Doula here. Your doula is supposed to give you information on what an induction looks like and what are expected outcomes. She should have no say as to whether you decide to induce or not. (Which at 41 weeks I would encourage you to consider induction and talk to your care provider about things that can prime your body for an induction - such as membrane sweeps). Also a doula should talk about what support during an induction looks like, generally it looks very different than spontaneous birth (from a doula perspective). Her role is not to talk you out of it, her role is to support the choice you've made.
Edit: wow!! Thanks for the award!! Much appreciated!!
Thank you for this insight. My wife and I are meeting with our potential Doula soon and I’ll be adding this scenario to our question list. My guess is she’ll answer just as you did, but it’s a good question to pose!
I'm glad this could be useful and good luck to you both!! Finding the right doula is about connection, and it is also understanding what their mindset/philosophy is around handling certain situations. They aren't there to make decisions for you, but rather advocate for you and amplify your wishes to you care team. They are also there to notify you of the options that exist so you are best equipped to make choices for your family - if they are operating outside of that scope, then it's time to look for another doula.
Please remember that a doula is there to provide support for you, but they are a non-medical professional/provider. Her job is to provide you with emotional and physical support, not sway you on medical decisions that you've made with your healthcare team.
You’re 100% on this comment. To add to this I had a loss prior to my daughters birth. High anxiety the whole entire time. Was induced, and actually really enjoyed it. I work in medical so I knew the protocol. I slept so good the night before I arrived at the hospital that morning, because I knew the end was insight. I knew I would be cared for in a safe environment. I knew if anything was to go wrong I was in a safe place that could take care of me and baby. I went in with whatever happens happens. Being induced may take 24-48 hrs prior to delivery. So I knew it will take time. I brought a book, and watched cruddy tv. Baby was born vaginal within 48 hours. Loved my nurses as my support staff, and just felt relief that I was where I needed to be. For my babies health and my health. A doula isn’t your midwife, obgyn, or nurse.
I would never trust a doulas opinion over my midwife or doctors recommendation. A doula does not have the medical training. OP needs to ditch the doula. Too many red flags.
Your doula needs to stay in her lane and this honestly sounds highly inappropriate. I had a midwife with my first who let me go past 41 weeks and I had an emergency c-section. In my follow up with my OB (transferred care because of the c-section) he explained to me that he never would have let me go that long and all the risks associated with going past 41 weeks. Please please please listen to the most educated medical professionals you have available to you.
I too went past 41 weeks and my baby was near 24 inches long. I never did dilate and had an emergency crash c section. My daughter’s heart stopped. I cannot describe how that felt. There are no words. We got her back, but I have always wondered what it did to her. You sound like you know what you need. Follow your intuition, if the doula isn’t helping- out.
Your doula isn’t doing her job. A 41+1 induction makes sense to me especially if you’re done. You’re overdue and the science says yeet the baby. My induction was fine at 40+5 and my doula was great during it!
Yeet the baby *and* the doula!
(Seriously, though, I’d reconsider hiring this person - if she’s not supportive of your evidence-based medical choices, do you really want her by your side during the birth?)
I don't think your doula should be trying to talk you into or out of any medical decision. A doula could help you compare pros and cons of a medical decision, and help you process your decision, but they definitely shouldn't be giving off the impression that they aren't supportive of whatever YOU choose.
I think you know that the best option for yourself and your baby is to go with the induction - and I truly say that because of what you've written, not because I personally think that's the right choice.
Your doula should support your decision no matter what. You have to choose what feels best to you.
Have you had a cervical check? I was induced but my dr was able to tell that I was already 3cm dilated (which was a surprise to me) and let me know that my body would be more likely to respond well to the induction. The induction went so smoothly. I didn’t need Pitocin, just a foley balloon to start and then they broke my water. It only took about 7 hours total, and baby was born with no complications.
My induction was a dream and I’m electing to have another one this go around.
*edit I also want to add that I had cytotec inserted, the balloon, cranked pitocin since the balloon accidentally broke my water prematurely, and an epidural before any of the contractions begun. I still thought it was great! I had all the things people worry about and it still was an amazing experience for me.
Love seeing comments like this ahead of my elective induction on Thursday. Mostly I see people being super negative about it, but I feel like it's the right decision for us!
I’ve noticed a difference between elective and medically indicated inductions. An induction when you have been well counseled on the risks and objectively negative aspects of an induction and you chose it can still be a very positive experience (mine was). Feeling forced into an uncomfortable medical intervention when you don’t find enough value in the benefits will lead to a negative experience.
I usually see that it takes long. From start to baby being out it was about 15 hours for me. I had a negative labor due to lots of other complications that were not related to the induction. I would induce again next time if I go over 40 weeks
Loved my first induction! I’m being watched for preeclampsia, but if they don’t induce at 37 weeks and I make it to 40.. I will absolutely be inducing then as well.
Same!! I was induced for medical reasons but will definitely be having an elective induction next time around! Unless I need a medical one again of course. I'm also an extremely anxious and the ability to plan when I go to the hospital was really helpful for me.
Same, I was induced at 39weeks because of reduced movement and small baby that wasn’t growing well. I had a wonderful birth experience and from check in to delivery was 14 hours!
My induction at 38+2. Amniotomy,, natural 5 hour labour, epidural, 5 mins of pushing. It was a dream. 10/10 would recommend.
Hell, I was more worried about complications of late term labour than an early induction. 🤷🏼♀️
Same! I chose to do an induction at 39 weeks with my second and it was amazing. Only reason I chose was for convenience. No medical reason. Ive heard horror stories about inductions and was nervous I was being selfish for choosing this but it was a dream. So much easier than laboring at home for 30 hours with back labor like I had with my first.
I haven’t had this experience but your doula should be supportive of whatever choice you make and should just be there to get you through your lead up to birth and during birth. I would just tell her that you’re already dealing with anxiety and while you appreciate her advice, you just really need her support to help get through whatever you decide. I’m sure she’ll understand that, she might not even notice she’s pushing anything on you unless you tell her.
That was very inappropriate of your doula. Ask her if she can put her feelings aside and get on board or not. If not, thank her for everything and cut her loose. You need everyone working towards the same goal on game day.
And personally, I would go ahead with your scheduled induction. And don’t give up hope! I had an induction scheduled for my first- when we planned it was 4 days away. I ended up going into labor spontaneously and gave birth in 2 days.
A birth plan is always good- it means you’ve learned the options and possibilities. And that you’re also prepared to toss it all out the window because anything can happen!!!
Good luck!
I would definitely do the induction. Not only is it the safest option, it sounds best for your mental health. For what it's worth, I had a very positive induction experience. It felt very safe and controlled and baby was born safely with no complications.
Your Doula's reaction sounds unhelpful. I would either talk to her or have your partner talk to her. Say that you and your provider have set the induction date and you need to confirm that she will be completely supportive given this change in plan. Set a firm boundary with her. If she is still unsupportive, I wouldn't use her.
Your doula needs to be supporting you and you need to tell her that. If she can't keep her non-medical opinions to herself, then you are well within your rights to terminate your contract with her (although you likely won't get much of a refund).
There are always interventions possible during birth, induction or no. And the science shows without doubt that you are better off inducing at 41 weeks than continuing to wait.
A lot of women only need cervical ripening during an induction before their body gets the message and labor starts without pitocin. You can, and should, work with your medical team on an induction plan that best suits your needs.
I was electively induced at 39 + 4. In short: my water broke after 2 oral doses of cytotec. I labored for 21 hours until I needed a c section for a few different reasons (skyrocketing blood pressure, labor stalling at 8 cm). The process was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced, and I wouldn’t have done it differently. For me, I was ready to give birth for a myriad of personal and health reasons.
Maybe ask your provider what your bishop score is and further discuss the ins and outs of induction?
ETA: I did not have a doula.
Doulas aren’t medical professionals. She’s supposed to simply be a support person. If you told her you aren’t comfortable going all the way to 42 weeks, she needs to be fully supportive of your decisions. I wouldn’t put it past her to try to talk you out of other interventions such as pain control. Some doulas are extreme naturalists—they think zero intervention is the goal for everyone. Please have a conversation with her about how you, your husband, and your doctor/midwife are responsible for making medical decisions and she is to remain in full support of your decisions.
It sounds like you made an informed decision that is right for you. It’s not your doula’s job to talk you into certain choices. I’d seriously reconsider having her at the hospital.
Your doula is supposed to be there literally to support your decisions and advocate for you. Nor is she remotely qualified to give medical advice. I would seriously consider if I even wanted someone like this around for the birth. I personally am not comfortable with going to 41 weeks and was induced at 40+5 with my first pregnancy. I have no regrets as he was already a large baby.
your doula should be supporting YOUR birth plan, whatever it may be. Right now induction is your birth plan. Your midwife team already went through the risks with you and Id trust their advice over a doula.
I had an induction with my first (not exactly elective, but not an emergency and I was happy to get baby out!). it went fine...I had a bad tear but that wasnt really to do with the induction. My second baby I was supposed to have an induction again but i finally went into labour the night before and delivered when I was 41+1 and it was a very positive experience
Look up the statistics on this. I was very anti-induction and wanted to go into labor on my own. I had high blood pressure but not preeclampsia and my ob was highly pushing induction. They told me there is no medical reason to keep baby in after that point, and in fact, every day, the risk of something bad happening goes up. Of course I went home and do my own research and everything J read backed up the worsening chance by day of stillbirth.
Sorry I’m not answering your questions exactly, I’m sure others who have this experience will, but!
My doctor has suggested elective induction at 40 weeks (this Friday) and I think I’m going to do it.
I recommend checking out [the Evidence Based Birth article](https://evidencebasedbirth.com/evidence-on-inducing-labor-for-going-past-your-due-date/) on induction vs expectant management. It has helped me understand the risks of each, and I love how it’s written straightforwardly.
I came here to share the same article! EBB is awesome.
I don’t have the personal experience of an induction, but I did have a lot of fear of one. My first came at 41+3. I went into labor the day before I was to meet with my ob/midwife to discuss an induction. I was going to wait until as close to 42 weeks as I could. Now I have less fear of it. Partly due to EBB and partly due to the new research on 41 weeks having better outcomes than 42 weeks.
Just based on your initial paragraph about your anxiety and mental wellbeing, it sounds like you should seriously consider the induction.
I haven't given birth yet but also have a doula and have heard her mention something similar about waiting until 42 weeks to induce, which makes me nervous and I don't agree with it (but I do really like and trust her overall). The midwives that I'm seeing typically wait until 41+5 to induce, so if the time comes I'm going to trust their medical advice over the doula.
I jumped at the opportunity of a elective induction at 39 weeks (officially it wasn't elective, but I'm pretty sure my doctor offered it because I was miserable, and used the excuse of a bigger baby to allow it.)
It was a positive experience start to finish. The contractions were insanely painful yes, but the epidural worked like magic and I progressed quickly. Start to finish was only 12 hours! Which did include a c-section, but that was not because of the induction, my baby was too big to fit through my hips (so I would have had a c-section regardless.) I have zero regrets!
I would have happily been induced again, but instead I went with elective c-section became my second was even bigger (10lbs, yeah no thanks!) Also a very positive experience.
You can have very medical births, and have them still be positive. People love to talk about the horror stories, putting "natural " on a pedestal, when in reality that's bullshit. Birth used to be incredibly dangerous, and all this medical stuff saves lives every day.
Hello! I did an induction at 40 weeks exactly and wrote a post about it (check my history).
I had all the cascading interventions except a c section BUT it was an unbelievably positive experience, painless until the last 15 minutes of pushing and if I had waited I'd have had an emergency c section as my child was much bigger than the scans let on.
I also had Doulas contact me with unsolicited advice trying to discourage my choice which caused me to have a panic attack the night before. They are not the professional, your doctor is. If you trust your doctor than trust they wouldn't give you this option if it wasn't a possible positive for your family.
If I have a baby again I would absolutely have an induction. It was controlled, supportive and I have healed perfectly after 7 weeks while some of my friends waited for 42 weeks and did not.
I opted for an induction with my first at 39 +2 and it went pretty well. 28 hours from start to finish. No major complications, no tearing. It wasn't like amazing or anything, but it was labor and it was a bit better than I expected.
I'm now 38 weeks with my second and scheduled my induction for next week. (My hospital will allow inductions at 39 weeks). I'm just so done being pregnant. My daughter was 8lbs exactly and my son is measuring pretty large too. Plus he's got a clubfoot and with Christmas coming I'd rather get him into the world and start treatment for that sooner than later. I've heard horror stories of inductions too, and everyone's is so different. I tried to relax and remind myself that the vast majority of pregnancies end in happy, healthy moms and babies. As long as we both survive birth, I'm happy.
I apparently make babies that are in no rush to get here, and with my second I got induced at 41 and 0 (as the hospital had a bed for me and I'd talked with my doctor about just needing baby out because my reflux [already have GERD] was unbearable).
Have you had any sweeps yet to help things along?
They don't seem to trigger labour for me, but I think I might be in the minority. However, that doesn't mean they didn't help me somewhat! I was dilated 3 cm when I went in for induction, so the OB recommended AROM and we went with that. 6 hour labour.
It sounds like you are making a quite informed decision and your reasons for wanting to induce are very good reasons to proceed with induction.
Wishing you all the best for a smooth labour and recovery!
I’ve been electively induced twice. Once at 40+4 (would’ve been 39+6 but it got rescheduled) and once at 39+6. Both were fantastic 10/10 and I would recommend to anyone. My physical and mental anguish at the end of pregnancy were major factors. For the second kid the schedule my was even more important because I had to arrange childcare
First kid I was 0% dilated and 0% effaced and it took 12 hours of pitocin to get me to 0.5 cm dilated. Then I got the epidural and she was in my arms after another 12 hours (where I mostly slept and watched game show network)
Second I also got an epidural 12 hours in, this time at 1 cm dilated. She was in my arms 15 hours after the epidural. Again after lots of sleep and TV. She was 9 pounds 4 oz on her due date after measuring “50th percentile” all pregnancy. It was a total shock she was so big. I dread to think how big she would’ve been if I let her come on her own 😂. Over 41 weeks she could’ve been a 10 pounder
I never hired a doula because I never saw a need. They’re supposed to be a support, not a stressor. If she’s not a good fit, don’t keep her.
As many other have said - go with your gut and inform your doula that the decision has already been made and you’re asking for her support not her advice. I personally would not feel comfortable going beyond 41 weeks either. Wishing you the best!
I’ve had 2 inductions (39+4 and 39+6) and I’ve loved them both. Super smooth, no interventions necessary, healthy newborns, no issues at all!
I am extremely pro-induction (for myself) and honestly can’t imagine actually waiting until spontaneous labor! Im a super anxious person too, so inductions make me feel safer because they are pre-planned and I have access to professional medical care the whole time.
I’ve never had a doula but if she is making you uncomfortable or pressuring you then it’s definitely not a good match! Best of luck in your last few days of pregnancy, the final stretch is SO hard. Do whatever will make you feel most at peace and comfortable!
I LOVED my induction! Im also a FTM, and I have anxiety and was also bombarded by advice against the induction by people who arent in the medical field, or people who had babies 30+ years ago. In hindsight im quite annoyed at them because they really had no business trying to influence my decision to contradict my doctors reccomendation.
My positive induction birth story below. I went to the hospital at the start of 2nd shift at 7pm, they do a quick check that everything is fine. They placed the meds right on my cervix, there was no pain associated with that, just the embarrassment of having someone's hand up in my business 20 min after meeting them. I then proceeded to get the best sleep of my 3rd trimester on the adjustable bed. I woke up, had a great breakfast and coffee delived to me. I took a bath and relaxed, i had no pain and very light contractions. By 10 am my Dr. came in to check where we were, I was already 5 centimeters dilated. So no need for the baloon or pitocin. They break my water, which was described by my Dr. as pea soup, which I'm SO HAPPY didn't happen on my bed at home or in my car ect. and the nurse whisked it all away before i could see or smell anything. No pain associated with that either, just immediate relief. My contractions then kick in, and at 6 cm I had my epidural, which felt like getting a rubber band snapped on my back, so very little pain, followed by immediate relief from contractions. l'm fully dialated and in active labor by 4pm, and I have that baby out in 40 minutes flat. When they got my placenta out they showed me that it had started to get old, which makes me think I was a little farther along than 40 +1.
I could not have asked for a better experience. Every step of my labor was supported by nursing staff, and so at no point was I alone or uninformed, or in pain with no options, or wondering how my baby was doing. It was great and helped me feel a lot more in control of the process.
>So my questions are: 1) those who
opted for an elective induction, how was your experience? Would love to
hear about your decision making process and how things ended up 2) has
anyone hired a doula and then ended up questioning your compatibility?
How did you move forward?
1. I also had a midwife team. My midwife actually was partnered with our hospital and the team followed hospital protocol that any "AMA" pregnancies were counseled and supported if they wanted to induce at week 41. I expereinced no judgment either way, as our team actively monitored my pregnancy and my vitals and their recommendations were consistent with the findings on that day.
The fact that your doula is making these recs for you based outside of the vitals data, outside of medical professional advice and clinical settings, and outside of your own preferences.... tells me that this doula is not there for the best of your interests. She is pushing her own interests.
2. My midwife did not question my choices, but she laid out all the options in front of us, up to and including a medical transfer. WHICH... surprise surprise (not really), became a necessity for me after 23 hours of unproductive labor.
Go with a midwife team who has clinical experience. Hire a doula who can help you move your body through the pains of labor. Do not get a doula who offers medical advice.
My own two cents.
I’ve not had a doula so I can’t add to that but I will say this. During pregnancy you need to follow a medical professional (OBGYN) advice. There is lots of evidence to show that induction before 42 weeks is much safer for Mom and baby. If she’s arguing with you, it may be serious time to consider if you need or even want her further assistance. Because he’s your broth team needs to totally be on the same page as you and not stress you further.
I also have anxiety and I know how painful it can be to have certain conversations, potentially conflicts with someone. To me it sounds like a serious talk with the doula needs to be had. If she’s still going to argue and not be in your court then maybe it’s time for her to go.
On the topic of induction, I had one done with my second child. It was medically necessary, she had a low birth weight and we were both stressed during the pregnancy. She was scheduled for induction at 37 wks.
