Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Officially Overdue

Once again I have seen my due date come and go. I guess my body just likes to hold on to these babies a bit longer than the norm. At least I still feel pretty good. (Although I suspect that after I give birth I will realize I didn't really feel good but just had forgotten what it was to feel normal.)

So I am trying out a new "theory" on starting labor each day I go over. We will see if any of them work on me. I did the walking thing. I did that again last night. I figure that can only do good things for me no matter how I look at it, so I plan to walk everyday. Oh and yes, I have also tried the "do what got you into this mess" advice. That hasn't worked on any of my kids, but like walking it doesn't hurt to keep trying right? 

Last night a friend did acupressure massage on a spot above my ankle that is supposed to make you have contractions or go into labor or something. I must admit that I did have more contractions than usual during the hour she was rubbing my ankles. I will likely be rubbing that spot in my spare time over the coming days.

This morning I humored another friend and tried jumping rope. That did get baby awake but did not break my water as she had suggested it might. I will try jumping on a trampoline later today.

The one trick I will not try is Caster Oil. I don't really doubt that it would work. I just don't feel like starting my labor with the kind of stomach pain I believe it would give me. If you have other suggestions, feel welcome to offer them. I can't say I will try all of them but I will get around to as many as I feel I reasonably can.

69 comments:

Jennie said...

I have never gone overdue, all of mine came 10 days early. I don't know how you are being such a good sport! I'm impressed- really. I don't have any advice, other than what you have already tried. Good luck- just hold out until tomorrow. :)

Annalee Kelly said...

Good reasoning on the caster oil...I made the mistake of trying it once and almost had a uteran abruption.
Otherwise, who knows what will work? Congrats on being so patient:) Good luck.

Erin said...

teeter-totters. When I lived in NYC there was a park near us that put most of the women in our ward into labor, including myself. ;)

If anything it was entertainment for the on-lookers. Nothing like watching a 9 month pregnant lady totter...

Skylette said...

Stephanie, I tried Castor Oil and I got one teaspoon down, only for it to come right back up - It was not something I would recommend to anyone! I did, however, mop all of my wood floors, really exerting myself, and I would like to think that is what did it... I went into labor that night. :) Good luck, and I can't wait to see pictures of your blessed little guy!

Jen said...

My first was 14 days overdue and I tried everything possible, including raspberry leaf tea. She came when she was ready!

My second was only (only!) 7 days overdue, but it felt like a week early because I had convinced myself he would be 2 weeks late as well!

I think they come when they want to! You were very brave doing jump rope!

Six-Pack Momma said...

The trampoline and bumpy car rides worked for me....but what's to say I wouldn't have gone into labor anyway?

Dan said...

Jumping rope, that is hilarious! My wife never tried that, and I heard the castor oil thing is just... well not recommended, but let us know if you try it?

Anyway, my wife has been overdue with each of our three kids. I know how you feel.

Heather & Greg said...

With my last I walked for an hour came home ate a plate of warm chocolate chip cookies and watched a funny movie, and I had her the next day. This method was suggested by a friend of mine. If all else fails atleast you had a relaxing evening. Other suggestions i've been given is eating eggplant parmesan, lots of walking, and lots of what got you the way you are! Best of luck to you! I hoping for a quick and easy delivery for you. :)

Anonymous said...

I did a whole bottle of castor oil in the week before going into labor on my own. I didn't get many contractions at all. I think it's because I have no gall bladder to irritate, haha.

Noble will come when he's ready... but please keep us updated on your progress. :)

Holly Mount said...

I got my labor started with my 2nd by using my breast pump. It started contractions right away, but took a while to get them strong.

Anonymous said...

steph, I am not joking... Try pizza with everything on it. A dude pizza. Then sit and wait! Now that's not such a bad one is it?! It works!!!! Have fun!!!!!! Julie Sacramento

Anonymous said...

If I were you, I'd try the chocolate mousse pie! :) I've also heard that Mexican food does the trick. Couldn't hurt, right? And it's gotta be better than castor oil!

Anonymous said...

