Which I figured :)
Apparently my left side is taller than my right side, my right side weighs 6 pounds more than my left side, and I need major help. Ha!
So there I was on the table. Mark was sitting right there watching, of course. The doctor did a thing where I inhaled and leaned back as I exhaled, and my entire spine popped -- it was amazing! He also twisted my mid-section and then popped my neck. I stood up and felt so much lighter and more relaxed. And last night, I slept better than I had in months!
~~~~~
During birthing class last night, we discussed (in-depth.. REALLY in-depth!) all about interventions, pain relief, and different kinds of fetal monitoring. We also talked about natural methods of induction -- although none of them will work unless your body is ready to birth your baby. Among these was Evening Primrose Oil and the 5-W supplement.
I'd never even heard of the 5-W supplement, but it contains:
Black cohosh root
Squaw vine herb
Dong quai root
Butcher’s broom root
Red raspberry leaves
I researched it further online, and here's what it says: Designed just for pregnant women, Nature's Sunshine 5-W Herbal Supplement contains an herbal combination that helps to support the body's natural production of estrogen, tone the uterus, stimulate contractions, ripen the cervix, and reduce anxiety. The 5-W stands for "5 weeks", which means it is designed to be taken the last five weeks of pregnancy, in preparation for childbirth. Be sure to check with your care provider first.
My birthing center doesn't induce, and if I haven't gone into labor by 41 weeks 5 days, then I "risk out" and must deliver in the hospital. The supplement helps ripen your cervix and helps you dilate and strengthen your uterus for labor. At my next appointment, I'll ask my midwife more about it, but I think I might give it a go!
I'd heard of Evening Primrose Oil and know that it's used when trying to conceive, but I never knew it was used during pregnancy! "Evening Primrose Oil is a natural way to boost prostaglandin levels, which help to ripen the Cervix. You can find it in capsule form at any retailer that sells natural supplements. You can take it orally after 34 weeks gestation, and insert capsules into the vagina around 38 weeks of pregnancy."
Pretty interesting! Of course the other two "methods of induction" would be stimulating nipples through water or a breast pump and also having sex, since sperm contains prostaglandins (which ripen the cervix).
I think I missed my calling to be a midwife.
I'd never even heard of the 5-W supplement, but it contains:
Black cohosh root
Squaw vine herb
Dong quai root
Butcher’s broom root
Red raspberry leaves
I researched it further online, and here's what it says: Designed just for pregnant women, Nature's Sunshine 5-W Herbal Supplement contains an herbal combination that helps to support the body's natural production of estrogen, tone the uterus, stimulate contractions, ripen the cervix, and reduce anxiety. The 5-W stands for "5 weeks", which means it is designed to be taken the last five weeks of pregnancy, in preparation for childbirth. Be sure to check with your care provider first.
My birthing center doesn't induce, and if I haven't gone into labor by 41 weeks 5 days, then I "risk out" and must deliver in the hospital. The supplement helps ripen your cervix and helps you dilate and strengthen your uterus for labor. At my next appointment, I'll ask my midwife more about it, but I think I might give it a go!
I'd heard of Evening Primrose Oil and know that it's used when trying to conceive, but I never knew it was used during pregnancy! "Evening Primrose Oil is a natural way to boost prostaglandin levels, which help to ripen the Cervix. You can find it in capsule form at any retailer that sells natural supplements. You can take it orally after 34 weeks gestation, and insert capsules into the vagina around 38 weeks of pregnancy."
Pretty interesting! Of course the other two "methods of induction" would be stimulating nipples through water or a breast pump and also having sex, since sperm contains prostaglandins (which ripen the cervix).
I think I missed my calling to be a midwife.
My birth center had the same rule about 41 weeks, 5 days. I was so nervous and in the end went 2 weeks early...lol
ReplyDeleteI really hope I don't make it to 41 weeks. I'm pretty sure that if I actually made it to 41w5d, I'd be one miserable mama! :)
ReplyDeleteI went to a chiro. for the first time a few weeks ago and it was the best feeling ever. I can't imagine how awesome it felt when pregnant! I'll be keeping your comfort in my prayers.
ReplyDelete