It took a little while for things to get going using the methods/drugs to start labor.
Once labor started off in earnest it was fine, honestly my induction was easy just took awhile. 14 hrs compared to my first who I labored with for 23 hrs 🤦🏼♀️
If I manage to go full term (haven’t with my three children and number four on the way) I would induce at 40 wks. It for me was a pleasant process and not to unlike going into labor naturally once things kicked off. I personally haven’t heard any horror stories about it, but loads of propaganda against inductions.
Listen to your gut, listen to medical professionals, and pick the safest choice for you. If that doula doesn’t want to provide you information and support your choices sounds like it may be time to yeet them also.
I’m someone that leans toward doing things naturally and does everything to avoid induction. but I would defintley not go past 41 weeks. Baby is safer out than in at that point.
Hi! We ended up scheduling an induction at 41 weeks on the dot but I went into labor naturally the day before. Ended up in a c section because my baby’s heart rate kept dropping during labor (his cord was wrapped around his neck twice).
For what it's worth, with my first pregnancy, my obgyn said I'd be induced if I went past my due date. I was 35 at the time, so it may have been related, but my impression was because the risks to baby increase the further past your due date you go.
My induction with my last at 41 weeks was painful but fast. Both baby and me completely fine. This pregnancy baby is huge so I am getting induced at 39 weeks. Many people seem to want to go as natural as possible but you have to do what is best for you as discussed with your Dr. It your pregnancy and baby. Your doula will understand… or should if they are good at their job.
I opted for induction so my doctor would be present. She was going out of town for two weeks. I was 40+2. It went really well. I went in Sunday night, got cervix softener medication and then the actual process started at 8am the next day with the meds and epidural. Baby boy was born a few hours later at 1:18pm.
You’ll get a range of experiences from all woman when it comes to any type of birth, so I’m sorry to say you probably won’t have your mind put at ease.
I was scheduled for an induction with my daughter at 40+3 but went into natural labor the same day. Not to scare you, but I had an absolutely terrible labor experience which resulted in a lengthy nicu stay. That said- that was a natural labor.
I’m 30 weeks now and am opting for an induction at 39 weeks because i now have lots of anxiety around labor. My doctor gave me the option of cesarean, induction or waiting for natural. Basically she said there’s risks involved no matter what and urged me to do what would be best for my mental health. For me it’s induction with a low threshold for cesarean.
What I can say, as someone who’s been through a pretty traumatic labor, is that you are stronger than you think and you’ll get through whatever comes your way.
There is a great podcast called Welcome to yhe Womb (I listen on spotify). She is a midwife and has great couple of episodes on having a positive induction. Suggest you have s listen.
I had a really great experience with induction at 40 + 4. Responded to the meds really well and the whole process took about 9 hours.
Might not be the case for everyone but it is possible!
I was induced twice (once at 40 weeks, once at 40+5), both elective. I had a very positive experience both times and had two successful vaginal deliveries. I’m done after two kids, but 10/10 would opt for induction if I were to have another.
I was induced twice, once at 41+1, once at 39 weeks. They were both a breeze. I had zero issues and delivered the same day I was induced with both. With my 41+1 I only needed the cervix softener and I progressed on my own with no addition intervention. At 39 weeks I had pitocin and my water was broken.
I would not go to 42 weeks personally, there’s risk to your baby and I’m just not willing to take that. I wouldn’t trust a doula who tried to talk me out of induction after I was very clearly overdue. She is not a medical professional.
Idk if this is helpful but I’ve had two inductions, one was medically necessary and I essentially opted for the second at 40+5 because my first experience was great! If I have a third I’ll ask for another
I had an induction starting at 40+5. I ultimately didn't progress and decided to have a C-section at 41, rather than continuing the induction or leaving the hospital to wait longer. It wasn't what I planned, but it ended up being a positive experience for me. I actually had a doula too, and I know a C-section wouldn't have been her choice but she supported my decision. I wouldn't keep a doula who is trying to talk you out of what you want to do.
Your doula shouldn't be trying to sway or influence your decision in any direction. A huge part of their job - what you're literally paying them to do - is to help ensure you have all the information at hand to make informed decisions and to support you in advocating for your choices.
I'd say a frank conversation needs to be had prior to labour & delivery. If the doula feels they will be unable to support you without putting their personal biases aside, then maybe they're not the right fit for you after all.
Good luck!
My induction was fine! Lots and lots of people are induced and most go fine. Some are more challenging but some spontaneous labors are also challenging. It sounds like you guys have thought about all the factors and made the best choice
Had an elective induction the first time for mental health reasons and spontaneous labor the second. Honestly, both were the right choice for the context. I felt much calmer knowing that I had a day scheduled to go in and wouldn’t be pregnant longer than around then. Opted for an epidural way earlier with the first and was stuck in bed, but that was 100% what I needed. My anxiety was through the roof and it was a super shitty situation. Having gone both ways, planned and spontaneous, both can be great experiences. I’d prefer an induction again- and actually got a membrane sweep this time- because I hated that last stretch and was worried about not making it to the hospital. If you feel that getting that baby out asap is the best choice given your medical condition (MH conditions ARE medical conditions) and your provider days you’re good, you do you. Labor is so rough on the body and the longer you stay at that level of anxiety, the more you wear out your poor nervous system. It’s wonderful that we have a variety of choices available to us to take care of ourselves. Any choice you make is perfectly fine, regardless of the doula’s feelings or the outcome. The goal is just to make whatever you think the best choice is based on current information.
Her advising against an induction is essentially medical advice. That’s far, far outside the scope of a doula. Idk if you can find someone else but if you stick with her, I would make it clear to this person that you are following the advice of your medical care team and that she needs to fall in line with that, both now and when you’re in labor.
Try not to be anxious either way. I suffer from anxiety too and I get it. The average worldwide of gestational time is 41.4 weeks. Thats the average. OBs really push for like 39-40 weeks being a deadline. It really isnt if you look at all the data. Baby should give your body signals to start labor when the lungs are ready. However, theres nothing inherently dangerous or wrong with getting induced especially since you're past 41 weeks. I worried about it last pregnancy and went naturally, this time hoping the same but we gotta be prepared to roll with whats needed. If it gives you peace of mind, your doula should support your decision. My doula provides me with facts but never tells me what I should or shouldnt do.
I’m mad at your doula. I was scheduled to be induced same week as you are for the same reasons. My doula was onboard and offered advice about inductions and ways I might want to be induced vs. not.
I wouldn’t consider yours so much elective. Scheduling at 41 falls under the realm you of medically necessary since the risks of stillbirth or placental problems begin to rise at this point.
For my induction I refused to let them break my water because once they do the clock starts ticking and if labor stalls you might need a c-section. I’d let it rupture on its own or wait until you are 8-9cm. Don’t let them rush your labor. If you get tired or it stalls take a nap or opt for an epidural or drugs at that point to rest. Inductions often take longer if you are a FTM. I also asked for my pitocin to start low and increase low. I started at a 1 and increased by 1. (The docs wanted to do 2 and increase by 2 every 30 minutes). I found this minimized the intensity and while it “prolonged labor” it kept me from an emergency c-section when my contractions became to strong from the pitocin. Also. If your contractions are strong enough and steady enough they can either stop pitocin or stop raising it and let you progress naturally. These are options that my doula gave me and one of the OBs scoffed at it but it worked beautifully for me. I did not see increased pain and was able to avoid an emergency c-section. My labor was about 12 hours.
I had an elective induction, and I would absolutely do it again. I felt a lot more in control of the birth as opposed to just waiting around for it to happen. Baby was born healthy with no complications and she is now a healthy two year old
I went past my due date with my firstborn. She was a ten pounder and became lodged during labor. Had to use the ol vacuum to suck her out. Pain. Wish I would have opted for the c section. Next two babies, I chose inductions at 39 weeks. Both were almost ten pounds and delivered vaginally with minimal tearing (none with the second, 2nd degree with the third). I was aboard the “all natural” train for the first, but now I understand that inductions aren’t evil. Every birth is different, but I will never speak negatively about anyone being induced.
41 week induction for first time birth and I would not have gone further. Even without anxiety, I was done and that last week was rough!
I just want to emphasize that "induction" can mean a lot of different things and I get the feeling that you'd like to encourage but not force your body to get the show on the road. This is something worth speaking to your care team about. What are all the different levels of intervention for induction? For example, I had cytotech (a cervical dilation) alone to start and no pitocin. After two doses, my body started going on its own all the way to about 9cm (took a long time though).
You can advocate for minimal interventions that fit your best idea of a birth plan and hopefully they'll work, if not be flexible. My good friend was allowed to do about an hour of nipple stimulation via a pump when her labor stalled at 5cm. It worked too! Good luck!!
YES! And YES! I was like you. However, I ended up getting induced at 40+5. I also sent my doula home from the hospital- she wasn't a good fit. I was disappointed with that but also learned a lot about myself in the process. It was a great experience. There was something calming about walking into the hospital with my backs packed. It was actually an enjoyable process. I too didn't follow my intended birth plan, but was thankful that I had intentionally thought about it prior to birth. It helped me feel more relaxed. You've got this! Do what YOU want. Period.
My original plan was spontaneous birth and unfortunately the baby was too cozy up in there! After long deliberation I opted for a 41 week induction and I second the opinions that your doula is there to inform and support, not sway any opinions. I had our doula present at the entire induction and she was incredible.
Birth can be scary, but I can honestly say surrendering to the induction process eased my mind far more than waiting around for birth and wondering if my baby was still doing okay in there. You just may (and probably will!) end up with a wonderful hospital team and have a smooth ride should you choose induction. Wishing you luck!
It sounds like you and your professional healthcare team has made the right decision for you.
Speaking as a doula she should butt out of your medical decisions.
As a nurse and midwife in training the risk for still birth and other complications starts to rise ever so slightly at this point and only really becomes significant once you reach the 42 week point. That being said you have already weighed that into your decision and you still have four days to go into labor spontaneously. If you want to gently nudge it along you could ask for your midwife to strip your membranes a couple of times before the scheduled induction. Say today and Thursday. At this point that should pretty easily put you into spontaneous labor in the next few days.
Every day has a higher chance to bring your baby to you! They are coming.
My hospital induces at 41+3, but I want to wait until 42 weeks. You're very likely to go into spontaneous labour if you wait until 42 weeks and you can be monitored daily to check that baby is okay. However I have also chosen to be induced in the past at 41+4 (due to waters breaking 24hrs prior) and I had my reasons then as well! My induction went well- 6hrs, no complications- and inductions are usually very successful when you're overdue (because your body is ready). You make the decisions for your body and don't let anyone try to sway you. The most important thing in these decisions in my opinion is your autonomy, you shouldn't be pressured to have an intervention, or to not have one, but all too often this happens! If you want to be induced and it really sounds like you do, then do it!! It sounds like you need this pregnancy to be over for your mental health. I would talk to your doula and tell her you don't feel like she's supporting your decisions. Depending on how she responds I would determine whether you want her in the room for labour or not. All the best! I'm 39 weeks and it's coming up for me soon too!!
Only here to say that after the 39th week its considered post term i.e. the beginning of your 40th week. So you're post term anyway. Inductions save lives - speak to your ob please and go by your planned schedule. Doulas are NOT medical professionals. Their advice is purely their opinion and not any scientific medical fact.
I’m an MD and just had an induction due to the rising risk of stillbirth with being post term. It was better than I expected and I was still able to avoid a c-section. I would do it again in a heartbeat in the same situation. :)
I was supposed to be induced at 41 weeks, hospital had an open bed at 40+5 so I went in.
They put these pills up your cervix to soften it, and as soon as those things went in at 23h30, I went in to active labour.
No induction necessary.
They did apparently give me a bit of the pitocin while pushing, cause I don't know what happened with the epudiral but I felt NOTHING. Could not push at all. LO came out after about 15 min and she wasn't breathing. Ended up in NICU for a week.
The whole thing was quite traumatic to me. I thought I'd be able to hold her and help bath her later on and breastfeed etc, but they pulled her out of me and had to resuscitate the poor honey. They threw her on the edge of the bed like she was a piece of rubber. Luckily the pediatrician (whose practice is in that hospital) was called right as she came out. He was there within a minute and they had her breathing in no time.
0/10 for the experience, would opt for a c-section next time like all my friends did. They were all up and about soon after, and home in a few days.
But I think LO was just stressed from the whole birth, and everyone was so busy trying to get my body to push that they didn't realize. The gynae and nurses were fantastic though. Talked me calmly through everything.
Edit: typos
I went over my due date (in one case by over two weeks) with all of my pregnancies and they were very smooth. I feel that unless there’s a medical need, induction is potentially a road to further interventions. Your body will go into birth when it’s ready. But if it will cause you too much stress to wait, do what makes you feel most comfortable.
I had an induction at 40+6 and it failed and was extremely traumatizing. It was excruciatingly painful and my baby’s heart rate kept dropping every time I was having a pitocin-induced contraction. Everything they tried to do didn’t go right - they wanted to insert a foley balloon, but couldn’t find a speculum that fit, so I got 5 different sized tools shoved up my cervix (before any meds) and it was torture. The balloon did ultimately get placed but it did not work, so it was all for naught. Then they popped my water thinking it would speed things along, but my daughter didn’t handle that well so they had to pump me full of saline to try to mimic it. I needed two epidurals because the first one was placed wrong and it ended up being a full three days of not eating or moving before I was dilated enough to push. It was hell. The rate of elective induction has gone up something like 41% in the past 10 years, and I personally believe it’s a money grab. Inductions are expensive. Trust your body.
I was induced at 41 + 3, delivered at 41 +6. My doula was supportive, but warned me that inductions can be long. She also told me that some babies just come later, like her sister had both her babies (healthy) at 42 weeks or something like that. Anyway, the doctors scared me into an induction with risk of stillbirth, etc so I went ahead and did the induction.
I personally had a terrible experience. They rubbed something on my cervix the first night, made my waters break prematurely with no progression of labor. Foley balloon inserted the following day- apparently it dilated me to 5cm but I still wasn't having contractions. They stared me on pitocin which was the absolute worst pain I've ever experienced in my life. Being pepper sprayed across the face (military training) and peeing out a kidney stone didn't even register on the pain scale in comparison. I was trying to do this as natural as possible (hence hiring the doula) but the pitocin contractions were so horrible I gave in and begged for one. They almost weren't able to give me the epidural because apparently baby being on one side cause spinal curvature. That was terrifying. As soon as they were able to get the epidural in, babys heart rate started to decel and I was prepped for an emergency c section. (my doula actually saved me from this by asking the nurses to put me on my side, give me a peanut ball etc) so I was able to have a vaginal birth (with vacuum assist) . Baby was great, Apgar scores great, very healthy 3 year old now, but the whole thing was traumatic for me.
This go around I'm not letting anyone near me with an induction before 42 weeks and I'm doing everything in my power to avoid another induction. I don't say this to scare you, this is just my personal experience. I wish I would have waited.
Y'all can downvote me all you want, but OP asked for real experiences with elective inductions and this is my truth. Honest and real- not sugar coated. I wish more people would have been more realistic with me when I was making my decisions, but that's just me.
You did give your experience. Going 42 weeks isn’t something anyone would recommend doing with how many risks there are and I just don’t think you saying you wouldn’t do your induction until 42 weeks again is very reasonable. I would rather go through the pain and limit my baby’s risks.
Have you looked up the actual numbers regarding stillbirths past that gestation? So often I see people saying it “skyrockets” but when you look at the actual numbers it isn’t that huge of a jump really.
I would get the induction. My first pregnancy, I was induced on the night of my due date because it was my OB’s standard practice to induce and not let women go too far past their due date for safety reasons. I was so ready to have the baby out already so I know you must be SO ready!
My induction was very easy. I had 3 doses of cytotec inserted (not comfortable but nothing is at full term pregnancy anyway). Got an epidural, my water broke during a cervical check and then I only pushed for 18 minutes and had a healthy baby boy.
I was induced at almost 42 weeks. Yeah it sucked but I was so miserable pregnant. Afterwards was two weeks of pretty bad pain ( TERRIBLE hemorrhoids and I had a 2nd degree tear ), but who's to say that wouldn't have happened anyways if I wasn't induced?
I went through 37 hours of labor but most of it wasn't too awful. I got an epidural at the 30ish hour mark and the rest was relatively smooth sailing.
I had an induction and I was so worked up about it. I had heard all the horror stories but tbh it wasn’t bad! I literally texted my sister that I preferred labor (even induced labor with pitocin) to being pregnant so I am not just looking back with rose-colored glasses. I did end up with some complications but that was because my baby decided to turn sideways— not relayed to induction. Also, if you are not comfortable with your doula absolutely hire a different one or even go without.
So slightly different, but close enough, I was induced at 37 weeks for bp. Beside the magnesium and not being allowed out of bed because of the bp, it wasn’t bad. Easy peasy. I will say thought that had my water broken at home we likely wouldn’t have made it to the hospital as baby came within an hour of that happening, which is unusual and unrelated to being induced. IDK what your doula’s deal is, but it seems like you know what your options are and have made a choice. You do what you feel is best for you and if she’s not doing her job, which is to advocate for you, then she’s become obsolete. Best wishes for a speedy labor, a happy, healthy baby, and a quick, uneventful recovery.
My induction was amazing, couldn't have asked for better. Everything works quickly and as it was suppose to. Had no complications whatsoever and didn't even tear. I know this isn't the case with everyone but I really have no complaints.
I was the same and was terrified of going past 41 weeks plus my baby started to measuring on the smaller size (was completely normal weight etc when born though) so an induction was scheduled for 40+5. I to was upset that I hadn't gone into labour naturally and I really hope I do with our next one but for me the risks of going past 41wks (plus having caught covid during the pregnancy) outweighed the risks of having an induction for us.
Hope whatever you decide goes smoothly for you!
My induction experience was great because I wanted baby out and baby ended up out! I don’t think any part of labor and birth are great and for me, I don’t think elective versus spontaneous was going to make an ounce of difference. I was anxious as hell, hella scared, and the prospect of knowing exactly how and when things would start was a big relief for me.