I've heard getting a pedicure works wonders in that department. I know two family members that swear by them.

Darren and Nikki said...

I have not personally tried it - but I heard that Black Cohosh - an herbal extract can induce labor. Has worked for one of my sister in laws. Maybe worth a try? :)

Bonnie said...

My first three baby were overdue. While overdue with my second child a friend swore by watching a double-feature movie. In those days we had to go to the movie theatre, VCR's had not been invented. Well I finally tried it with my second child and a few hours later my water broke, and again with the third child, it worked! The other two were early so it wasn't that! But, hey---the theory is that sitting in the same position for 4-5 hours breaks your water! Good luck sweetie! I LOVE your blog. I could just take your sweet family right into my heart and home and be their grandma too!

Jonelle Hughes said...

Well, you asked. ;) As a doula and childbirth educator for the last 10years, I always had a rule about not sharing induction methods with my clients until they were a week overdue. Why? Because due dates are not always accurate, and I am a huge believer in letting the baby decide when it is time. It is their hormones that are released that help start labor, so they really are working in conjunction with you! Over these years of working with pregnant mamas I have seen one remedy work consistently, and easily, once it is used. It is called (drum roll)........ Surrendering.

Surrendering to letting this baby come when it is ready, surrendering to knowing your body will work well to get this baby in your arms, surrendering to just being. Surrendering to the will of the Lord, and letting go of all that is not for your good, right here, at this time. Now, I know you have so many abilities, that you probably do not need any ideas from anyone, but when we are the ones carrying the baby, it is really hard to see the forest through the trees! (been there done that, convinced my baby or babies would NEVER be born!) When I was just a few days from my 40 week due date with my twins, and it was like 175 degrees here in Vegas, I hit "the wall" We call it that because it is what it feels like. You want the baby born, you want to see it, you are done, etc... My sweet friend and doula said this... " Remember, they may be getting last minute instructions from the Lord. You wouldn't want to rush that would you?" Now part of me that was so anxious, wanted to slap her a little, but my spirit felt the truth in her statement. So, I relaxed, I surrendered, and 1 day before I turned 40 weeks, I gave birth (naturally) to my full term healthy babies, which is what I had asked the Lord for in the first place! ;) I just had my 5th baby in January, and I was 1 week overdue, and had to practice that surrendering thing all over again! I am thinking I need to go for baby #6 to really get it down. Stephanie, this baby will be born,and you will hold him in your arms, and nuzzle that amazingly soft and sweet smelling baby head of his, and you will feel the heaven's open, even for just a small window of time, and you will know that practicing that surrendering was hard, but it was oh so worth it for that moment.I could write a book on this, and someday I will. But that is my best advice. The Herbalist in me says, drink red raspberry leaf (infusion-it is technically not a tea), and rub clary sage essential oil on that pressure point on your ankle. But those are just things to strengthen your uterus and prepare, which is great. I always tell my clients to bake a birthday cake for their new baby, watch movies, pretend it is an eternal summer. Enjoy, breathe, relax, soak in these last days of gestation. If necessary, change that induction date, so that a deadline is not looming in front of you. I know you can do this. You can do anything! The body who helped make this baby knows how to get it out in a timely way. Believe in yourself, trust the Lord. Now aren't you glad you asked? ;)

PS- I do not advocate castor oil either-gives you and the baby the runs-which is not good.

Amanda said...

With the accupressure there is another spot that you can massage that's a bit easier to do than the spot on your ankles. It's between your thumb and pointer finger, above the webbing. You'll know you've got the right spot when it hurts when you push it. Just massage there in small circles perodically throughout the day.

It worked for me but I also drank about a gallon of raspberry tea (it's supposed to ripen your cervix) drank castor oil and had my membranes swept. So I can't say for sure which did it.

Oh, and with the castor oil if you only take like 2 TBLS of it the cramping is really nonexistent and it cleaned me out really good before I went into labor ;). But I was determined to anything and everything I could try before they induced me.

EvaMarieva said...

