle. The size of the fetus via ultrasound can also be used to make an educated guess.

Note: your due date is more than likely off by a few days up to a week or two.

Unless you were tracking ovulation and conception, this could be easily  miscalculated.

Baby comes when they are ready

A baby’s lungs are the last thing to fully develop before birth.

Medically induced labors disrupt the final development in utero. 

It is common in labor inductions to administer Pitocin and/or other induction medications to jump start labor.

These have been proven to be more harmful than beneficial.

Oxytocin vs. Pitocin

Oxytocin is naturally made and released within the body. Pitocin is the synthetic, man-made, version of oxytocin. Both bring on contractions in labor. 

Pitocin is often used during inductions. The amount administered is determined by your physician and given continuously, unlike your body’s oxytocin that is released naturally and when it is needed.

Having too much pitocin in your body can shut off oxytocin receptors to give your body a break. This can lead to a failed induction.

Here are some ways to naturally boost your Oxytocin:

 Be intimate with your partner (cuddle/make out/have sex)

Get a massage

Exercise

Laugh

Listen to music

Let’s talk about Pitocin

Pitocin is a medication made of synthetic oxytocin(the hormone we already naturally make within our bodies).

Since it is not spontaneously occurring oxytocin, beta-endorphins do not respond properly to Pitocin, the way they would to our body’s regulated oxytocin. Pitocin continuously given intravenously also does not allow proper relaxation of the uterus, therefore tightly restricting the baby continuously.

- H.E.R.B.A.L. Doula Training - “Pitocin”

 Aside from the idea of Pitocin being a synthetic hormone, there are risks when choosing this induction route.

TPitocin is a powerful and dangerous drug if used incorrectly and should only be used when medically necessary. 

Pitocin has vasopressor and diuretic effects. Vasopressor means it constricts blood vessels and can cause an increase in blood pressure. Diuretic, well that means you're going to be peeing alot! 

Side effects pitocin may have on the birthing person

• a fast, slow, or uneven heart rate;

• excessive bleeding long after childbirth;

• severe headache, blurred vision, pounding in your neck or ears; or

• confusion, severe weakness, feeling unsteady.

• Hyperstimulation

Pitocin may cause serious or life-threatening side effects in the newborn baby, including:

• slow heartbeats or other abnormal heart rate;

• jaundice (a yellow appearance of the baby's skin);

• a seizure;

• eye problems; or

• problems with breathing, muscle tone, and other signs of health.
  
  Resource: https://www.drugs.com/mtm/pitocin.html

Pitocin is related to 36% of mood disorders, including anxiety and depression.

The use of Pitocin alone puts you at risk of postpartum depression.

Let’s not forget that any added hormone can throw off your natural hormones and this can be difficult when trying to deliver your placenta or even create a breastfeeding bond.

Don’t fall for the “scare tactics”

It is commonly known that many medical providers do not allow women to go over 42 weeks gestation.

Many physicians recommend induction right at 40 weeks gestation.

If you are not deemed high risk and baby shows no signs of stress, it is completely safe to go past 41 weeks gestation.

Other countries pregnancy gestation standards fluctuate between 40 - 42 weeks.

Studies have debunked the myth around late term pregnancies being high risk for still birth. This information can be used to scare women into induction.

Our best advice is to research everything.

We only talked about Pitocin today, one of the MANY medications administered within the Labor & Delivery unit.

Remember you have every right to birth your baby how you want to, you are on your own divine timing.