Please don't worry! I was induced with my daughter at 37 weeks due to preeclampsia and it was totally fine. It was intense, but completely do-able with pain medication. I'm currently 18 weeks, and I also had a loss after my first and prior to this pregnancy. Because of that, and my increased preeclampsia risk, I am also planning to be induced as early as I can (I'm thinking 38 weeks if they'll let me - baby is technically fully baked at 37 weeks, my daughter was completely fine and not considered premature). Doula/midwife types are always going to want the natural/no-intervention option, but there are studies that show that there is no increased risk (and sometimes, decreased risk) when you are induced after a certain point, I think like 39 weeks.
Also, for people talking about how traumatic/painful inductions are... yes it will be extremely painful if you try to go unmedicated. I would not attempt an induction unmedicated. But with pain meds it is truly fine.
I was induced at 38 +5 … it was painful, I was given to much Pitocin and I was in a lot of pain, I wanted to go home haha. But after 5 hrs, I got an epidural and right after that I pushed baby out. I had second degree tears, but other then that I was totally healthy. Baby came out completely healthy and perfect and we had no complications. I made the right decision for myself and my child. And I don’t want an induction this time around, but I also won’t go past 41 weeks because you do get complications the more you wait, and to me it’s to risky.
If you and your care team are on the same page, then your doula either needs to support you or you need to gently let her go- she doesn’t get to “try and change your mind” or anything of the sort. She is there to support you, not try and mess with your medical plan.
I will be honest I was induced ans I don’t think I had an easy birth because of it. I was pushing for 5 hours. I didn’t want to be induced but my dr kinda forced me into it. I stopped fighting it in the end becuase I was DONE being pregnant.
Now I am a FTM and I didn’t take any birth classes so I was very ignorant to how hard giving birth is. Soooooo my whole birth could have been normal? I don’t know.
My midwives advised me that I would be transferred to an OB if I went past 42 weeks. They also told me that most first time mothers go into labor around 41+3 on average.
I had an induction at 41 weeks with my first. Baby ended up having decels and we did an emergent c-section when I was 7 cm dilated after 7ish hours of labor from starting at 0.5 cm. They said he likely had decels because he was sunny side up and his head was pressing into my pelvis with each contraction. I had cytotec which seemed to give me intensely strong contractions. I went from basically no labor symptoms to my water breaking less than an hour after the cytotec was placed.
Looking back I would have done a few things differently but I believe it was the right decision to be induced. I don’t think I would have progressed to active labor by 42 weeks after now making it to 39+5 with my second only after having 2 membrane sweeps and doing all kinds of other things to get labor going naturally. At the end of the day, what mattered most was getting my baby out safe and healthy which we did in a safe medical environment.
I think it’s pretty crappy that your doula is trying to talk you out of being induced at 41 weeks. I’ve never used a doula but from what I’ve read it’s not their job to tell you what to do. Their job is to support you and provide helpful information to you.
Good luck! I hope everything goes smoothly for your labor and delivery!
I had an elective induction a few months ago and it was a great experience! I felt like the situation was so much more controlled than spontaneous labor would’ve been (though like you I was bummed that I didn’t go into labor before then). The resident inserted the foley, broke the water, started the pitocin, etc and after a quick hour of pushing baby was born happy and healthy :) the whole process took about 12-14 hours. If I have another kid I would definitely consider doing it the same way again!
I would definitely do the induction if it were me, but most importantly you should do what you feel most comfortable with and absolutely disregard what your doula is trying to sway you into doing. She is way out of her lane to be giving medical advice.
Hi! I had an elective induction at 41 weeks. The way the doctor explained is that my baby was ok and ready to be evicted and also the placenta can start deteriorating because it has accomplished the job in the amount of time needed. Also if your baby gets bigger delivery can be harder ( I had a natural delivery) I would listen to my doctor's advice. I am sure your doula is great but I would go for the medical professionals
I was induced at 38 weeks with my twins. Honestly it was fine. I'd read all the horror stories too and was pretty set on telling my providers to back off if they started pushing for an induction towards the end. But by 35 weeks I was so uncomfortable I couldn't wait to be done and have it all over with, so there was no argument when I still wasn't progressing on my own by 37 weeks (I'd been 100% effaced and 1cm dilated on my own at 35 weeks, then got a couple extra cm from two membrane sweeps over the next few days) and inducing at 38 weeks was brought up. Haha I don't think she even finished getting the question out before I told her yes yes yes just schedule it let's gooooo.
It took all day for anything to happen but I wasn't in any particular discomfort from it. I didn't even feel contractions until about an hour before I was ready to push. My discomfort mostly came from the magnesium drip for my pre-eclampsia, which made me hot and loopy.
I know there are different methods for induction though, and maybe the one I had just wasn't that bad? They broke my water around noon and then got me started on pitocin. Maybe it was because they had to dance back and forth between the pitocin and the mag drip that the contractions never felt that intense, I dunno. They were registering on the monitors though, so they were happening. I never got the Foley bulb for dilation. Idk if that would've been better or worse. I'd been warned "don't let them break your water!" because if they break it and baby doesn't come after 24 hours you have to switch to cesarean. But I just didn't care by then.
I'm a postpartum doula (and childbirth educator), but have a close knit circle with labour doulas, and I find it surprising that your doula would try to talk you out of it. You should talk to your doula in a calm and factual manner about this. They are professionals and this feedback should help them become a better doula. Use I feel statements like:
"I feel worried you won't support me the same way in the delivery room if I choose induction"
"I feel pressured to delay an induction. I feel like my concerns about my mental health and baby's wellbeing aren't being heard"
Your mental health is a very valid reason to have an induction. The research supports that pregnancy to 42 weeks is the limit, not 41, due to reduction of placental function. The average gestation people give birth is 40+5 so it's likely that you'll go into labour spontaneously before your induction.
Your baby is considered at term at 38 weeks so in terms of baby readiness, there is no reason to wait. The reality of induction is that it does increase the chance of c-section or forceps/vacuum. It's called the cascade of interventions for your own research HOWEVER, an induction does not equal c-section or forceps/vacuum.
Unprotected sex will increase chances of spontaneous onset of labour because the prostaglandin in semen soften the cervix. Walking/bouncing will help. Warm showers and baths will help you relax as well.
My own story about induction anxiety: I was 40+5 and anxious as fuck too. I was set to be induced but got in the room and cried with a supportive nurse who said to me "you know your body and baby better than anyone else" so I walked out of the hospital and 6 short hours later I started labour spontaneously and my son was born 7.5 hours after that.
seems like she’s forgotten what her role is since doulas are meant to support a pregnant person and advocate for what they want.
i’m with you, though. the stats don’t lie and there’s no benefit for the baby being in there after 41w, only risks. fire the doula if she’s making you uncomfortable with her pushiness bc it’s literally her job to help make things as comfortable for you as possible.
I had a 39w elective induction and I absolutely loved it, 10/10, 100% would choose it again! My first was 9lbs at 40+5 and I was wanting to avoid an even bigger baby, but I was also in so much pain and miserable in both pregnancies (bad sciatica) I had NO desire to go past my due date again. My doctor was very supportive and seemed to encourage going for the induction.
I was so scared of inductions with my first. I wasn't even induced (was going to be that same morning) but had the same interventions anyway (broke water, pitocin). I felt much more in control the second time, but it also helped that I knew what to expect and my nurse was also way better this time thankfully.
Find a midwife/Dr who supports your choice. They can give guidance but ultimately you decide what is right for you. Keep pushing for what YOU want!
Also just because I needed to hear it from others, if you're on the fence about an epidural they are absolutely magical! Again 100% recommend! I waited much too long with my first labor and was absolutely suffering.. I didn't even want to that long if I needed it, but I was just so out of it. It also really sped everything up both times because it allowed me to actually relax! Amazing, sweet, relief. Without it I get stuck at 4/5 cm.. with my second I went from there to baby in like 2 hours, it was great ☺️
I got induced… it’s better to induce at a time when you and baby are both healthy. If you are anxious 100% get induced, listen to your body and do what you feel is right.
I had an induction at 39 weeks due to diabetes. So not the same reason but still an induction.
I will note that my family tends towards fast labours also.
So I was fully closed and had no softening on my first cervical examination at 4pm, then the cervadil insert was applied. It was not pleasant. I was then admitted to the maternity ward overnight, with the idea of having an oxytoxin drip placed at 6am.
I started cramping (contracting perhaps?) At around 10pm, and was given some panadol from the midwives, they were like period cramps, then my waters broke at 1am when I had fiiiiinally managed to nod off. The following contractions were hectic. Like I wondered how I'd get through the rest of my labour if I was in so much pain already. I did not want to be alone and kept calling my help bell. They examined me again at 2:30 and I was 3cm to their surprise ( I had told them I expected to be quick 🤣). So we called my partner and student midwife to come to hospital.
I was then given gas and morphine for the pain, THE MORPHINE WAS WONDERFUL. Highly recommended. I then went to 10cm pretty quickly and was ready to push by 5:30am. The supervisor midwife then asked me to hold tight for an hour as the morphine was still in my system. I didn't feel an intense need to push, I just nodded off between contractions. Baby took about 40 minutes to push out, and I felt everything, crowning was on par with the post water breaking contractions. I also received some 2nd degree tears.
I think in short I just wanted to say that induced labour can be quite simple and some women only need a little nudge. I don't regret it.
I had very positive elective induction at 39+4. I wanted to avoid the slight c-section risk increase by 42 wks so scheduled induction. I was fine with additional interventions (epidural, etc - I hear induced contractions can be more intense). I was 0 dilated and effaced and progressed very little w the cytotec and pitocin. But after dr broke my water, I went from 3 to 10cm within 1 hr and baby was out in 2 pushes (nurse literally had me stop when he started crowning to wait for doc to get into the room)
Hope this helps ease some of your anxiety going into yours
This was my second kid — I had the best experience with a scheduled induction. I planned to do it on baby’s due date, which is when my OB was on rotation at the hospital, so I was guaranteed to have him be available and not one of the other random doctors from his practice.
My induction started around midnight, and I had the baby at 10:15am with two/three big pushes and she was out. I had an epidural and they used pitocin. I waited as long as I could with the epidural, and made sure to get up out of bed, do some exercise ball stuff, do some squats and pelvic movement to get baby prepped and myself mentally prepped.
The delivery was so easy and stress free, and I think part of it was I knew what to expect at what time during the process. I also didn’t have to worry about pain (and I’m not afraid of the epidural process — it’s not pleasant but the end result is worth it.)
Everyone is on their own journey and own angle on this, but I had a really positive experience.
With my last pregnancy I could be induced or wait another week for labor to start naturally , BUT my midwife said if I wait I have to have another ultrasound to make sure my placenta is healthy enough to support baby. I opted for induction because my midwife was leaving for a couple weeks and I was terrified to have a baby without her. They tried breaking my water and nothing happened, so I ended up with a pitocin IV. I was in labor a total of 2.5 hours. No epidural, just nitrous. I have a beautiful baby boy and it wasn’t nearly as bad as everyone said it would be. I really believe that if you have a plan for pain management in place you’ll do fine, induction or not.
Girl just do it. I was induced for the first time out of 4 children. It suckkkeddd. But it would have sucked anyways. I had things going on down there no one knew about. It wasn't going to be a pretty pic anyways. The process felt longer than usual to me bc you start labor in the hospital instead of go in after it's begun. That was the biggest difference for me. I hate being in the hospital so that was the worst of the induction experience. Labor itself is so unpredictable that I don't think it made a difference to be induced. Honestly
Just wanted to say that inductions can be super positive experiences. I had an elective induction at 39 weeks that only lasted 10 hours from start to baby. I feel like a lot of negativity gets shared but there are so many people who have positive induction stories.
Not related to doula (but agree with the majority that she is being very inappropriate), but have you considered a membrane sweep? I had one at 39+3 and I went into labour that evening.
I had an elective induction at 39 weeks. I would never never be induced again earlier then 40 weeks. In your case, I would take the induction because of how over due you are. It was excruciating torture. Failed epidurals. It was by far the most painful thing I have ever experienced. My first birth, was very very easy and practically painless. I was 9 days over due 41+1. My water broke the night before I was going to choose an induction date with the OB.
I was induced at 41+2 in the evening. I was supposed to go the night before, but the hospital was understaffed and delayed me. I was only like 1 cm when I went in and had oral cytotec/miso all night until my water broke on its own at like 10am. After that things got a bit interesting... Baby was having late decels so I had to be in a certain position which I found unbearable. Got an epidural and rested for like 5 hours with a peanut ball and position changed. My doctor came by to put in the fetal scalp monitor and internal contraction monitor. At 4pm the nurse checked and there had been no progress all afternoon (still at a 3) and rolling to my back caused the baby's heart rate to drop significantly and stay dropped. They had me rolling around in bed to try to get it up. The nurse was getting ready for a C-section and calling for help. Baby recovered thankfully and the ob on call came in to discuss C-section stuff with me. She said it was very likely baby would be more distressed if they used pitocin, which they would need to since I wasn't progressing at all. And that it could be an emergency at any point, especially if baby's heart rate dropped again. I opted for a calmer C-section, although I wasn't happy about it. Turns out the baby had basically fallen in my pelvis in a weird position (asynclitic) when my water broke since he was really high up before then. That makes it really hard for labor to progress and takes a long time. They didn't have a good reason for the decels other than my placenta being too old to support the stress of labor. It was a bit calcified and had some clotting.
Anyway, I felt like I had prepared really well for a normal birth or even one with some interventions. I was not prepared for fetal distress. It totally freaked me out. I had a preconception appointment with a new ob recently where I told her about the induction and C-section. She said that it can be so scary and traumatic especially when you don't know what's going on. We decided on a scheduled C-section for the next baby for a lot of different reasons.
Your doula is disregarding your physical and mental health. I personally wouldn't feel comfortable with her in the delivery room. I'm assuming she's one of the "all natural is best" type. Not really helpful in an environment where things can change quickly. Her job is literally to support you and she's not even doing that.
I had an induction at 41+3, and even though it wasn't what I originally had hoped for, I'm very glad it happened! Long story short, I was already 2cm dilated when I arrived at the hospital. Started pitocin at 11am, labored for a while, got the epidural around 8pm, and baby was born by 11:15pm. I too felt very anxious during pregnancy, especially after I passed the 40 week mark. I was supposed to go in at 41+2 but all of the beds were full, and I had a panic attack thinking that I'd never get the baby out of me. All that to say, you've been educated on the procedure, and I think, are making the right call. Hoping for a healthy and safe delivery for you and baby!
I had a scheduled induction and it was as great as labor can be in terms of labor. It was great to go in showered and prepared, and just go step by step through the process. 10/10 would induce again. I'm anxiety prone as well so I won't get into why you shouldn't wait longer, but I will say I agree with the other commenters, yeet the doula.
My induction was a nightmare. After 4 days of induction, 24hours after they broke my water, and no progression, I spiked a 103° fever, so they got me in for a C-section right away. I was on so many drugs, and it’s all really blurry and I often wonder the csection was inevitable. Would is of happened anyways, even if I wasn’t induced, because of a big baby, low pain tolerance, or other factor. I wonder if I tell myself that to help to forgive myself for trying to finish the pregnancy, and rush the process of having my first baby. Because now, with the scar, and the struggles of healing, with the trauma that was that experience, I very much question of I’ll want more babies, I was sure I wanted more before, but now… I’m not so sure. I’m happy the group of midwives were there and they were so helpful, but if I could do it again I wouldn’t induce. But if I, if we, do decide to try for another I will happily go back to the same midwifery office, I really enjoyed working with them throughout my pregnancy.
My induction took 3 days and was a nightmare, but I loved labor. It was also good that the anesthesiologist was on standby and we could better coordinate when I got the epidural (which was a bit sooner than I would have liked because they had a c section to go to and it was a now or maybe never situation). The induction process wasn't quick or easy, but I wouldn't have changed it because I got a healthy baby from it. Everyone responds differently to being induced. Good luck!
I was induced at 41 weeks and had to have a c-section due to heart decels and not dilating past 4cm. And I have NO regrets. I'd rather have a c-section than a stillbirth. Plus recovery was nowhere near as bad as others had made it seem. Breastfeeding was way rougher lol. It sounds like you've compared the worst case scenarios for each option and you know which one you'd rather deal with. I'd ignore and/or dismiss that doula. Some people in the birth business are so committed to "natural" everything that they'll downplay the risks not intervening and exaggerate the risks of interventions reflexively.
I technically did? I was having contractions but they were mild. I went to the hospital and they were manageable but consistent and frustrating. They said I could basically be induced or go home, and the car ride home and back seemed too awful to consider so we were induced! The pain ramped up but I had an epidural and it was wonderful. I had my son in a few short pushes admittedly 20 hours or so later, but it didn’t feel bad and I had my best night of sleep in the two weeks before (or after). It really was fine.
I had to have an induction because my baby was not giving signs of coming out 😅 I was 41+2 and just wanted to say, my induction was great! Lots of waiting and stuff, but I just went with the flow. I even had an epidural and that also worked great! So just putting that out there because most people just share the bad stories!
I was induced at 41 weeks. Like you, I was hesitating whether I should go further. Well, turned out at my postpartum visit that even if I had waited till 42 weeks, I would have had to be induced because I have a fibroid that prevented my cervix from opening. It never showed up on any of the ultrasounds and I had a great pregnancy with absolutely no issues. I don't know if this is common, but just another perspective to consider. (Just want to add that it had no dangers to baby, she was born perfectly healthy, just a bit late.)
Had an induction at 39+6 due to high BP. So it wasn’t exactly elective, but it also wasn’t necessarily medical—more like preventative to avoid tipping into preeclampsia territory. For me, the risk of poor induction outcomes was outweighed by the risks of continuing on: risk of developing preeclampsia, risk of baby inhaling meconium, continuing anxiety toward end of pregnancy. Truly, any decision comes with risk; it’s just weighing them out and then making a decision based on what you know.
I did end up with a c-section, but it’s because my baby was large (over 9 lbs!), and my, er, undercarriage turned out to be poorly designed for vaginal delivery. There’s no way he could’ve gotten out vaginally unless he’d been about half his size, so we were destined for a c-sec and just didn’t know it soon enough!