I just hadto let you know taht your post gave me a good laugh (the part about trying even what started this mess). I really needed it today. Hang in there!

Donna said...

Nipple Stimulation, don't have to eat or drink anything and don't have to exert yourself! It will get contractions going. It actually releases the natural "pitocin" in our body. Not sure how graphic to get here. :)

Start on one side until contraction starts, stop until it's over and start again on other side. Eventually they'll keep going on their own. If you start to get sore, take a break.

Walking is great for toning those muscles, makes labor go more smooth. But it's important not to over do and make yourself sore. You need your strength for labor.

Good Luck!

Natalee said...

I have an odd addition to this list, but I think it works.

My first pregnancy I had severe preterm labor. My Doctor gave me a list of foods that I was NOT allowed to eat because they induced labor.

THE NUMBER ONE FOOD WAS PICKLES!

The amount of salt in pickles irritates the uterus.

If you like pickles, give it a try! I know I could eat a WHOLE jar of Claussen Pickles!

Good Luck!

Donna said...

Jonelle must have been writing her comment as I was writing mine, if I would have read hers first, I would have kept quiet! :)

Awesome Advice, gave me goose bumps!

mckenna said...

Has red raspberry leaf tea been mentioned? (Don't worry! It's herbal!) I've had both of my babies early. Don't know if it's because the tea actually works or because that's just my body or babies or something, but it's worth a shot, right?!

Lena Baron said...

Yep! Jonelle Hughes has it right. I Finally grasped that concept with my last little one. I like you, tried EVERYTHING (except the castor oil) It wasn't until I just sat and rested for three days after walking miles and miles the previous days that things started happening. I really like the peaceful picture that Jonelle drew up of how these last few days can be for you. You're progressing into a new step of healing/grieving and it can almost be ceremony like;) if you want to make it such. Or, you can party with lots of fun movies and yummies and soaking. Either way, your body will be rested and ready for the Great Journey! Good Luck!:)

Stephanie said...

Bless your heart. I am no help.
I was 11 days late with baby#1
20 days late with baby#2, 7 days late with baby#3(induced at seven days late so I could be home for Christimas) and 18 days late and induced with baby #4. Nothing worked for me. At least you know Sunday is the longest you will carry this sweet baby. Hoping you go into a quick low pain labor.

Nerell said...

With my first, moonlight bowling put me into labor.

Good luck with the delivery.

shanan said...

The RR french fries didn't work?? Bummer :(

Just stop thinking about it, and it will happen! (Like I know! Geez)

Anonymous said...

I would love to see pregnant women on both ends of the teeter totter. You crack me up. I have always had late babies and I think they just come when they are ready. I know not what you want to hear but that is the conclusion I have finally come to.

Anonymous said...

Six days overdue with my first, we went and saw a movie in the theater. We hated the movie. It was almost torture to sit through (Night At the Museum). My water broke during it. I think it was my baby's way of letting us know he hated the movie as well. It was probably just coincidence, but it makes a good story I guess.

Shanna said...

I have never commented before but I love your blog. It's great. My first was 4 days late. My husband talked to some people who were really into nutrition to see if there was something I could take to get me started. They told him "There's a reason you're not supposed to take herbs while you are pregnant." Then they told him to get me some Evening Primrose and Blue or Black Kohosh. We went with the Black Kohosh. I was in labor within the hour after taking them. Since it was my first my labor was long and painful and by the time I got to the hospital 7 hours later they were going to send me home because I was only at a 1 however the doctor broke my water and I stayed. Talking later to an herbologist she told me that it's best to take both Blue and Black Kohosh, but if only one of the two can be found I'm sure it will still work (it did for me). Be sure to get Evening Primrose too. They can be found at the Nutrition Store.

TheIsom8 said...

My chiropractor told me to rub the pressure point in between my thumb and pointer finger. (Just keep massaging it.)It definitely helped things along with my 5th. She is actually the only one I dilated completely on my own with! :-) Good luck!

a.k.a. Jack said...

Plan something that you absolutely cannot miss. Then you are sure to go into labor right before you need to be there. :)

kastelicfam said...

