Tis the season for Induction...

This time of year is particularly ripe for induction.  Usually due to pressures of convenience related to the holiday season. 

The 2017 Australian census - when babies are born.

The Slippery Slopes of Modern Birthing
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 the bun in the oven

all in good time  

If you are facing this holiday season with a looming due date, you may have already had these discussions.  Perhaps an induction is something you are requesting. This article from Better Safer Care Victoria describes the induction options, and the indicators and contraindications.

It is very important to understand what the induction pathway looks like, and how your options change based on this entry point to labour.

Many women report that if they had known the full extent of this decision point (or an epidural), they may have made a different decision.  They say this because they were not fully aware that these decisions points greatly increased the risk of an assisted birth (such as forceps) which can led to severe perineal and pelvis injuries  or an emergency caesarean. 

It is useful to know, that if labour gets to the point where you are being offered augmentation*, another decision point exists (though it may not always be offered).  This is the point where you can request an 'in labour non-emergency caesarean' over an assisted birth.
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*augmentation of labour is 'speeding up' or intensifying labour.  This may accompany or soon follow an epidural.  This includes having a drip for synthetic oxytocin (the drug that intensifies contractions of the uterus), and another to keep you hydrated.  You will have a CTG monitor straped to your abdomen to monitor the baby.  Your ability to move is limited, so you are likely to also have a catheter inserted into your bladder via your urethra to drain urine. 

Understanding the risks and benefits of both pathways will help you determine which is best for you.
From Page 77 of The Birth Map: boldly going where no birth plan has gone before:

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​The informed decisions we make during our preparations, allow us to navigate with confidence when we reach decision points.
At these points we may need to consent (or refuse) for the record.
​Listen to "Episode 14 - Part 1 -Protecting Your Rights" by Vicki Hobbs  
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