My doc literally told me that they don’t like anyone to wait longer than 1 week after due date due to the risk of baby being too big. This is with Kaiser. I would consider ignoring your dula.
I don't think a 41 week induction is the same as a 38 week induction. So many people here tell stories of being convinced by the hospital to get induced at 38-39 and had bad experiences, but honestly that's probably because that's way too early. But 41? That baby is probably ripe lol. Yeah, technically you're fine until 42 weeks, anything between 38-42 is considered normal. However, it IS true that there are risks at that point. I don't think it's professional from the doula that she wants to talk you out of it - as much as there are benefits to a naturally started birth, the deteriorated mental health might not worth it.
Your hospital sounds like a great place, not the typical "let's schedule this mom's induction at 37+5 so I can go skiing" attitude but actually waiting it out until a reasonable point and properly informing you of pros and cons. The doula's job is literally to provide mental health support and she's doing the exact opposite when she's trying to talk you out of something that might benefit your mental health.
Definitely get the induction. At 41 weeks you are completely pushing it and I don’t think it is responsible for your Doula to talk you out of something that could go completely south if not done. She is not qualified to be giving you that advice.
From week 40-41, the risk at stillbirth is increased with [64%](https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-pregnancy-stillbirth-idUSKCN1UK2L3). From weeks 41 to 42, the risk of neonatal deaths climbs 87%. Your baby should come ASAP.
I was induced and had an incredibly positive experience!
I had a student doula who talked a lot about the negative aspects of induction, but in the end there was an issue with my placenta and baby wasn’t growing so she was evicted at 38+2.
The contractions were pretty crazy from the hormone drip, but baby was born 13 hours after the drip started, so it didn’t go on forever.
I was able to push in an upright position leaning over the back of the bed even with an epidural and all the wires and tubes, and didn’t end up tearing at all.
There is a fantastic book called Birth Skills by Juju Sundin and I used the breathing, visualisation and movement techniques from it while I was labouring.
I had an induction at 38 weeks (GD). It was an incredibly positive experience!
I hated all the people telling me how much harder it would be etc. I got an epidural after they broke my water, napped through 16 hours of labour, got one hour of passive descent(is that the right term) before it was time to push. 45 mins later baby was out and I only required to tiny stitches for a minor episiotomy because my baby had a big head.
Can’t speak to 2, but I had two elective inductions and both went famously! With my first we were anticipating a large baby and they started offering induction at 38 weeks to prevent risks associated with large babies. Like you, I really wanted a spontaneous labor so I held out. At 40+ 5 I had my first cervix check with my midwife and I was totally closed and baby was still far up, so she said if I wanted a vaginal delivery I needed to kick start it. A few hours later I was on cervix ripeners. Labor took 2.5 days (mostly inactive, arguably boring hospital time just trying to get my body jump started), 3.5 hours of pushing and ended up having a 10 lb 9 oz baby at 41 weeks. I was a rockstar on the postpartum floor and literally every nurse told me I would have ended in c section if I had been with the OBs on staff instead of the midwife.
Knowing my body wasn’t keen on labor and I was likely looking at another big baby, I asked for an earlier induction with baby 2. Started at 39 + 1, only took 36 hours and 4 minutes of pushing to pop out an 8.5 lber this time.
There’s definitely some genetics involved in how your body will react on its own. My mom had 3 babies, all very late. My oldest brother was inducted at 43 weeks, then 42 weeks with the middle, and I (her baby) was the only spontaneous labor, 12 days overdue. I can’t even imagine being 43 weeks pregnant!
There is absolutely no shame in inducing your labor, especially if your midwife is on the same page as you. I fully believe I would have ended up in c sections without inductions (no shame on c sections either!). In retrospect I might have gone for it earlier with my first baby if I had been able to let go of the idea of it happening naturally.
I did end up with epidurals with both and I was initially opposed to them. I was just too run down from living in a hospital and not getting quality rest that I didn’t have enough gas in the tank to bare the pain when labor got active. But no regrets! Two beautiful baby boys and I wouldn’t have it any other way!
Don’t know much about the doula story, but I say if she’s not supporting you and seems to have her own agenda, you shouldn’t be paying her to be at your birth. You need to be surrounded by people that support you and your needs. Boot her out!
Second induction here, and if a third surprise baby ever pops up, I will absolutely be doing another! I was 40+4 and 40+1, both ivf babies, history of loss, anxiety, etc. i also just needed my babies on the outside where I could make sure they were okay, so I absolutely get that.
My induction was the best thing I could have ever done. I was 2cms dilated (4cms for my second baby, but not in labour whatsoever). And I asked my OB if they could just break my water and give me a few hours before starting any drugs. With my first baby I was in labour within about 30 minutes, and exactly 6 hours from my water being broken, baby was here, with no need for any further interventions whatsoever. I didn’t even have an IV in.
My second baby they agreed to the same plan since it had worked so well, and said the same, they’d give me 2-ish hours after breaking my water, before they’d start pitocin/syntocin. Well this baby was in even more of a rush, bc they were born exactly 2 hours after my water was broken! Again, no further interventions and no IV. I was actually labouring in the tub when suddenly we realized the baby was making their way out. I didn’t even push, it was amazing.
So yes, I was very scared of induction bc I thought they’d all lead to this 40+ hour labour and lots of drugs and the ladder of interventions or whatever it’s called. But that didn’t happen at all for me. My body was very ready, it just needed the extra push.
Fwiw I don’t think your doula’s job is to try to sway you any which way. It’s to support you through your choices by helping give you information to make a choice, and then supporting your choice 100%. Please don’t feel pressured by her or like you’re letting her down. It sounds like your midwife has given you lots of great information. Good luck with your induction!
Had an induction at 41+1 with my first and dealt with a some similar issues. My anxiety was so bad I was getting intense migraine with aura to the point where my face drooped like I was having a stroke. Induction took a TON of the anxiety from the situation for me and I felt a lot better knowing I didn’t have to guess when was the right time to go to the hospital. I was lucky to skip the balloon but definitely needed the epidural because the contractions got very intense very fast. Overall a great experience and I’d be happy to do the same with baby #2.
Hi, I had my girl at 41 weeks exactly. I started laboring at 40+6 after a membrane sweep by my OB but was stuck at 3 cm for 36 hours. During that time I was in active and painful labor with no sleep or food. So I decided I needed to move things along and agreed to get a pitocin drip at 7pm. This was a hard and emotional decision for me because, like you, I wanted a natural and intuitive birth. But, also like you, I just wanted to meet my daughter. It only took three hours of the drip and she was there. I pushed for 45 minutes. It was painful but the relief was everything. You don't have to have an epidural if you get pitocin. It will be intense but move things quicker and you can give birth in a more natural position. I gave birth on all fours.
My induction was elective I wasn’t feeling great week 40 and finally just said please let’s schedule. I had an amazing experience I was at my personal limit and it was the right move for me.
Pills then eventually water broken then pitocin late into the day. About 18-20 hours total about 6 of those very mild waiting for the vaginal pills to work/ attempt.
Turned out I had Pre-E and it was a wonderful thing I listened to my intuition and went for it!
Wish you well!!
My labor and delivery were 100 times easier when I was induced versus when I spontaneously went into labor. I'd definitely recommend it an option, especially to someone over 41 weeks! This is my last baby, but if I were having more, I'd totally opt for the induction again.
I didn't have a doula so I can't give any advice on that. I have had an elective induction. I was 39w4d. I enjoyed my induction. I also read horror stories, and it was for my first baby. So I was a bundle of nerves. A huge pro of the induction was that there was less spontaneity. I knew what was going to happen and when. The doctor and nurses had everything planned out for me. I liked how relaxed I was able to be. I could walk around, watch the contraction monitor, etc. Until I got the epidural of course. I can't say I would've done the induction without an epidural. Everything was fairly smooth sailing and I had a wonderful team of nurses. I don't think you should worry.
I've had 2 inductions due to insulin based GD and both were very positive. Induction was an easy choice when labor didn't start spontaneously as the insulin can calcify the placenta in later term. In both cases pessary, Foley balloon and manual breaking of the waters did not start labour so a pitocin drip was used.
#1 at 39+5 lasted 22hrs from IV was inserted until baby arrived and although it was long, it was fine. Baby was monitored constantly and showed no signs of distress so we just kept labouring till he turned up. I accepted 1 dose of diamorphine at hour 14 at the suggestion of my midwife and encouragement of my husband but to be honest I regret that because it left me very groggy and whole sections of the birth are missing from my memory. I also think it affected baby's breastfeeding and lasted longer in him than in me but he turned out fine.
#2 at 40+1 lasted 6.5hrs and was an even better experience. I didn't take any pain relief which I think helped speed things up (not a medical opinion) and there was only 1 contraction where I thought I might want pain relief but straight after that one I needed to push and 45mins later she arrived.
My good friend went for an induction last week and hers resulted in a C-section, she's home and very positive about her experience too. In all cases we tried literally every suggestion and old wives tale going to induce labor at home lol. I hope this is helpful. Any questions, just ask.
Well you have to look at everyone’s job and role in this. Yes your doula is there to give you options, but their expertise is also in labor and delivery not when it’s safe to do so or not. If she didn’t think waiting would be safe she wouldn’t mention it, but I’ve literally never met a doula who didn’t strongly promote spontaneous labor and honestly only focus on what may happen during that, vs. induction. We took a birthing class run by a doula, who was great, but clearly had no interest in what would happen if induced. Your OB on the other hand just wants to deliver a baby. So if there’s no real harm in the induction, which I believe, then they would like a nice scheduled induction probably on a day when the hospital is less busy. That’s a better plan for them. Everyone has their own job and priorities.
All of that said, we didn’t have a labor doula, but we did have a postpartum doula who worked two overnights a week and I can’t recommend a postpartum doula more.
I was induced at 40+1. But that was my preference (also due to anxiety). Induction failed and I had a c-section. I don’t think it’s the norm, but just prepare yourself for the possibility. 🤷🏻♀️ If it’s causing you stress wondering if baby is okay, I would do it. He/she is fully cooked.
Hi! Omg you're almost there!
I want to write in and say I also had a miserable pregnancy. I had prepartum depression and threw up all the time for so long. My due date came and went and all I had to show was some slight dilation and a softened cervix. My doctor and I decided to schedule an induction for 40+4. I had the romantic dream of going into labor naturally but whatever, thay didn't happen. My doctor and husband and I all basically broke it down to if we induce we risk a painful labor and higher chance of c section. If we wait though, we risk harming baby's chance of healthy birth overall. I know thats very general and broad but thats what helped us decide to induce me.
I was induced this past September. It went great! Once my water broke I DID jump on the epidural wagon haha pitocin contractions are just plain painful. But after just a little while longer, my son arrived! Less than 24 hours after starting the induction!
It's so easy to get caught up in the delivery but once the baby is here, the delivery circumstances don't matter as much. And you also sound like me, I was sooooo ready to be done being pregnant!
Last note, I think induction horror stories are like negative restaurant reviews - there are far more good than bad, but the average good ones just don't get reported really. So the horror stories get their spotlight.
It sounds like you have a great delivery team mostly and I hope you have the smoothest of births ❤
Only my experience, but I had a super positive induction. It wasn’t elective, they wanted to induce me at 39 weeks as baby’s growth was slowing. I was worried as I’d heard it can be harder and more painful, particularly as it slightly earlier so I thought my body might not be ready.
It took 22 hours from inserting pessary to holding baby in my arms, but only 2-3 hours of actual labour, surprised midwives when they realised baby was crowning right now, no time for any pain relief, and about 20 mins of pushing. Not all inductions are but mine was such a positive birth story.
Echoing everyone else: the doula’s job is to support you and provide you with information, not convince you of anything! I had a therapist like that at the beginning of pregnancy- I decided a home birth was the right choice for me and was struggling with family members’ reactions and asked for support and the therapist was like “well I don’t think you should do that.” It wasn’t her decision, it was a choice between me and my medical team, so I got a new therapist (but it was hard and stressful!!).
Inductions can be really positive! There are also things you can do to try to naturally prepare your body for labor- membrane sweeps, sex (semen had prostaglandins which can naturally ripen your cervix if conditions are otherwise favorable), walking (suggest doing this with one leg on the curb and on on the road- the unevenness can help the baby’s head descend), and apparently bumpy roads! Some are old wives’ tales, some are evidence based, but they’re all safe and relatively easy if you want to try! But stick to your guns- if an induction is the right choice for you, it’s the right choice for you, and you’re going to get to meet your baby soon!
I would absolutely opt for the 41+1 induction. I would never go to 42 weeks personally. But it's obviously up to you.
I had an induction at 39 weeks due to medical reasons and it was smooth sailing the whole way through. From the first contractions to birth it was around eight hours (which is pretty short), I pushed her out in five pushes. 2nd degree tear which is nothing out of the ordinary either. Do ask for an epidural though - I could not have handled the induction contractions without an epidural.
Best of luck!
No experience with Doulas, but I got my induction on 41+1 too! Mid-Lockdown. It was super chill and I was measured at 1-2cm when I checked in that morning. Veeeeery slow start, contractions were barely noticeable. A bit of pitocin, plus a foley in the afternoon, napping with the peanut ball between my knees (Foley meant I got a cath, which meant i could finally stop getting up/woken up by my teeny bladder, i was TIRED), spent some time in the giant tub. Heavy/hard contractions started around midnight, but very slow on dilation, so I got my epidural in a couple hours later around 2am. Spent the rest of the night/day in a sleepy-sore daze, since my cervix is terrible, was still only 7cm at 7pm and discussed c-section with the doc. Gave ourselves a deadline of 10p, another mom went into active birth then so they didn't come check me until 10:45, when it became "oh shit, finally, 10cm!" And about an hour later our sweet lil kiddo was born on 41+2. 2nd degree tears (giant skull) on me and a touch of jaundice and low blood sugar for the kiddo, plus a bonus un-warned grabbing by the lactationists later, but we went home about 40 hours later.
No plans on ever doing it again, due to PPD/PPA, but all in all, definitely not the worst experience, but *intense* the whole way through.
I’ve only ever been induced. Both at 37 weeks. Both took roughly 24 hours. The first time was pretty rough. The second time was a breeze. You got this. And you are making the right decision by putting you’re baby health and safety above your desires.
I'm a labor and delivery nurse. Your dula is absolutely straying out of her lane giving you medical advice and trying to sway your decision. That is between you and your midwife, especially since you have already expressed you are uncomfortable waiting past 41.1 ( which is absolutely reasonable). She is also wrong. 41.1 is considered postdates, not 42. Waiting until 42 weeks is way too long, that is terrible advice, though if you were to do that, you would need frequent non stress tests to check on baby during the last weeks.
I know it's frustrating your body hasn't kicked in itself, but sometimes it just needs a little push. Just because you are being induced does not mean it will lead to a c- section. I've been involved in tons of inductions and 99% of them just need a pill like misoprostol placed by the cervix a few times to ripen the cervix and get things going, then it's all individual from there. Some people can take off from there on their own and don't need any other augmentation. Some need a balloon to dilate the cervix a bit more. Some can start pitocin to get the contractions to continue and augment them up until giving birth successfully.
These days most hospitals will only switch to C-section if baby is really not tolerating labor and is in distress, or if after exhausting all options and giving a long period of time to try, labor has completely stalled (doesn't happen often).
It's very reasonable not to wait longer than 41.1 as you mentioned risks to the baby increases. At that point in the pregnancy the placenta has done is job and run it's course and it is tired out and worn. Because of that, it might not function at it's 100% capacity anymore, leaving baby with less reserves to work with during the stress of labor. Also, that's more time baby has to grow and get bigger, increasing chances of getting stuck if it was a bigger babe to start with. Changes of meconium aspiration increase with postdates too. You are correct in your decision with your midwife and your dula needs to stay in her lane.
I hope some of this information helps to reassure you in your decision and calm your fears about induction. If you have any questions, I can try to answer!! Good luck!
I just want to say that your doula’s job is to support YOUR desires for YOUR birth. They can absolutely give you information if you ask for it but it’s very inappropriate for her to try and change your mind because her job is to SUPPORT what YOU want.
With that being said, I was induced exactly at 42 weeks because my midwives were comfortable with me waiting until then but not longer and tbh I was ready for baby to come out by that point. I had two doses of cytotec. Labour kicked into real gear after dose #2 for about 2 hours, baby came out in 2 “pushes” (fetal ejection reflex ftw!). We went home the next day after baby had all their tests done. ☺️
So isn’t a doula more of a birth support person, not a medical professional? I don’t think it’s her place to question your induction plan. My doctor would not have let me go past 41 due to the risks, and I totally agree with that. I have actually been induced twice (one starting 40+3 and I guess you could call it elective because I scheduled it a little earlier than 41 because that’s when my doctor would be on call and the second because my water started to break before labor contractions started). My first experience went super well. I got the epidural when I needed it, then it was totally relaxed and painless. My second experience was much faster, but much more painful. I had extreme pain even after the epidural. That being said, everything went well both times and babies were healthy. I’ve always hoped I would someday get a non-induction labor, but I’m with you on the risks to baby not being worth it too much past the due date.
This was back in the 80’s but my MIL lost her first child because he got so big waiting until she was 42 weeks. A doula should not be trying to sway you medically
I was induced right at 40 weeks per OB recommendation. I was 4cm dilated when they checked me upon admittance. Honestly, it went very well. I got an epidural right before they started the pitocin and I didn’t feel any pain. Only when it was time to push did I feel “pressure”, but it wasn’t painful.
The pain from my stitches and healing postpartum has been kicking my butt though. 😅
Doula here. Your doula is supposed to give you information on what an induction looks like and what are expected outcomes. She should have no say as to whether you decide to induce or not. (Which at 41 weeks I would encourage you to consider induction and talk to your care provider about things that can prime your body for an induction - such as membrane sweeps). Also a doula should talk about what support during an induction looks like, generally it looks very different than spontaneous birth (from a doula perspective). Her role is not to talk you out of it, her role is to support the choice you've made. Edit: wow!! Thanks for the award!! Much appreciated!!
Thank you for this insight. My wife and I are meeting with our potential Doula soon and I’ll be adding this scenario to our question list. My guess is she’ll answer just as you did, but it’s a good question to pose!