I have heard that eating spicy food works. GOOD LUCK!

Shelly said...

I totally agree with Jonelle on just letting the baby comes when it is ready (even though it's super hard to wait!).

I've been way over with all three of mine and I didn't want to be induced because of all the other intervention that usually entails. When they were ready, it was a truly beautiful experience.

Katie said...

I haven't read anyone else's comments so I don't know if this was already suggested, but it worked for me. I can't necessarily really say that though... cause when the baby is ready the baby is ready. ANYWAY... Get in the bath tub with a towel and put the towel all the way over your belly, so that its really warm and heavy. Then massage your breasts. If you have a breast pump I heard that pumping works better. With the warm water, the heavy towel, and the massaging it supposedly stimulates your body to have the baby.

I did this and then the "other" thing before we went to bed for the night and an hour after going to bed, had contractions. I was 3 days overdue! Good Luck!!! :)

The Stells! said...

go bowling :)

3 said...

Please don't do the trampoline and possibly cause the cord to do a "loopy" thing.
My best to you. PC

Sunny said...

When I was overdue my grandma told me to jump off a curb...it didn't work.

Alexis said...

I have been reading your blog for quite a while now but have never posted a comment before. You have adorable girls and your posts are always so touching and inspiring. Good luck with your new baby boy. He will no doubt be smothered with love! My last baby was 4 days overdue and I found a recipe for a salad that is supposedly made in a fancy California restaurant that is said to induce labor. I never tried it (I couldn't find all of the ingredients because it was winter), but it sounds yummy so it may be worth a try! Here it is.
Salad to induce labor:
Equal parts of:
Romaine lettuce
Watercress
Red Cabbage

Chop and toss together. Sprinkle with balsamic vinegrette (1 part balsamic vinegar, 3 parts extra virgin olive oil). Garnish with crumbled Gorgonzola cheese.

Best of luck! :)

IpsonFamilyBlog said...

I was told by my doctor, not to use the breast shells until I was further along, because they cause milk to come out and contractions to start. He said...We don't want the baby coming too early, so you can start using these 2 weeks before.
I used them and within a couple of hours was feeling contractions.

Anonymous said...

I went curb-walking (one foot on the curb and one in the gutter). It's silly looking (I went in the evening when it was dark) but I went into labor early the night I went. It worked again for my second baby (also a few days early) so for me it works! Go as long as you can that way until you feel sore and then take a break and just walk. Make sure to come back the same way but with the other foot on the curb so you stretch your groin muscles equally (another plus, my groin muscles felt stretched out and relaxed when I was pushing). Good Luck!!!

Anonymous said...

Your sweet new baby will come when he's ready or when your doctor decides otherwise.
I'm a nurse and I just have to say for your safety and the safety of little tike; don't jump rope, jump on a trampoline and don't wrap your belly in hot towels (a previous post).
I wish you the best. Be patient. Do fun things with the girls. Do something for yourself like a spa pedicure or go on an outing with hubby. Enjoy!

Marylin Kelley said...

It always makes me chuckle just to hear all the ideas out there to induce labor. It just shows how many women have needed the same advice. Nothing ever worked for me that I ever tried, my kids just need as much time in my womb as they can get, i guess! :) I think that my pregnancy calender may have gotten mixed up with an elephants :)!! So excited for you, can't wait to see your swwet boy!! All my love and may you have a quick and healthy delivery :)

Angie said...

This is my day! Wednesday Noble, Wednesday!! Come meet us!

Sylvia said...

I know it is hard but be patient babies come when they are ready.I agree very much with Jonelle Hughes comment.

Also the 40 week pregnancy is bogus! The fact is a normal pregnancy can be from 38 to 42 weeks. Yeah I know that's a big window.

Don't think of your self over due but think your baby just needs a little more time.

However here a couple other methods most likely mentioned

Relax and visualize your cervix opening,like rose or what ever floats your boat.

Nipple stimulation

Positive thinking!!!

Mythreesons said...

