Delivering the baby at home can be very comforting and assuring due to which most pregnant women are exploring this option. If you are considering delivering at home, you need to be aware of the various techniques of inducing labor. Beginning or inducing labor at home could be possible by using a combination of these –
Relaxation – relaxing and easing the tensed muscles is an effective method to induce labor. This can be done by regulating the breathing rate, or using visual imagery and visualization processes to achieve complete mental and physical relaxation.
Visualization – what we think about, we bring about. Our imagination and sub-conscious mind are very powerful and can be used effectively to bring about appropriate changes in the physical body that help induce the labor. Thus, visualizing the labor process right from starting and how easily it can happen, through guided processes also helps start off the labor
Nipple Stimulation To Induce Labor- it is one of the most common methods used to induce labor at home. Nipple stimulation causes the release of hormone – oxytocin, which plays a major role in female reproduction by helping stimulate and dilate the cervix and the vagina, cause uterine contractions, thereby helping to induce labor. Similar effect is obtained by opting for non-penetrative sex, which also helps enhance the emotional state of the mother, further helping the process.
Massage To Induce Labor – Massage to induce labor is one of the easiest and most relaxing methods of inducing labor. There are several points on your body, when massaged, can stimulate contractions. By relaxing your body through massage, the stress hormones which slow down the contractions are decreased and thereby enables you to go into labor. However, you need to ensure that your therapist is a professional. Also, if you have been advised bed rest during the last stage of pregnancy, massage to induce labor should be avoided.
Environmental relaxation – using aromatherapy, candles or relaxing lights and music in the room also aid to relax the mother and start the labor process. Music therapy is popular amongst many and is even known to help heart patients recover after surgery!
Food – Certain food items like fruits (especially fresh mango, papaya, pineapple are known to contain enzymes that can bring about softening of the cervix and can help induce labor) or spicy food are known to help induce labor. However, it is important to keep a tab on the intake quantity.
Acupressure – For those who believe in it, and sometimes for those who don’t believe in it, this can be a very useful non-invasive method which includes tapping or placing pressure at certain points to induce labor. The advantage is that it is non-invasive and hence safe, and can be used during and after the labor process to ease the pain
Herbs –At times, concoctions of herbs are also use to help stimulate the process. However, extreme care needs to be taken to check and avoid any harmful effects of the herb on the new-born baby and the mother during and after the labor process.
These are some of the most common methods used to induce labor. For few, just one method might be sufficient to induce labor but for the rest it can be a combination of any of methods mentioned above. Whichever method you choose, make sure you are completely aware of it.