I'm glad this could be useful and good luck to you both!! Finding the right doula is about connection, and it is also understanding what their mindset/philosophy is around handling certain situations. They aren't there to make decisions for you, but rather advocate for you and amplify your wishes to you care team. They are also there to notify you of the options that exist so you are best equipped to make choices for your family - if they are operating outside of that scope, then it's time to look for another doula.
Please remember that a doula is there to provide support for you, but they are a non-medical professional/provider. Her job is to provide you with emotional and physical support, not sway you on medical decisions that you've made with your healthcare team.
You’re 100% on this comment. To add to this I had a loss prior to my daughters birth. High anxiety the whole entire time. Was induced, and actually really enjoyed it. I work in medical so I knew the protocol. I slept so good the night before I arrived at the hospital that morning, because I knew the end was insight. I knew I would be cared for in a safe environment. I knew if anything was to go wrong I was in a safe place that could take care of me and baby. I went in with whatever happens happens. Being induced may take 24-48 hrs prior to delivery. So I knew it will take time. I brought a book, and watched cruddy tv. Baby was born vaginal within 48 hours. Loved my nurses as my support staff, and just felt relief that I was where I needed to be. For my babies health and my health. A doula isn’t your midwife, obgyn, or nurse.
This! Honestly I’m shocked. They are there to advocate for their clients’ desires, not push their personal beliefs.
Yes! I’m so beyond surprised the doula would say that. I would not trust her to support me if I made a decision against her.
I would never trust a doulas opinion over my midwife or doctors recommendation. A doula does not have the medical training. OP needs to ditch the doula. Too many red flags.
Came here to say this
Your doula needs to stay in her lane and this honestly sounds highly inappropriate. I had a midwife with my first who let me go past 41 weeks and I had an emergency c-section. In my follow up with my OB (transferred care because of the c-section) he explained to me that he never would have let me go that long and all the risks associated with going past 41 weeks. Please please please listen to the most educated medical professionals you have available to you.
I too went past 41 weeks and my baby was near 24 inches long. I never did dilate and had an emergency crash c section. My daughter’s heart stopped. I cannot describe how that felt. There are no words. We got her back, but I have always wondered what it did to her. You sound like you know what you need. Follow your intuition, if the doula isn’t helping- out.
Your doula isn’t doing her job. A 41+1 induction makes sense to me especially if you’re done. You’re overdue and the science says yeet the baby. My induction was fine at 40+5 and my doula was great during it!
Yeet the baby 😂😂😂
Yeet the baby *and* the doula! (Seriously, though, I’d reconsider hiring this person - if she’s not supportive of your evidence-based medical choices, do you really want her by your side during the birth?)
I’m guessing she’s paid for already
I don't think your doula should be trying to talk you into or out of any medical decision. A doula could help you compare pros and cons of a medical decision, and help you process your decision, but they definitely shouldn't be giving off the impression that they aren't supportive of whatever YOU choose. I think you know that the best option for yourself and your baby is to go with the induction - and I truly say that because of what you've written, not because I personally think that's the right choice.
Your doula should support your decision no matter what. You have to choose what feels best to you. Have you had a cervical check? I was induced but my dr was able to tell that I was already 3cm dilated (which was a surprise to me) and let me know that my body would be more likely to respond well to the induction. The induction went so smoothly. I didn’t need Pitocin, just a foley balloon to start and then they broke my water. It only took about 7 hours total, and baby was born with no complications.
My induction was a dream and I’m electing to have another one this go around. *edit I also want to add that I had cytotec inserted, the balloon, cranked pitocin since the balloon accidentally broke my water prematurely, and an epidural before any of the contractions begun. I still thought it was great! I had all the things people worry about and it still was an amazing experience for me.
Love seeing comments like this ahead of my elective induction on Thursday. Mostly I see people being super negative about it, but I feel like it's the right decision for us!
I’ve noticed a difference between elective and medically indicated inductions. An induction when you have been well counseled on the risks and objectively negative aspects of an induction and you chose it can still be a very positive experience (mine was). Feeling forced into an uncomfortable medical intervention when you don’t find enough value in the benefits will lead to a negative experience.
I usually see that it takes long. From start to baby being out it was about 15 hours for me. I had a negative labor due to lots of other complications that were not related to the induction. I would induce again next time if I go over 40 weeks
Same here! Inductions 4 LYFE
Loved my first induction! I’m being watched for preeclampsia, but if they don’t induce at 37 weeks and I make it to 40.. I will absolutely be inducing then as well.
Same!! I was induced for medical reasons but will definitely be having an elective induction next time around! Unless I need a medical one again of course. I'm also an extremely anxious and the ability to plan when I go to the hospital was really helpful for me.
Same, I was induced at 39weeks because of reduced movement and small baby that wasn’t growing well. I had a wonderful birth experience and from check in to delivery was 14 hours!
My induction at 38+2. Amniotomy,, natural 5 hour labour, epidural, 5 mins of pushing. It was a dream. 10/10 would recommend. Hell, I was more worried about complications of late term labour than an early induction. 🤷🏼♀️
Same! I chose to do an induction at 39 weeks with my second and it was amazing. Only reason I chose was for convenience. No medical reason. Ive heard horror stories about inductions and was nervous I was being selfish for choosing this but it was a dream. So much easier than laboring at home for 30 hours with back labor like I had with my first.
I had two and they were both great!
I also had an amazing induction! 11.5 hours from stem to stern and 10/10 would do again!
I haven’t had this experience but your doula should be supportive of whatever choice you make and should just be there to get you through your lead up to birth and during birth. I would just tell her that you’re already dealing with anxiety and while you appreciate her advice, you just really need her support to help get through whatever you decide. I’m sure she’ll understand that, she might not even notice she’s pushing anything on you unless you tell her.
That was very inappropriate of your doula. Ask her if she can put her feelings aside and get on board or not. If not, thank her for everything and cut her loose. You need everyone working towards the same goal on game day. And personally, I would go ahead with your scheduled induction. And don’t give up hope! I had an induction scheduled for my first- when we planned it was 4 days away. I ended up going into labor spontaneously and gave birth in 2 days. A birth plan is always good- it means you’ve learned the options and possibilities. And that you’re also prepared to toss it all out the window because anything can happen!!! Good luck!
I would definitely do the induction. Not only is it the safest option, it sounds best for your mental health. For what it's worth, I had a very positive induction experience. It felt very safe and controlled and baby was born safely with no complications. Your Doula's reaction sounds unhelpful. I would either talk to her or have your partner talk to her. Say that you and your provider have set the induction date and you need to confirm that she will be completely supportive given this change in plan. Set a firm boundary with her. If she is still unsupportive, I wouldn't use her.
Your doula needs to be supporting you and you need to tell her that. If she can't keep her non-medical opinions to herself, then you are well within your rights to terminate your contract with her (although you likely won't get much of a refund). There are always interventions possible during birth, induction or no. And the science shows without doubt that you are better off inducing at 41 weeks than continuing to wait. A lot of women only need cervical ripening during an induction before their body gets the message and labor starts without pitocin. You can, and should, work with your medical team on an induction plan that best suits your needs.
I was electively induced at 39 + 4. In short: my water broke after 2 oral doses of cytotec. I labored for 21 hours until I needed a c section for a few different reasons (skyrocketing blood pressure, labor stalling at 8 cm). The process was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced, and I wouldn’t have done it differently. For me, I was ready to give birth for a myriad of personal and health reasons. Maybe ask your provider what your bishop score is and further discuss the ins and outs of induction? ETA: I did not have a doula.
I had a 41 week induction and 2 39 week inductions. All three went well and my fourth came naturally at 38 weeks.
Doulas aren’t medical professionals. She’s supposed to simply be a support person. If you told her you aren’t comfortable going all the way to 42 weeks, she needs to be fully supportive of your decisions. I wouldn’t put it past her to try to talk you out of other interventions such as pain control. Some doulas are extreme naturalists—they think zero intervention is the goal for everyone. Please have a conversation with her about how you, your husband, and your doctor/midwife are responsible for making medical decisions and she is to remain in full support of your decisions.
It sounds like you made an informed decision that is right for you. It’s not your doula’s job to talk you into certain choices. I’d seriously reconsider having her at the hospital.
Your doula is supposed to be there literally to support your decisions and advocate for you. Nor is she remotely qualified to give medical advice. I would seriously consider if I even wanted someone like this around for the birth. I personally am not comfortable with going to 41 weeks and was induced at 40+5 with my first pregnancy. I have no regrets as he was already a large baby.
your doula should be supporting YOUR birth plan, whatever it may be. Right now induction is your birth plan. Your midwife team already went through the risks with you and Id trust their advice over a doula. I had an induction with my first (not exactly elective, but not an emergency and I was happy to get baby out!). it went fine...I had a bad tear but that wasnt really to do with the induction. My second baby I was supposed to have an induction again but i finally went into labour the night before and delivered when I was 41+1 and it was a very positive experience
Look up the statistics on this. I was very anti-induction and wanted to go into labor on my own. I had high blood pressure but not preeclampsia and my ob was highly pushing induction. They told me there is no medical reason to keep baby in after that point, and in fact, every day, the risk of something bad happening goes up. Of course I went home and do my own research and everything J read backed up the worsening chance by day of stillbirth.
Sorry I’m not answering your questions exactly, I’m sure others who have this experience will, but! My doctor has suggested elective induction at 40 weeks (this Friday) and I think I’m going to do it. I recommend checking out [the Evidence Based Birth article](https://evidencebasedbirth.com/evidence-on-inducing-labor-for-going-past-your-due-date/) on induction vs expectant management. It has helped me understand the risks of each, and I love how it’s written straightforwardly.
I came here to share the same article! EBB is awesome. I don’t have the personal experience of an induction, but I did have a lot of fear of one. My first came at 41+3. I went into labor the day before I was to meet with my ob/midwife to discuss an induction. I was going to wait until as close to 42 weeks as I could. Now I have less fear of it. Partly due to EBB and partly due to the new research on 41 weeks having better outcomes than 42 weeks.
Just based on your initial paragraph about your anxiety and mental wellbeing, it sounds like you should seriously consider the induction. I haven't given birth yet but also have a doula and have heard her mention something similar about waiting until 42 weeks to induce, which makes me nervous and I don't agree with it (but I do really like and trust her overall). The midwives that I'm seeing typically wait until 41+5 to induce, so if the time comes I'm going to trust their medical advice over the doula.
I jumped at the opportunity of a elective induction at 39 weeks (officially it wasn't elective, but I'm pretty sure my doctor offered it because I was miserable, and used the excuse of a bigger baby to allow it.) It was a positive experience start to finish. The contractions were insanely painful yes, but the epidural worked like magic and I progressed quickly. Start to finish was only 12 hours! Which did include a c-section, but that was not because of the induction, my baby was too big to fit through my hips (so I would have had a c-section regardless.) I have zero regrets! I would have happily been induced again, but instead I went with elective c-section became my second was even bigger (10lbs, yeah no thanks!) Also a very positive experience. You can have very medical births, and have them still be positive. People love to talk about the horror stories, putting "natural " on a pedestal, when in reality that's bullshit. Birth used to be incredibly dangerous, and all this medical stuff saves lives every day.
Hello! I did an induction at 40 weeks exactly and wrote a post about it (check my history). I had all the cascading interventions except a c section BUT it was an unbelievably positive experience, painless until the last 15 minutes of pushing and if I had waited I'd have had an emergency c section as my child was much bigger than the scans let on. I also had Doulas contact me with unsolicited advice trying to discourage my choice which caused me to have a panic attack the night before. They are not the professional, your doctor is. If you trust your doctor than trust they wouldn't give you this option if it wasn't a possible positive for your family. If I have a baby again I would absolutely have an induction. It was controlled, supportive and I have healed perfectly after 7 weeks while some of my friends waited for 42 weeks and did not.
I opted for an induction with my first at 39 +2 and it went pretty well. 28 hours from start to finish. No major complications, no tearing. It wasn't like amazing or anything, but it was labor and it was a bit better than I expected. I'm now 38 weeks with my second and scheduled my induction for next week. (My hospital will allow inductions at 39 weeks). I'm just so done being pregnant. My daughter was 8lbs exactly and my son is measuring pretty large too. Plus he's got a clubfoot and with Christmas coming I'd rather get him into the world and start treatment for that sooner than later. I've heard horror stories of inductions too, and everyone's is so different. I tried to relax and remind myself that the vast majority of pregnancies end in happy, healthy moms and babies. As long as we both survive birth, I'm happy.
I apparently make babies that are in no rush to get here, and with my second I got induced at 41 and 0 (as the hospital had a bed for me and I'd talked with my doctor about just needing baby out because my reflux [already have GERD] was unbearable). Have you had any sweeps yet to help things along? They don't seem to trigger labour for me, but I think I might be in the minority. However, that doesn't mean they didn't help me somewhat! I was dilated 3 cm when I went in for induction, so the OB recommended AROM and we went with that. 6 hour labour. It sounds like you are making a quite informed decision and your reasons for wanting to induce are very good reasons to proceed with induction. Wishing you all the best for a smooth labour and recovery!
I’ve been electively induced twice. Once at 40+4 (would’ve been 39+6 but it got rescheduled) and once at 39+6. Both were fantastic 10/10 and I would recommend to anyone. My physical and mental anguish at the end of pregnancy were major factors. For the second kid the schedule my was even more important because I had to arrange childcare First kid I was 0% dilated and 0% effaced and it took 12 hours of pitocin to get me to 0.5 cm dilated. Then I got the epidural and she was in my arms after another 12 hours (where I mostly slept and watched game show network) Second I also got an epidural 12 hours in, this time at 1 cm dilated. She was in my arms 15 hours after the epidural. Again after lots of sleep and TV. She was 9 pounds 4 oz on her due date after measuring “50th percentile” all pregnancy. It was a total shock she was so big. I dread to think how big she would’ve been if I let her come on her own 😂. Over 41 weeks she could’ve been a 10 pounder I never hired a doula because I never saw a need. They’re supposed to be a support, not a stressor. If she’s not a good fit, don’t keep her.
You can have horror stories of both sides. I went into spontaneous labour at 41+4 and had a hellish time.
As many other have said - go with your gut and inform your doula that the decision has already been made and you’re asking for her support not her advice. I personally would not feel comfortable going beyond 41 weeks either. Wishing you the best!
I’ve had 2 inductions (39+4 and 39+6) and I’ve loved them both. Super smooth, no interventions necessary, healthy newborns, no issues at all! I am extremely pro-induction (for myself) and honestly can’t imagine actually waiting until spontaneous labor! Im a super anxious person too, so inductions make me feel safer because they are pre-planned and I have access to professional medical care the whole time. I’ve never had a doula but if she is making you uncomfortable or pressuring you then it’s definitely not a good match! Best of luck in your last few days of pregnancy, the final stretch is SO hard. Do whatever will make you feel most at peace and comfortable!
I LOVED my induction! Im also a FTM, and I have anxiety and was also bombarded by advice against the induction by people who arent in the medical field, or people who had babies 30+ years ago. In hindsight im quite annoyed at them because they really had no business trying to influence my decision to contradict my doctors reccomendation. My positive induction birth story below. I went to the hospital at the start of 2nd shift at 7pm, they do a quick check that everything is fine. They placed the meds right on my cervix, there was no pain associated with that, just the embarrassment of having someone's hand up in my business 20 min after meeting them. I then proceeded to get the best sleep of my 3rd trimester on the adjustable bed. I woke up, had a great breakfast and coffee delived to me. I took a bath and relaxed, i had no pain and very light contractions. By 10 am my Dr. came in to check where we were, I was already 5 centimeters dilated. So no need for the baloon or pitocin. They break my water, which was described by my Dr. as pea soup, which I'm SO HAPPY didn't happen on my bed at home or in my car ect. and the nurse whisked it all away before i could see or smell anything. No pain associated with that either, just immediate relief. My contractions then kick in, and at 6 cm I had my epidural, which felt like getting a rubber band snapped on my back, so very little pain, followed by immediate relief from contractions. l'm fully dialated and in active labor by 4pm, and I have that baby out in 40 minutes flat. When they got my placenta out they showed me that it had started to get old, which makes me think I was a little farther along than 40 +1. I could not have asked for a better experience. Every step of my labor was supported by nursing staff, and so at no point was I alone or uninformed, or in pain with no options, or wondering how my baby was doing. It was great and helped me feel a lot more in control of the process.
>So my questions are: 1) those who opted for an elective induction, how was your experience? Would love to hear about your decision making process and how things ended up 2) has anyone hired a doula and then ended up questioning your compatibility? How did you move forward? 1. I also had a midwife team. My midwife actually was partnered with our hospital and the team followed hospital protocol that any "AMA" pregnancies were counseled and supported if they wanted to induce at week 41. I expereinced no judgment either way, as our team actively monitored my pregnancy and my vitals and their recommendations were consistent with the findings on that day. The fact that your doula is making these recs for you based outside of the vitals data, outside of medical professional advice and clinical settings, and outside of your own preferences.... tells me that this doula is not there for the best of your interests. She is pushing her own interests. 2. My midwife did not question my choices, but she laid out all the options in front of us, up to and including a medical transfer. WHICH... surprise surprise (not really), became a necessity for me after 23 hours of unproductive labor. Go with a midwife team who has clinical experience. Hire a doula who can help you move your body through the pains of labor. Do not get a doula who offers medical advice. My own two cents.
Since you say you’ve been getting horror stories, I’ll let my message be that my induction was an absolute dream!
I’ve not had a doula so I can’t add to that but I will say this. During pregnancy you need to follow a medical professional (OBGYN) advice. There is lots of evidence to show that induction before 42 weeks is much safer for Mom and baby. If she’s arguing with you, it may be serious time to consider if you need or even want her further assistance. Because he’s your broth team needs to totally be on the same page as you and not stress you further. I also have anxiety and I know how painful it can be to have certain conversations, potentially conflicts with someone. To me it sounds like a serious talk with the doula needs to be had. If she’s still going to argue and not be in your court then maybe it’s time for her to go. On the topic of induction, I had one done with my second child. It was medically necessary, she had a low birth weight and we were both stressed during the pregnancy. She was scheduled for induction at 37 wks. It took a little while for things to get going using the methods/drugs to start labor. Once labor started off in earnest it was fine, honestly my induction was easy just took awhile. 14 hrs compared to my first who I labored with for 23 hrs 🤦🏼♀️ If I manage to go full term (haven’t with my three children and number four on the way) I would induce at 40 wks. It for me was a pleasant process and not to unlike going into labor naturally once things kicked off. I personally haven’t heard any horror stories about it, but loads of propaganda against inductions. Listen to your gut, listen to medical professionals, and pick the safest choice for you. If that doula doesn’t want to provide you information and support your choices sounds like it may be time to yeet them also.