Dang. Now I feel bad that all I did was give you sore ankles...;)
My mom says I did it wrong... I say it's not foolproof. Hang in there... we're thinking of you!

Anonymous said...

Here are 3 suggestions...that might put you into labor...but if not...at least will make you look and feel beautiful while you in the delivery room!

1. Brazilian Wax...I know..sounds painful..it is, but you will be feel and be super clean.

2. pedicure and pregnancy massage...you gotta have super cute toes!

3. lots of nipple stimulation

Good Luck!

Leslie said...

The "what got you into it" along with afterward using moist warm heat to the chest (ie. wet washcloth under heating pad) has done the trick for me. Good luck!

Anonymous said...

Fresh pineapple! Can't hurt. might help. Google "pineapple and labor" and you can read more about it. Worked for me!

Sarah said...

I was 9 days overdue with my last baby (#3)I tried EVERYTHING! I even tried Castor oil TWICE. I was sure it would work because it worked with my 1st baby, but it didn't. It's really not as bad as you would think. I ate about 4 whole pineapples, walked a lot, bounced on one of those exercise balls, cleaning the entire house, and everything else. I had never prayed so hard in my life for something as I did that last week. Finally after sitting on the couch the entire Sunday watching conference she came that night. Babies come when they want but sometimes it's so frustrating! Good luck.

Jonathan Waite said...

ok, so i think i read somewhere that eating a LOT of chocolate and watching Beaches helps. Or maybe it's the pedicure, massage and shopping trip to the mall. no -- maybe I'm mistaken not Beaches, it's gotta be the new Star Trek movie -- yeah that's it -- the new Star Trek movie's out this Friday. You must eat lots and lots of chocolate, relax and go with your husband to the new star trek movie.

Rena said...

I heard that drinking herbal raspberry tea will help. Good luck.

Anonymous said...

Old truck, bumpy road and a long ride always seem to work in the south.

Jonelle Hughes said...

Jonathan- My husband seconds your idea, and wanted to let you know that the new XMen is already out in theatres. ;)

Elise said...

I was overdue with my second and this worked for me. I got out my handy-dandy breast pump. Yes. I pumped. Like, the real thing, not just hand pumped. I have a medela pump and it did the trick. I pumped while watching TV one night for and hour. The next night my son was born. I did get a little colostrum (sp?) that came out, but it didn't leave my son without what he needed. Good luck. I'm 33 weeks right now, and starting to count the days!

Anonymous said...

Well, technically you are not overdue untill 42 weeks 1 day :-).

Jonelle's post was beautiful. I have nothing to add but well wishes. I hope the birth is everything you want and need.

Chelsea said...

Ok, so here is the deal.
I don't profess to be any type of professional, but I will share my little bit of knowledge! haha!
Blue&black Cohosh is an inducer, but if you aren't REALLY careful--know what you are doing (I know one woman who did it with no problems) it can really thin your blood and make you bleed much more than necessary on the table. I also know another friend who it caused a placenta abruption.
Castor oil is not really an "inducer" it cleans out your system, and bowel contractions might stimulate actual labor contractions. Some people find it worth it, and others don't. Some people are in pain and running to the bathroom, others are not.
It's Nasty, but wont FORCE you into labor, only if you are ready and the baby is. I have never in my life heard of it causing placenta problems, don't know about the baby poop thing, I heard the opposite, when you are overdue the chances of muconiom in the womb is higher regardless. (I think I know like 7 women who have used castor oil sucessfuly.)
raspberry tea. Nah, actually midwives have you take it your WHOLE pregnancy because it just strengthens the uteran muscles. I wouldn't say jumping either--- never 1st hand heard a bad story, but it scares me cause it can be rough.
I actually think that the "relax" advice is the best. Stop walking. Stop cleaning. Sleep. Lay down, don't cook. Sometimes the body won't LET it happen because it thinks there are other important things to do!
Oh, and I loved Katie Jo's Comment. I would do that. (not too hot on the bath & towels of course!) Then you are relaxing, stimulating the nips... good idea. I'm stealing that one when I want to have my babe!
Really, don't overthink all this. You might be trying to plan too much of it. In this you are really not in control, so you have to go with the flow. Do what feels right, that includes when you get to L&D at the hospital.
Good Luck.

