The Labor Mama

Labor induction is so much more than just Pitocin.

In Part 1, episode 59, we talk about induction basics - now we’re getting into your actual induction choices.

Comment E59 to get Part 1.
Comment E60 to get this one, Part 2!

In Part 2 of this little series, I’m walking through the different induction methods used in the hospital, including membrane sweeps, breaking your water, Foley balloons, Cytotec, Cervidil, and Pitocin.

My goal isn’t to tell you what to choose. It’s to help you understand what each tool is doing so you can ask better questions and make informed decisions during your labor.

Episode 60: Induction Part 2: Induction Methods – Foley Bulbs, Pitocin, AROM, & More

Not once have I ever seen this acknowledged on any of these lists.

Not once.

➡️ It’s genetics.

Yep - there are genetics involved in your risk of tearing, particularly tearing severely.

Genetics can predetermine the natural elasticity of your connective tissue, how easily your tissues stretch, the function of your pelvic floor, and the shape of your pelvis (which can affect how baby descends and how they put pressure on the pelvic floor).

Is that meant to be discouraging? Of course not. You know bodies are designed to have babies so all of these things most often work together SO well to support your baby to come out vaginally. (My other soapbox is also that tearing can be physiologically normal for you body and the baby it has built, but we’ll put a pin in that for now).

Can you do things to support this process, like eat foods that support your connective tissues, prenatal perineal massage, deliver in the water, breathe your baby out, hands-off deliveries, skip an epidural, and deliver off your back? Of course you can! I did too.

But I’m so over the lists of “things people did to not tear” without any of them ever acknowledging the role genetics play as well.

Because you and I both know that sometimes, someone does all the things on that list, and they tear. And then they’re thinking failure. And it’s not.

So I’m done with it. And now you are too, ok? Let’s have the full conversation, not a halfsies one.

Comment COOKIES for the recipe!

Seriously. The best MOTN snack. I like to bake them, freeze in bags of 6 and then pull them out as the weeks go on!

And if you need a reminder, it is more frequent and more efficient milk removal that can increase your supply, not some snazzy cookie.

I’m just in the camp that if they might help if I’m also doing that and they taste delish and have oatmeal, fiber, etc, then I’m all in.

(Stroller is the Doona USA if you’re not familiar with it yet!)