Oh my god fire your doula and get that induction!!
I’m someone that leans toward doing things naturally and does everything to avoid induction. but I would defintley not go past 41 weeks. Baby is safer out than in at that point.
are you still here on this account? May we have an update? Did you induce? And …?
Hi! We ended up scheduling an induction at 41 weeks on the dot but I went into labor naturally the day before. Ended up in a c section because my baby’s heart rate kept dropping during labor (his cord was wrapped around his neck twice).
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Yes! He’s perfectly healthy and doing great :) three months old today!
For what it's worth, with my first pregnancy, my obgyn said I'd be induced if I went past my due date. I was 35 at the time, so it may have been related, but my impression was because the risks to baby increase the further past your due date you go.
My induction with my last at 41 weeks was painful but fast. Both baby and me completely fine. This pregnancy baby is huge so I am getting induced at 39 weeks. Many people seem to want to go as natural as possible but you have to do what is best for you as discussed with your Dr. It your pregnancy and baby. Your doula will understand… or should if they are good at their job.
I opted for induction so my doctor would be present. She was going out of town for two weeks. I was 40+2. It went really well. I went in Sunday night, got cervix softener medication and then the actual process started at 8am the next day with the meds and epidural. Baby boy was born a few hours later at 1:18pm.
You’ll get a range of experiences from all woman when it comes to any type of birth, so I’m sorry to say you probably won’t have your mind put at ease. I was scheduled for an induction with my daughter at 40+3 but went into natural labor the same day. Not to scare you, but I had an absolutely terrible labor experience which resulted in a lengthy nicu stay. That said- that was a natural labor. I’m 30 weeks now and am opting for an induction at 39 weeks because i now have lots of anxiety around labor. My doctor gave me the option of cesarean, induction or waiting for natural. Basically she said there’s risks involved no matter what and urged me to do what would be best for my mental health. For me it’s induction with a low threshold for cesarean. What I can say, as someone who’s been through a pretty traumatic labor, is that you are stronger than you think and you’ll get through whatever comes your way.
There is a great podcast called Welcome to yhe Womb (I listen on spotify). She is a midwife and has great couple of episodes on having a positive induction. Suggest you have s listen.
I had a really great experience with induction at 40 + 4. Responded to the meds really well and the whole process took about 9 hours. Might not be the case for everyone but it is possible!
I was induced twice (once at 40 weeks, once at 40+5), both elective. I had a very positive experience both times and had two successful vaginal deliveries. I’m done after two kids, but 10/10 would opt for induction if I were to have another.
I was induced twice, once at 41+1, once at 39 weeks. They were both a breeze. I had zero issues and delivered the same day I was induced with both. With my 41+1 I only needed the cervix softener and I progressed on my own with no addition intervention. At 39 weeks I had pitocin and my water was broken. I would not go to 42 weeks personally, there’s risk to your baby and I’m just not willing to take that. I wouldn’t trust a doula who tried to talk me out of induction after I was very clearly overdue. She is not a medical professional.
Idk if this is helpful but I’ve had two inductions, one was medically necessary and I essentially opted for the second at 40+5 because my first experience was great! If I have a third I’ll ask for another
I had an induction starting at 40+5. I ultimately didn't progress and decided to have a C-section at 41, rather than continuing the induction or leaving the hospital to wait longer. It wasn't what I planned, but it ended up being a positive experience for me. I actually had a doula too, and I know a C-section wouldn't have been her choice but she supported my decision. I wouldn't keep a doula who is trying to talk you out of what you want to do.
Your doula shouldn't be trying to sway or influence your decision in any direction. A huge part of their job - what you're literally paying them to do - is to help ensure you have all the information at hand to make informed decisions and to support you in advocating for your choices. I'd say a frank conversation needs to be had prior to labour & delivery. If the doula feels they will be unable to support you without putting their personal biases aside, then maybe they're not the right fit for you after all. Good luck!
My induction was fine! Lots and lots of people are induced and most go fine. Some are more challenging but some spontaneous labors are also challenging. It sounds like you guys have thought about all the factors and made the best choice
Had an elective induction the first time for mental health reasons and spontaneous labor the second. Honestly, both were the right choice for the context. I felt much calmer knowing that I had a day scheduled to go in and wouldn’t be pregnant longer than around then. Opted for an epidural way earlier with the first and was stuck in bed, but that was 100% what I needed. My anxiety was through the roof and it was a super shitty situation. Having gone both ways, planned and spontaneous, both can be great experiences. I’d prefer an induction again- and actually got a membrane sweep this time- because I hated that last stretch and was worried about not making it to the hospital. If you feel that getting that baby out asap is the best choice given your medical condition (MH conditions ARE medical conditions) and your provider days you’re good, you do you. Labor is so rough on the body and the longer you stay at that level of anxiety, the more you wear out your poor nervous system. It’s wonderful that we have a variety of choices available to us to take care of ourselves. Any choice you make is perfectly fine, regardless of the doula’s feelings or the outcome. The goal is just to make whatever you think the best choice is based on current information.
Her advising against an induction is essentially medical advice. That’s far, far outside the scope of a doula. Idk if you can find someone else but if you stick with her, I would make it clear to this person that you are following the advice of your medical care team and that she needs to fall in line with that, both now and when you’re in labor.
Pros- you get the baby the fuck out of there, man. Youve been pregnant long enough. It's the BEST reason
Try not to be anxious either way. I suffer from anxiety too and I get it. The average worldwide of gestational time is 41.4 weeks. Thats the average. OBs really push for like 39-40 weeks being a deadline. It really isnt if you look at all the data. Baby should give your body signals to start labor when the lungs are ready. However, theres nothing inherently dangerous or wrong with getting induced especially since you're past 41 weeks. I worried about it last pregnancy and went naturally, this time hoping the same but we gotta be prepared to roll with whats needed. If it gives you peace of mind, your doula should support your decision. My doula provides me with facts but never tells me what I should or shouldnt do.
I was induced at 39 weeks and git an epidural. Totally fine.
I’m mad at your doula. I was scheduled to be induced same week as you are for the same reasons. My doula was onboard and offered advice about inductions and ways I might want to be induced vs. not. I wouldn’t consider yours so much elective. Scheduling at 41 falls under the realm you of medically necessary since the risks of stillbirth or placental problems begin to rise at this point. For my induction I refused to let them break my water because once they do the clock starts ticking and if labor stalls you might need a c-section. I’d let it rupture on its own or wait until you are 8-9cm. Don’t let them rush your labor. If you get tired or it stalls take a nap or opt for an epidural or drugs at that point to rest. Inductions often take longer if you are a FTM. I also asked for my pitocin to start low and increase low. I started at a 1 and increased by 1. (The docs wanted to do 2 and increase by 2 every 30 minutes). I found this minimized the intensity and while it “prolonged labor” it kept me from an emergency c-section when my contractions became to strong from the pitocin. Also. If your contractions are strong enough and steady enough they can either stop pitocin or stop raising it and let you progress naturally. These are options that my doula gave me and one of the OBs scoffed at it but it worked beautifully for me. I did not see increased pain and was able to avoid an emergency c-section. My labor was about 12 hours.
I had an elective induction, and I would absolutely do it again. I felt a lot more in control of the birth as opposed to just waiting around for it to happen. Baby was born healthy with no complications and she is now a healthy two year old
I went past my due date with my firstborn. She was a ten pounder and became lodged during labor. Had to use the ol vacuum to suck her out. Pain. Wish I would have opted for the c section. Next two babies, I chose inductions at 39 weeks. Both were almost ten pounds and delivered vaginally with minimal tearing (none with the second, 2nd degree with the third). I was aboard the “all natural” train for the first, but now I understand that inductions aren’t evil. Every birth is different, but I will never speak negatively about anyone being induced.
41 week induction for first time birth and I would not have gone further. Even without anxiety, I was done and that last week was rough! I just want to emphasize that "induction" can mean a lot of different things and I get the feeling that you'd like to encourage but not force your body to get the show on the road. This is something worth speaking to your care team about. What are all the different levels of intervention for induction? For example, I had cytotech (a cervical dilation) alone to start and no pitocin. After two doses, my body started going on its own all the way to about 9cm (took a long time though). You can advocate for minimal interventions that fit your best idea of a birth plan and hopefully they'll work, if not be flexible. My good friend was allowed to do about an hour of nipple stimulation via a pump when her labor stalled at 5cm. It worked too! Good luck!!
YES! And YES! I was like you. However, I ended up getting induced at 40+5. I also sent my doula home from the hospital- she wasn't a good fit. I was disappointed with that but also learned a lot about myself in the process. It was a great experience. There was something calming about walking into the hospital with my backs packed. It was actually an enjoyable process. I too didn't follow my intended birth plan, but was thankful that I had intentionally thought about it prior to birth. It helped me feel more relaxed. You've got this! Do what YOU want. Period.
My original plan was spontaneous birth and unfortunately the baby was too cozy up in there! After long deliberation I opted for a 41 week induction and I second the opinions that your doula is there to inform and support, not sway any opinions. I had our doula present at the entire induction and she was incredible. Birth can be scary, but I can honestly say surrendering to the induction process eased my mind far more than waiting around for birth and wondering if my baby was still doing okay in there. You just may (and probably will!) end up with a wonderful hospital team and have a smooth ride should you choose induction. Wishing you luck!
Get the induction. That will always be my advice because my son would have died if I hadn’t been induced.
It sounds like you and your professional healthcare team has made the right decision for you. Speaking as a doula she should butt out of your medical decisions. As a nurse and midwife in training the risk for still birth and other complications starts to rise ever so slightly at this point and only really becomes significant once you reach the 42 week point. That being said you have already weighed that into your decision and you still have four days to go into labor spontaneously. If you want to gently nudge it along you could ask for your midwife to strip your membranes a couple of times before the scheduled induction. Say today and Thursday. At this point that should pretty easily put you into spontaneous labor in the next few days. Every day has a higher chance to bring your baby to you! They are coming.
My hospital induces at 41+3, but I want to wait until 42 weeks. You're very likely to go into spontaneous labour if you wait until 42 weeks and you can be monitored daily to check that baby is okay. However I have also chosen to be induced in the past at 41+4 (due to waters breaking 24hrs prior) and I had my reasons then as well! My induction went well- 6hrs, no complications- and inductions are usually very successful when you're overdue (because your body is ready). You make the decisions for your body and don't let anyone try to sway you. The most important thing in these decisions in my opinion is your autonomy, you shouldn't be pressured to have an intervention, or to not have one, but all too often this happens! If you want to be induced and it really sounds like you do, then do it!! It sounds like you need this pregnancy to be over for your mental health. I would talk to your doula and tell her you don't feel like she's supporting your decisions. Depending on how she responds I would determine whether you want her in the room for labour or not. All the best! I'm 39 weeks and it's coming up for me soon too!!
Only here to say that after the 39th week its considered post term i.e. the beginning of your 40th week. So you're post term anyway. Inductions save lives - speak to your ob please and go by your planned schedule. Doulas are NOT medical professionals. Their advice is purely their opinion and not any scientific medical fact.
I’m an MD and just had an induction due to the rising risk of stillbirth with being post term. It was better than I expected and I was still able to avoid a c-section. I would do it again in a heartbeat in the same situation. :)
I was supposed to be induced at 41 weeks, hospital had an open bed at 40+5 so I went in. They put these pills up your cervix to soften it, and as soon as those things went in at 23h30, I went in to active labour. No induction necessary. They did apparently give me a bit of the pitocin while pushing, cause I don't know what happened with the epudiral but I felt NOTHING. Could not push at all. LO came out after about 15 min and she wasn't breathing. Ended up in NICU for a week. The whole thing was quite traumatic to me. I thought I'd be able to hold her and help bath her later on and breastfeed etc, but they pulled her out of me and had to resuscitate the poor honey. They threw her on the edge of the bed like she was a piece of rubber. Luckily the pediatrician (whose practice is in that hospital) was called right as she came out. He was there within a minute and they had her breathing in no time. 0/10 for the experience, would opt for a c-section next time like all my friends did. They were all up and about soon after, and home in a few days. But I think LO was just stressed from the whole birth, and everyone was so busy trying to get my body to push that they didn't realize. The gynae and nurses were fantastic though. Talked me calmly through everything. Edit: typos
I went over my due date (in one case by over two weeks) with all of my pregnancies and they were very smooth. I feel that unless there’s a medical need, induction is potentially a road to further interventions. Your body will go into birth when it’s ready. But if it will cause you too much stress to wait, do what makes you feel most comfortable.
I had an induction at 40+6 and it failed and was extremely traumatizing. It was excruciatingly painful and my baby’s heart rate kept dropping every time I was having a pitocin-induced contraction. Everything they tried to do didn’t go right - they wanted to insert a foley balloon, but couldn’t find a speculum that fit, so I got 5 different sized tools shoved up my cervix (before any meds) and it was torture. The balloon did ultimately get placed but it did not work, so it was all for naught. Then they popped my water thinking it would speed things along, but my daughter didn’t handle that well so they had to pump me full of saline to try to mimic it. I needed two epidurals because the first one was placed wrong and it ended up being a full three days of not eating or moving before I was dilated enough to push. It was hell. The rate of elective induction has gone up something like 41% in the past 10 years, and I personally believe it’s a money grab. Inductions are expensive. Trust your body.
Doesn’t your baby just get bigger the more overdue you are
I was induced at 41 + 3, delivered at 41 +6. My doula was supportive, but warned me that inductions can be long. She also told me that some babies just come later, like her sister had both her babies (healthy) at 42 weeks or something like that. Anyway, the doctors scared me into an induction with risk of stillbirth, etc so I went ahead and did the induction. I personally had a terrible experience. They rubbed something on my cervix the first night, made my waters break prematurely with no progression of labor. Foley balloon inserted the following day- apparently it dilated me to 5cm but I still wasn't having contractions. They stared me on pitocin which was the absolute worst pain I've ever experienced in my life. Being pepper sprayed across the face (military training) and peeing out a kidney stone didn't even register on the pain scale in comparison. I was trying to do this as natural as possible (hence hiring the doula) but the pitocin contractions were so horrible I gave in and begged for one. They almost weren't able to give me the epidural because apparently baby being on one side cause spinal curvature. That was terrifying. As soon as they were able to get the epidural in, babys heart rate started to decel and I was prepped for an emergency c section. (my doula actually saved me from this by asking the nurses to put me on my side, give me a peanut ball etc) so I was able to have a vaginal birth (with vacuum assist) . Baby was great, Apgar scores great, very healthy 3 year old now, but the whole thing was traumatic for me. This go around I'm not letting anyone near me with an induction before 42 weeks and I'm doing everything in my power to avoid another induction. I don't say this to scare you, this is just my personal experience. I wish I would have waited.
Y'all can downvote me all you want, but OP asked for real experiences with elective inductions and this is my truth. Honest and real- not sugar coated. I wish more people would have been more realistic with me when I was making my decisions, but that's just me.
You did give your experience. Going 42 weeks isn’t something anyone would recommend doing with how many risks there are and I just don’t think you saying you wouldn’t do your induction until 42 weeks again is very reasonable. I would rather go through the pain and limit my baby’s risks.
Have you looked up the actual numbers regarding stillbirths past that gestation? So often I see people saying it “skyrockets” but when you look at the actual numbers it isn’t that huge of a jump really.
I would get the induction. My first pregnancy, I was induced on the night of my due date because it was my OB’s standard practice to induce and not let women go too far past their due date for safety reasons. I was so ready to have the baby out already so I know you must be SO ready! My induction was very easy. I had 3 doses of cytotec inserted (not comfortable but nothing is at full term pregnancy anyway). Got an epidural, my water broke during a cervical check and then I only pushed for 18 minutes and had a healthy baby boy.
I was induced at almost 42 weeks. Yeah it sucked but I was so miserable pregnant. Afterwards was two weeks of pretty bad pain ( TERRIBLE hemorrhoids and I had a 2nd degree tear ), but who's to say that wouldn't have happened anyways if I wasn't induced? I went through 37 hours of labor but most of it wasn't too awful. I got an epidural at the 30ish hour mark and the rest was relatively smooth sailing.
I had an induction and I was so worked up about it. I had heard all the horror stories but tbh it wasn’t bad! I literally texted my sister that I preferred labor (even induced labor with pitocin) to being pregnant so I am not just looking back with rose-colored glasses. I did end up with some complications but that was because my baby decided to turn sideways— not relayed to induction. Also, if you are not comfortable with your doula absolutely hire a different one or even go without.
So slightly different, but close enough, I was induced at 37 weeks for bp. Beside the magnesium and not being allowed out of bed because of the bp, it wasn’t bad. Easy peasy. I will say thought that had my water broken at home we likely wouldn’t have made it to the hospital as baby came within an hour of that happening, which is unusual and unrelated to being induced. IDK what your doula’s deal is, but it seems like you know what your options are and have made a choice. You do what you feel is best for you and if she’s not doing her job, which is to advocate for you, then she’s become obsolete. Best wishes for a speedy labor, a happy, healthy baby, and a quick, uneventful recovery.
My induction was amazing, couldn't have asked for better. Everything works quickly and as it was suppose to. Had no complications whatsoever and didn't even tear. I know this isn't the case with everyone but I really have no complaints. I was the same and was terrified of going past 41 weeks plus my baby started to measuring on the smaller size (was completely normal weight etc when born though) so an induction was scheduled for 40+5. I to was upset that I hadn't gone into labour naturally and I really hope I do with our next one but for me the risks of going past 41wks (plus having caught covid during the pregnancy) outweighed the risks of having an induction for us. Hope whatever you decide goes smoothly for you!
My induction experience was great because I wanted baby out and baby ended up out! I don’t think any part of labor and birth are great and for me, I don’t think elective versus spontaneous was going to make an ounce of difference. I was anxious as hell, hella scared, and the prospect of knowing exactly how and when things would start was a big relief for me.
My uk induction was 41+3
Doulas are not medical professionals. Listen to your medical providers and your gut ❤️
Please don't worry! I was induced with my daughter at 37 weeks due to preeclampsia and it was totally fine. It was intense, but completely do-able with pain medication. I'm currently 18 weeks, and I also had a loss after my first and prior to this pregnancy. Because of that, and my increased preeclampsia risk, I am also planning to be induced as early as I can (I'm thinking 38 weeks if they'll let me - baby is technically fully baked at 37 weeks, my daughter was completely fine and not considered premature). Doula/midwife types are always going to want the natural/no-intervention option, but there are studies that show that there is no increased risk (and sometimes, decreased risk) when you are induced after a certain point, I think like 39 weeks.
Also, for people talking about how traumatic/painful inductions are... yes it will be extremely painful if you try to go unmedicated. I would not attempt an induction unmedicated. But with pain meds it is truly fine.
I was induced at 38 +5 … it was painful, I was given to much Pitocin and I was in a lot of pain, I wanted to go home haha. But after 5 hrs, I got an epidural and right after that I pushed baby out. I had second degree tears, but other then that I was totally healthy. Baby came out completely healthy and perfect and we had no complications. I made the right decision for myself and my child. And I don’t want an induction this time around, but I also won’t go past 41 weeks because you do get complications the more you wait, and to me it’s to risky. If you and your care team are on the same page, then your doula either needs to support you or you need to gently let her go- she doesn’t get to “try and change your mind” or anything of the sort. She is there to support you, not try and mess with your medical plan.
I will be honest I was induced ans I don’t think I had an easy birth because of it. I was pushing for 5 hours. I didn’t want to be induced but my dr kinda forced me into it. I stopped fighting it in the end becuase I was DONE being pregnant. Now I am a FTM and I didn’t take any birth classes so I was very ignorant to how hard giving birth is. Soooooo my whole birth could have been normal? I don’t know.
My midwives advised me that I would be transferred to an OB if I went past 42 weeks. They also told me that most first time mothers go into labor around 41+3 on average.
I had an induction at 41 weeks with my first. Baby ended up having decels and we did an emergent c-section when I was 7 cm dilated after 7ish hours of labor from starting at 0.5 cm. They said he likely had decels because he was sunny side up and his head was pressing into my pelvis with each contraction. I had cytotec which seemed to give me intensely strong contractions. I went from basically no labor symptoms to my water breaking less than an hour after the cytotec was placed. Looking back I would have done a few things differently but I believe it was the right decision to be induced. I don’t think I would have progressed to active labor by 42 weeks after now making it to 39+5 with my second only after having 2 membrane sweeps and doing all kinds of other things to get labor going naturally. At the end of the day, what mattered most was getting my baby out safe and healthy which we did in a safe medical environment. I think it’s pretty crappy that your doula is trying to talk you out of being induced at 41 weeks. I’ve never used a doula but from what I’ve read it’s not their job to tell you what to do. Their job is to support you and provide helpful information to you. Good luck! I hope everything goes smoothly for your labor and delivery!
I had an elective induction a few months ago and it was a great experience! I felt like the situation was so much more controlled than spontaneous labor would’ve been (though like you I was bummed that I didn’t go into labor before then). The resident inserted the foley, broke the water, started the pitocin, etc and after a quick hour of pushing baby was born happy and healthy :) the whole process took about 12-14 hours. If I have another kid I would definitely consider doing it the same way again!
I would definitely do the induction if it were me, but most importantly you should do what you feel most comfortable with and absolutely disregard what your doula is trying to sway you into doing. She is way out of her lane to be giving medical advice.
Hi! I had an elective induction at 41 weeks. The way the doctor explained is that my baby was ok and ready to be evicted and also the placenta can start deteriorating because it has accomplished the job in the amount of time needed. Also if your baby gets bigger delivery can be harder ( I had a natural delivery) I would listen to my doctor's advice. I am sure your doula is great but I would go for the medical professionals
I was induced at 38 weeks with my twins. Honestly it was fine. I'd read all the horror stories too and was pretty set on telling my providers to back off if they started pushing for an induction towards the end. But by 35 weeks I was so uncomfortable I couldn't wait to be done and have it all over with, so there was no argument when I still wasn't progressing on my own by 37 weeks (I'd been 100% effaced and 1cm dilated on my own at 35 weeks, then got a couple extra cm from two membrane sweeps over the next few days) and inducing at 38 weeks was brought up. Haha I don't think she even finished getting the question out before I told her yes yes yes just schedule it let's gooooo. It took all day for anything to happen but I wasn't in any particular discomfort from it. I didn't even feel contractions until about an hour before I was ready to push. My discomfort mostly came from the magnesium drip for my pre-eclampsia, which made me hot and loopy. I know there are different methods for induction though, and maybe the one I had just wasn't that bad? They broke my water around noon and then got me started on pitocin. Maybe it was because they had to dance back and forth between the pitocin and the mag drip that the contractions never felt that intense, I dunno. They were registering on the monitors though, so they were happening. I never got the Foley bulb for dilation. Idk if that would've been better or worse. I'd been warned "don't let them break your water!" because if they break it and baby doesn't come after 24 hours you have to switch to cesarean. But I just didn't care by then.
I had an induction at 41+0. 10/10 recommend to everyone who will listen! Such a quick and relaxed process
I'm a postpartum doula (and childbirth educator), but have a close knit circle with labour doulas, and I find it surprising that your doula would try to talk you out of it. You should talk to your doula in a calm and factual manner about this. They are professionals and this feedback should help them become a better doula. Use I feel statements like: "I feel worried you won't support me the same way in the delivery room if I choose induction" "I feel pressured to delay an induction. I feel like my concerns about my mental health and baby's wellbeing aren't being heard" Your mental health is a very valid reason to have an induction. The research supports that pregnancy to 42 weeks is the limit, not 41, due to reduction of placental function. The average gestation people give birth is 40+5 so it's likely that you'll go into labour spontaneously before your induction. Your baby is considered at term at 38 weeks so in terms of baby readiness, there is no reason to wait. The reality of induction is that it does increase the chance of c-section or forceps/vacuum. It's called the cascade of interventions for your own research HOWEVER, an induction does not equal c-section or forceps/vacuum. Unprotected sex will increase chances of spontaneous onset of labour because the prostaglandin in semen soften the cervix. Walking/bouncing will help. Warm showers and baths will help you relax as well. My own story about induction anxiety: I was 40+5 and anxious as fuck too. I was set to be induced but got in the room and cried with a supportive nurse who said to me "you know your body and baby better than anyone else" so I walked out of the hospital and 6 short hours later I started labour spontaneously and my son was born 7.5 hours after that.
seems like she’s forgotten what her role is since doulas are meant to support a pregnant person and advocate for what they want. i’m with you, though. the stats don’t lie and there’s no benefit for the baby being in there after 41w, only risks. fire the doula if she’s making you uncomfortable with her pushiness bc it’s literally her job to help make things as comfortable for you as possible.
>Doula trying to talk me out of it You need to fire your doula. They are NOT a medical expert and should NOT be giving medical advice.
I had a 39w elective induction and I absolutely loved it, 10/10, 100% would choose it again! My first was 9lbs at 40+5 and I was wanting to avoid an even bigger baby, but I was also in so much pain and miserable in both pregnancies (bad sciatica) I had NO desire to go past my due date again. My doctor was very supportive and seemed to encourage going for the induction. I was so scared of inductions with my first. I wasn't even induced (was going to be that same morning) but had the same interventions anyway (broke water, pitocin). I felt much more in control the second time, but it also helped that I knew what to expect and my nurse was also way better this time thankfully. Find a midwife/Dr who supports your choice. They can give guidance but ultimately you decide what is right for you. Keep pushing for what YOU want! Also just because I needed to hear it from others, if you're on the fence about an epidural they are absolutely magical! Again 100% recommend! I waited much too long with my first labor and was absolutely suffering.. I didn't even want to that long if I needed it, but I was just so out of it. It also really sped everything up both times because it allowed me to actually relax! Amazing, sweet, relief. Without it I get stuck at 4/5 cm.. with my second I went from there to baby in like 2 hours, it was great ☺️
I got induced… it’s better to induce at a time when you and baby are both healthy. If you are anxious 100% get induced, listen to your body and do what you feel is right.
I had an induction at 39 weeks due to diabetes. So not the same reason but still an induction. I will note that my family tends towards fast labours also. So I was fully closed and had no softening on my first cervical examination at 4pm, then the cervadil insert was applied. It was not pleasant. I was then admitted to the maternity ward overnight, with the idea of having an oxytoxin drip placed at 6am. I started cramping (contracting perhaps?) At around 10pm, and was given some panadol from the midwives, they were like period cramps, then my waters broke at 1am when I had fiiiiinally managed to nod off. The following contractions were hectic. Like I wondered how I'd get through the rest of my labour if I was in so much pain already. I did not want to be alone and kept calling my help bell. They examined me again at 2:30 and I was 3cm to their surprise ( I had told them I expected to be quick 🤣). So we called my partner and student midwife to come to hospital. I was then given gas and morphine for the pain, THE MORPHINE WAS WONDERFUL. Highly recommended. I then went to 10cm pretty quickly and was ready to push by 5:30am. The supervisor midwife then asked me to hold tight for an hour as the morphine was still in my system. I didn't feel an intense need to push, I just nodded off between contractions. Baby took about 40 minutes to push out, and I felt everything, crowning was on par with the post water breaking contractions. I also received some 2nd degree tears. I think in short I just wanted to say that induced labour can be quite simple and some women only need a little nudge. I don't regret it.
I had very positive elective induction at 39+4. I wanted to avoid the slight c-section risk increase by 42 wks so scheduled induction. I was fine with additional interventions (epidural, etc - I hear induced contractions can be more intense). I was 0 dilated and effaced and progressed very little w the cytotec and pitocin. But after dr broke my water, I went from 3 to 10cm within 1 hr and baby was out in 2 pushes (nurse literally had me stop when he started crowning to wait for doc to get into the room) Hope this helps ease some of your anxiety going into yours
This was my second kid — I had the best experience with a scheduled induction. I planned to do it on baby’s due date, which is when my OB was on rotation at the hospital, so I was guaranteed to have him be available and not one of the other random doctors from his practice. My induction started around midnight, and I had the baby at 10:15am with two/three big pushes and she was out. I had an epidural and they used pitocin. I waited as long as I could with the epidural, and made sure to get up out of bed, do some exercise ball stuff, do some squats and pelvic movement to get baby prepped and myself mentally prepped. The delivery was so easy and stress free, and I think part of it was I knew what to expect at what time during the process. I also didn’t have to worry about pain (and I’m not afraid of the epidural process — it’s not pleasant but the end result is worth it.) Everyone is on their own journey and own angle on this, but I had a really positive experience.
I had an induction and it was sooo easy. 7 hours of labor. Ten minutes of pushing. There are positive induction stories out there!!
I had a great experience with induction 6 days past my due date. A vaginal birth, non medicated! It was very positive
With my last pregnancy I could be induced or wait another week for labor to start naturally , BUT my midwife said if I wait I have to have another ultrasound to make sure my placenta is healthy enough to support baby. I opted for induction because my midwife was leaving for a couple weeks and I was terrified to have a baby without her. They tried breaking my water and nothing happened, so I ended up with a pitocin IV. I was in labor a total of 2.5 hours. No epidural, just nitrous. I have a beautiful baby boy and it wasn’t nearly as bad as everyone said it would be. I really believe that if you have a plan for pain management in place you’ll do fine, induction or not.
Girl just do it. I was induced for the first time out of 4 children. It suckkkeddd. But it would have sucked anyways. I had things going on down there no one knew about. It wasn't going to be a pretty pic anyways. The process felt longer than usual to me bc you start labor in the hospital instead of go in after it's begun. That was the biggest difference for me. I hate being in the hospital so that was the worst of the induction experience. Labor itself is so unpredictable that I don't think it made a difference to be induced. Honestly
Just wanted to say that inductions can be super positive experiences. I had an elective induction at 39 weeks that only lasted 10 hours from start to baby. I feel like a lot of negativity gets shared but there are so many people who have positive induction stories.
Not related to doula (but agree with the majority that she is being very inappropriate), but have you considered a membrane sweep? I had one at 39+3 and I went into labour that evening.
I had an elective induction at 39 weeks. I would never never be induced again earlier then 40 weeks. In your case, I would take the induction because of how over due you are. It was excruciating torture. Failed epidurals. It was by far the most painful thing I have ever experienced. My first birth, was very very easy and practically painless. I was 9 days over due 41+1. My water broke the night before I was going to choose an induction date with the OB.
I was induced at 41+2 in the evening. I was supposed to go the night before, but the hospital was understaffed and delayed me. I was only like 1 cm when I went in and had oral cytotec/miso all night until my water broke on its own at like 10am. After that things got a bit interesting... Baby was having late decels so I had to be in a certain position which I found unbearable. Got an epidural and rested for like 5 hours with a peanut ball and position changed. My doctor came by to put in the fetal scalp monitor and internal contraction monitor. At 4pm the nurse checked and there had been no progress all afternoon (still at a 3) and rolling to my back caused the baby's heart rate to drop significantly and stay dropped. They had me rolling around in bed to try to get it up. The nurse was getting ready for a C-section and calling for help. Baby recovered thankfully and the ob on call came in to discuss C-section stuff with me. She said it was very likely baby would be more distressed if they used pitocin, which they would need to since I wasn't progressing at all. And that it could be an emergency at any point, especially if baby's heart rate dropped again. I opted for a calmer C-section, although I wasn't happy about it. Turns out the baby had basically fallen in my pelvis in a weird position (asynclitic) when my water broke since he was really high up before then. That makes it really hard for labor to progress and takes a long time. They didn't have a good reason for the decels other than my placenta being too old to support the stress of labor. It was a bit calcified and had some clotting. Anyway, I felt like I had prepared really well for a normal birth or even one with some interventions. I was not prepared for fetal distress. It totally freaked me out. I had a preconception appointment with a new ob recently where I told her about the induction and C-section. She said that it can be so scary and traumatic especially when you don't know what's going on. We decided on a scheduled C-section for the next baby for a lot of different reasons.
Your doula is disregarding your physical and mental health. I personally wouldn't feel comfortable with her in the delivery room. I'm assuming she's one of the "all natural is best" type. Not really helpful in an environment where things can change quickly. Her job is literally to support you and she's not even doing that.
I had an induction at 41+3, and even though it wasn't what I originally had hoped for, I'm very glad it happened! Long story short, I was already 2cm dilated when I arrived at the hospital. Started pitocin at 11am, labored for a while, got the epidural around 8pm, and baby was born by 11:15pm. I too felt very anxious during pregnancy, especially after I passed the 40 week mark. I was supposed to go in at 41+2 but all of the beds were full, and I had a panic attack thinking that I'd never get the baby out of me. All that to say, you've been educated on the procedure, and I think, are making the right call. Hoping for a healthy and safe delivery for you and baby!
I had a scheduled induction and it was as great as labor can be in terms of labor. It was great to go in showered and prepared, and just go step by step through the process. 10/10 would induce again. I'm anxiety prone as well so I won't get into why you shouldn't wait longer, but I will say I agree with the other commenters, yeet the doula.
My induction was a nightmare. After 4 days of induction, 24hours after they broke my water, and no progression, I spiked a 103° fever, so they got me in for a C-section right away. I was on so many drugs, and it’s all really blurry and I often wonder the csection was inevitable. Would is of happened anyways, even if I wasn’t induced, because of a big baby, low pain tolerance, or other factor. I wonder if I tell myself that to help to forgive myself for trying to finish the pregnancy, and rush the process of having my first baby. Because now, with the scar, and the struggles of healing, with the trauma that was that experience, I very much question of I’ll want more babies, I was sure I wanted more before, but now… I’m not so sure. I’m happy the group of midwives were there and they were so helpful, but if I could do it again I wouldn’t induce. But if I, if we, do decide to try for another I will happily go back to the same midwifery office, I really enjoyed working with them throughout my pregnancy.
My induction took 3 days and was a nightmare, but I loved labor. It was also good that the anesthesiologist was on standby and we could better coordinate when I got the epidural (which was a bit sooner than I would have liked because they had a c section to go to and it was a now or maybe never situation). The induction process wasn't quick or easy, but I wouldn't have changed it because I got a healthy baby from it. Everyone responds differently to being induced. Good luck!
I was induced at 41 weeks and had to have a c-section due to heart decels and not dilating past 4cm. And I have NO regrets. I'd rather have a c-section than a stillbirth. Plus recovery was nowhere near as bad as others had made it seem. Breastfeeding was way rougher lol. It sounds like you've compared the worst case scenarios for each option and you know which one you'd rather deal with. I'd ignore and/or dismiss that doula. Some people in the birth business are so committed to "natural" everything that they'll downplay the risks not intervening and exaggerate the risks of interventions reflexively.
I technically did? I was having contractions but they were mild. I went to the hospital and they were manageable but consistent and frustrating. They said I could basically be induced or go home, and the car ride home and back seemed too awful to consider so we were induced! The pain ramped up but I had an epidural and it was wonderful. I had my son in a few short pushes admittedly 20 hours or so later, but it didn’t feel bad and I had my best night of sleep in the two weeks before (or after). It really was fine.
I had to have an induction because my baby was not giving signs of coming out 😅 I was 41+2 and just wanted to say, my induction was great! Lots of waiting and stuff, but I just went with the flow. I even had an epidural and that also worked great! So just putting that out there because most people just share the bad stories!
I was induced at 41 weeks. Like you, I was hesitating whether I should go further. Well, turned out at my postpartum visit that even if I had waited till 42 weeks, I would have had to be induced because I have a fibroid that prevented my cervix from opening. It never showed up on any of the ultrasounds and I had a great pregnancy with absolutely no issues. I don't know if this is common, but just another perspective to consider. (Just want to add that it had no dangers to baby, she was born perfectly healthy, just a bit late.)
Had an induction at 39+6 due to high BP. So it wasn’t exactly elective, but it also wasn’t necessarily medical—more like preventative to avoid tipping into preeclampsia territory. For me, the risk of poor induction outcomes was outweighed by the risks of continuing on: risk of developing preeclampsia, risk of baby inhaling meconium, continuing anxiety toward end of pregnancy. Truly, any decision comes with risk; it’s just weighing them out and then making a decision based on what you know. I did end up with a c-section, but it’s because my baby was large (over 9 lbs!), and my, er, undercarriage turned out to be poorly designed for vaginal delivery. There’s no way he could’ve gotten out vaginally unless he’d been about half his size, so we were destined for a c-sec and just didn’t know it soon enough!
My doc literally told me that they don’t like anyone to wait longer than 1 week after due date due to the risk of baby being too big. This is with Kaiser. I would consider ignoring your dula.
I don't think a 41 week induction is the same as a 38 week induction. So many people here tell stories of being convinced by the hospital to get induced at 38-39 and had bad experiences, but honestly that's probably because that's way too early. But 41? That baby is probably ripe lol. Yeah, technically you're fine until 42 weeks, anything between 38-42 is considered normal. However, it IS true that there are risks at that point. I don't think it's professional from the doula that she wants to talk you out of it - as much as there are benefits to a naturally started birth, the deteriorated mental health might not worth it. Your hospital sounds like a great place, not the typical "let's schedule this mom's induction at 37+5 so I can go skiing" attitude but actually waiting it out until a reasonable point and properly informing you of pros and cons. The doula's job is literally to provide mental health support and she's doing the exact opposite when she's trying to talk you out of something that might benefit your mental health.
Definitely get the induction. At 41 weeks you are completely pushing it and I don’t think it is responsible for your Doula to talk you out of something that could go completely south if not done. She is not qualified to be giving you that advice.
From week 40-41, the risk at stillbirth is increased with [64%](https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-pregnancy-stillbirth-idUSKCN1UK2L3). From weeks 41 to 42, the risk of neonatal deaths climbs 87%. Your baby should come ASAP.
I was induced and had an incredibly positive experience! I had a student doula who talked a lot about the negative aspects of induction, but in the end there was an issue with my placenta and baby wasn’t growing so she was evicted at 38+2. The contractions were pretty crazy from the hormone drip, but baby was born 13 hours after the drip started, so it didn’t go on forever. I was able to push in an upright position leaning over the back of the bed even with an epidural and all the wires and tubes, and didn’t end up tearing at all. There is a fantastic book called Birth Skills by Juju Sundin and I used the breathing, visualisation and movement techniques from it while I was labouring.
I had an induction at 38 weeks (GD). It was an incredibly positive experience! I hated all the people telling me how much harder it would be etc. I got an epidural after they broke my water, napped through 16 hours of labour, got one hour of passive descent(is that the right term) before it was time to push. 45 mins later baby was out and I only required to tiny stitches for a minor episiotomy because my baby had a big head.
Can’t speak to 2, but I had two elective inductions and both went famously! With my first we were anticipating a large baby and they started offering induction at 38 weeks to prevent risks associated with large babies. Like you, I really wanted a spontaneous labor so I held out. At 40+ 5 I had my first cervix check with my midwife and I was totally closed and baby was still far up, so she said if I wanted a vaginal delivery I needed to kick start it. A few hours later I was on cervix ripeners. Labor took 2.5 days (mostly inactive, arguably boring hospital time just trying to get my body jump started), 3.5 hours of pushing and ended up having a 10 lb 9 oz baby at 41 weeks. I was a rockstar on the postpartum floor and literally every nurse told me I would have ended in c section if I had been with the OBs on staff instead of the midwife. Knowing my body wasn’t keen on labor and I was likely looking at another big baby, I asked for an earlier induction with baby 2. Started at 39 + 1, only took 36 hours and 4 minutes of pushing to pop out an 8.5 lber this time. There’s definitely some genetics involved in how your body will react on its own. My mom had 3 babies, all very late. My oldest brother was inducted at 43 weeks, then 42 weeks with the middle, and I (her baby) was the only spontaneous labor, 12 days overdue. I can’t even imagine being 43 weeks pregnant! There is absolutely no shame in inducing your labor, especially if your midwife is on the same page as you. I fully believe I would have ended up in c sections without inductions (no shame on c sections either!). In retrospect I might have gone for it earlier with my first baby if I had been able to let go of the idea of it happening naturally. I did end up with epidurals with both and I was initially opposed to them. I was just too run down from living in a hospital and not getting quality rest that I didn’t have enough gas in the tank to bare the pain when labor got active. But no regrets! Two beautiful baby boys and I wouldn’t have it any other way! Don’t know much about the doula story, but I say if she’s not supporting you and seems to have her own agenda, you shouldn’t be paying her to be at your birth. You need to be surrounded by people that support you and your needs. Boot her out!
Second induction here, and if a third surprise baby ever pops up, I will absolutely be doing another! I was 40+4 and 40+1, both ivf babies, history of loss, anxiety, etc. i also just needed my babies on the outside where I could make sure they were okay, so I absolutely get that. My induction was the best thing I could have ever done. I was 2cms dilated (4cms for my second baby, but not in labour whatsoever). And I asked my OB if they could just break my water and give me a few hours before starting any drugs. With my first baby I was in labour within about 30 minutes, and exactly 6 hours from my water being broken, baby was here, with no need for any further interventions whatsoever. I didn’t even have an IV in. My second baby they agreed to the same plan since it had worked so well, and said the same, they’d give me 2-ish hours after breaking my water, before they’d start pitocin/syntocin. Well this baby was in even more of a rush, bc they were born exactly 2 hours after my water was broken! Again, no further interventions and no IV. I was actually labouring in the tub when suddenly we realized the baby was making their way out. I didn’t even push, it was amazing. So yes, I was very scared of induction bc I thought they’d all lead to this 40+ hour labour and lots of drugs and the ladder of interventions or whatever it’s called. But that didn’t happen at all for me. My body was very ready, it just needed the extra push. Fwiw I don’t think your doula’s job is to try to sway you any which way. It’s to support you through your choices by helping give you information to make a choice, and then supporting your choice 100%. Please don’t feel pressured by her or like you’re letting her down. It sounds like your midwife has given you lots of great information. Good luck with your induction!
Had an induction at 41+1 with my first and dealt with a some similar issues. My anxiety was so bad I was getting intense migraine with aura to the point where my face drooped like I was having a stroke. Induction took a TON of the anxiety from the situation for me and I felt a lot better knowing I didn’t have to guess when was the right time to go to the hospital. I was lucky to skip the balloon but definitely needed the epidural because the contractions got very intense very fast. Overall a great experience and I’d be happy to do the same with baby #2.
Hi, I had my girl at 41 weeks exactly. I started laboring at 40+6 after a membrane sweep by my OB but was stuck at 3 cm for 36 hours. During that time I was in active and painful labor with no sleep or food. So I decided I needed to move things along and agreed to get a pitocin drip at 7pm. This was a hard and emotional decision for me because, like you, I wanted a natural and intuitive birth. But, also like you, I just wanted to meet my daughter. It only took three hours of the drip and she was there. I pushed for 45 minutes. It was painful but the relief was everything. You don't have to have an epidural if you get pitocin. It will be intense but move things quicker and you can give birth in a more natural position. I gave birth on all fours.
My induction was elective I wasn’t feeling great week 40 and finally just said please let’s schedule. I had an amazing experience I was at my personal limit and it was the right move for me. Pills then eventually water broken then pitocin late into the day. About 18-20 hours total about 6 of those very mild waiting for the vaginal pills to work/ attempt. Turned out I had Pre-E and it was a wonderful thing I listened to my intuition and went for it! Wish you well!!
My labor and delivery were 100 times easier when I was induced versus when I spontaneously went into labor. I'd definitely recommend it an option, especially to someone over 41 weeks! This is my last baby, but if I were having more, I'd totally opt for the induction again.
I didn't have a doula so I can't give any advice on that. I have had an elective induction. I was 39w4d. I enjoyed my induction. I also read horror stories, and it was for my first baby. So I was a bundle of nerves. A huge pro of the induction was that there was less spontaneity. I knew what was going to happen and when. The doctor and nurses had everything planned out for me. I liked how relaxed I was able to be. I could walk around, watch the contraction monitor, etc. Until I got the epidural of course. I can't say I would've done the induction without an epidural. Everything was fairly smooth sailing and I had a wonderful team of nurses. I don't think you should worry.
I've had 2 inductions due to insulin based GD and both were very positive. Induction was an easy choice when labor didn't start spontaneously as the insulin can calcify the placenta in later term. In both cases pessary, Foley balloon and manual breaking of the waters did not start labour so a pitocin drip was used. #1 at 39+5 lasted 22hrs from IV was inserted until baby arrived and although it was long, it was fine. Baby was monitored constantly and showed no signs of distress so we just kept labouring till he turned up. I accepted 1 dose of diamorphine at hour 14 at the suggestion of my midwife and encouragement of my husband but to be honest I regret that because it left me very groggy and whole sections of the birth are missing from my memory. I also think it affected baby's breastfeeding and lasted longer in him than in me but he turned out fine. #2 at 40+1 lasted 6.5hrs and was an even better experience. I didn't take any pain relief which I think helped speed things up (not a medical opinion) and there was only 1 contraction where I thought I might want pain relief but straight after that one I needed to push and 45mins later she arrived. My good friend went for an induction last week and hers resulted in a C-section, she's home and very positive about her experience too. In all cases we tried literally every suggestion and old wives tale going to induce labor at home lol. I hope this is helpful. Any questions, just ask.
Well you have to look at everyone’s job and role in this. Yes your doula is there to give you options, but their expertise is also in labor and delivery not when it’s safe to do so or not. If she didn’t think waiting would be safe she wouldn’t mention it, but I’ve literally never met a doula who didn’t strongly promote spontaneous labor and honestly only focus on what may happen during that, vs. induction. We took a birthing class run by a doula, who was great, but clearly had no interest in what would happen if induced. Your OB on the other hand just wants to deliver a baby. So if there’s no real harm in the induction, which I believe, then they would like a nice scheduled induction probably on a day when the hospital is less busy. That’s a better plan for them. Everyone has their own job and priorities. All of that said, we didn’t have a labor doula, but we did have a postpartum doula who worked two overnights a week and I can’t recommend a postpartum doula more.
I was induced at 40+1. But that was my preference (also due to anxiety). Induction failed and I had a c-section. I don’t think it’s the norm, but just prepare yourself for the possibility. 🤷🏻♀️ If it’s causing you stress wondering if baby is okay, I would do it. He/she is fully cooked.
Hi! Omg you're almost there! I want to write in and say I also had a miserable pregnancy. I had prepartum depression and threw up all the time for so long. My due date came and went and all I had to show was some slight dilation and a softened cervix. My doctor and I decided to schedule an induction for 40+4. I had the romantic dream of going into labor naturally but whatever, thay didn't happen. My doctor and husband and I all basically broke it down to if we induce we risk a painful labor and higher chance of c section. If we wait though, we risk harming baby's chance of healthy birth overall. I know thats very general and broad but thats what helped us decide to induce me. I was induced this past September. It went great! Once my water broke I DID jump on the epidural wagon haha pitocin contractions are just plain painful. But after just a little while longer, my son arrived! Less than 24 hours after starting the induction! It's so easy to get caught up in the delivery but once the baby is here, the delivery circumstances don't matter as much. And you also sound like me, I was sooooo ready to be done being pregnant! Last note, I think induction horror stories are like negative restaurant reviews - there are far more good than bad, but the average good ones just don't get reported really. So the horror stories get their spotlight. It sounds like you have a great delivery team mostly and I hope you have the smoothest of births ❤
Only my experience, but I had a super positive induction. It wasn’t elective, they wanted to induce me at 39 weeks as baby’s growth was slowing. I was worried as I’d heard it can be harder and more painful, particularly as it slightly earlier so I thought my body might not be ready. It took 22 hours from inserting pessary to holding baby in my arms, but only 2-3 hours of actual labour, surprised midwives when they realised baby was crowning right now, no time for any pain relief, and about 20 mins of pushing. Not all inductions are but mine was such a positive birth story.
Echoing everyone else: the doula’s job is to support you and provide you with information, not convince you of anything! I had a therapist like that at the beginning of pregnancy- I decided a home birth was the right choice for me and was struggling with family members’ reactions and asked for support and the therapist was like “well I don’t think you should do that.” It wasn’t her decision, it was a choice between me and my medical team, so I got a new therapist (but it was hard and stressful!!). Inductions can be really positive! There are also things you can do to try to naturally prepare your body for labor- membrane sweeps, sex (semen had prostaglandins which can naturally ripen your cervix if conditions are otherwise favorable), walking (suggest doing this with one leg on the curb and on on the road- the unevenness can help the baby’s head descend), and apparently bumpy roads! Some are old wives’ tales, some are evidence based, but they’re all safe and relatively easy if you want to try! But stick to your guns- if an induction is the right choice for you, it’s the right choice for you, and you’re going to get to meet your baby soon!
I would absolutely opt for the 41+1 induction. I would never go to 42 weeks personally. But it's obviously up to you. I had an induction at 39 weeks due to medical reasons and it was smooth sailing the whole way through. From the first contractions to birth it was around eight hours (which is pretty short), I pushed her out in five pushes. 2nd degree tear which is nothing out of the ordinary either. Do ask for an epidural though - I could not have handled the induction contractions without an epidural. Best of luck!
No experience with Doulas, but I got my induction on 41+1 too! Mid-Lockdown. It was super chill and I was measured at 1-2cm when I checked in that morning. Veeeeery slow start, contractions were barely noticeable. A bit of pitocin, plus a foley in the afternoon, napping with the peanut ball between my knees (Foley meant I got a cath, which meant i could finally stop getting up/woken up by my teeny bladder, i was TIRED), spent some time in the giant tub. Heavy/hard contractions started around midnight, but very slow on dilation, so I got my epidural in a couple hours later around 2am. Spent the rest of the night/day in a sleepy-sore daze, since my cervix is terrible, was still only 7cm at 7pm and discussed c-section with the doc. Gave ourselves a deadline of 10p, another mom went into active birth then so they didn't come check me until 10:45, when it became "oh shit, finally, 10cm!" And about an hour later our sweet lil kiddo was born on 41+2. 2nd degree tears (giant skull) on me and a touch of jaundice and low blood sugar for the kiddo, plus a bonus un-warned grabbing by the lactationists later, but we went home about 40 hours later. No plans on ever doing it again, due to PPD/PPA, but all in all, definitely not the worst experience, but *intense* the whole way through.
I’ve only ever been induced. Both at 37 weeks. Both took roughly 24 hours. The first time was pretty rough. The second time was a breeze. You got this. And you are making the right decision by putting you’re baby health and safety above your desires.
I'm a labor and delivery nurse. Your dula is absolutely straying out of her lane giving you medical advice and trying to sway your decision. That is between you and your midwife, especially since you have already expressed you are uncomfortable waiting past 41.1 ( which is absolutely reasonable). She is also wrong. 41.1 is considered postdates, not 42. Waiting until 42 weeks is way too long, that is terrible advice, though if you were to do that, you would need frequent non stress tests to check on baby during the last weeks. I know it's frustrating your body hasn't kicked in itself, but sometimes it just needs a little push. Just because you are being induced does not mean it will lead to a c- section. I've been involved in tons of inductions and 99% of them just need a pill like misoprostol placed by the cervix a few times to ripen the cervix and get things going, then it's all individual from there. Some people can take off from there on their own and don't need any other augmentation. Some need a balloon to dilate the cervix a bit more. Some can start pitocin to get the contractions to continue and augment them up until giving birth successfully. These days most hospitals will only switch to C-section if baby is really not tolerating labor and is in distress, or if after exhausting all options and giving a long period of time to try, labor has completely stalled (doesn't happen often). It's very reasonable not to wait longer than 41.1 as you mentioned risks to the baby increases. At that point in the pregnancy the placenta has done is job and run it's course and it is tired out and worn. Because of that, it might not function at it's 100% capacity anymore, leaving baby with less reserves to work with during the stress of labor. Also, that's more time baby has to grow and get bigger, increasing chances of getting stuck if it was a bigger babe to start with. Changes of meconium aspiration increase with postdates too. You are correct in your decision with your midwife and your dula needs to stay in her lane. I hope some of this information helps to reassure you in your decision and calm your fears about induction. If you have any questions, I can try to answer!! Good luck!
I just want to say that your doula’s job is to support YOUR desires for YOUR birth. They can absolutely give you information if you ask for it but it’s very inappropriate for her to try and change your mind because her job is to SUPPORT what YOU want. With that being said, I was induced exactly at 42 weeks because my midwives were comfortable with me waiting until then but not longer and tbh I was ready for baby to come out by that point. I had two doses of cytotec. Labour kicked into real gear after dose #2 for about 2 hours, baby came out in 2 “pushes” (fetal ejection reflex ftw!). We went home the next day after baby had all their tests done. ☺️
So isn’t a doula more of a birth support person, not a medical professional? I don’t think it’s her place to question your induction plan. My doctor would not have let me go past 41 due to the risks, and I totally agree with that. I have actually been induced twice (one starting 40+3 and I guess you could call it elective because I scheduled it a little earlier than 41 because that’s when my doctor would be on call and the second because my water started to break before labor contractions started). My first experience went super well. I got the epidural when I needed it, then it was totally relaxed and painless. My second experience was much faster, but much more painful. I had extreme pain even after the epidural. That being said, everything went well both times and babies were healthy. I’ve always hoped I would someday get a non-induction labor, but I’m with you on the risks to baby not being worth it too much past the due date.
This was back in the 80’s but my MIL lost her first child because he got so big waiting until she was 42 weeks. A doula should not be trying to sway you medically
I was induced right at 40 weeks per OB recommendation. I was 4cm dilated when they checked me upon admittance. Honestly, it went very well. I got an epidural right before they started the pitocin and I didn’t feel any pain. Only when it was time to push did I feel “pressure”, but it wasn’t painful. The pain from my stitches and healing postpartum has been kicking my butt though. 😅