Samantha said...

awwwww, I was rooting for you. I'm an overdo kinda gal too, so I feel your pain. Kind of the same thing as the ankle message, but I was told by my prenatal instructor if you hold a comb in each hand with the combs facing inward and press them sort of firmly into the palm of your hand kind of in the place your finger nails would touch if you made a fist it would help to bring on contractions. I think you have to already be dialated for it to work, and it needs to be for a long enough amount of time. Maybe while watching t.v. hey it's worth a try right. Good luck, your going to do great no matter what, and I'm sure it will be a fast l&d for you. I'll be thinking of you.

Anonymous said...

SEX............worked for me!

Amy Jones said...

Stephanie, I am Jonelle's doula and your old friend (Amy Cox), I'm telling you, don't mess too much with God's timing. He is smarter than we are. Surrender surrender surrender, and for heaven's sake, enjoy these last sweet days before the birth! Good luck. If you are going to St. Rose, ask for Alexis Sorensen for your nurse, she's my niece.

Anonymous said...

OK, well I still think you can eat the pizza! :-) Be safe!

Anonymous said...

Lots of sex! Lots of nipple stimulation!!!

Hoskins Family said...

Lots of people that try things usually try more than one thing. So, when they finally go into labor, it's the last thing they "tried" that they think worked. My first Dr. said...babies come when they want and they are what they are! (meaning boy or girl) Don't try the tramp thing...torn placenta or cord wrap.

I know how hard it is too wait!!

Jon...I think you need several movies...x-men, star trek, Earth!

Anonymous said...

I have had a friend use her breast pump and that helped her go into labor. A couple days after my doc. irritated my cervix I mixed a little castor oil in some scrambled eggs and went into hard labor three hours later. I know you say you won't try it but it really wasn't bad and it cleans your bowels out so you won't poop on the table. I had my daughter a week early from this.

Anonymous said...

Wow. Is this all for real, or just tongue-in-cheek? Or a little of both? What a lot of old wives we all are! ;)

Anonymous said...

A friend of mine just had her baby today after being 3 weeks over due,after trying everything, and having no success, and being miserable as she said she has gained 50 pounds with the pregnancy, she decided to go swimming (nude) while she was climbing out of the pool her water broke (thank heavens it was our friends pool)
So my suggestion to you is SKINNY DIPPING.... LOL (maybe take hubby along could be lots of fun. ha ha ha)

Tiggerjay said...

It's probably best left yo God's timing, as suggested by several others. However, that wasn't really left up to our choice. Due to some complications, we had to induce with our first child, and it wasn't progressing much. However, when she received the epidural "test dose" she went into immediate strong labor. Now, you can't exactly walk in and say "tap me" to get labor started. My guess, it just helped her relax.

jen said...

After seven deliveries, and currently expecting a baby, here's my advice.
My sister separated her pelvis jumping rope while pregnant, and it's never gone back to normal. Don't try it. Or jumping on a trampoline either, for that matter.
I've taken castor oil twice. And it's not as stomach cramping as you think. It does work, but it does clean out your bowels, and sometimes you lose control during delivery. Slightly embarrassing.
I have tried nipple stimulation. And the breast pump sounds interesting. It does work temporarily, but it takes a while. Good side benefit: you're a lot tougher when it comes to nursing.
The only thing I've found that truly works infallibly: Dr. stripped my membranes with my last two boys, and in doing so, he accidentally broke my water. Then,there's no turning back. But their labors were really long, so . . .
Pick your poison: more pregnancy. Less agony in delivery. Fewer side effects from rushing mother nature.

Sue B. said...

Have you ever heard of EFT? It really does work on getting rid of the excess emotional build up for just about everything. I have shared this with several friends and the results were dramatic in those uses

Below are 2 links to sites that explain how to do it, the great part is it is not invasive and you can learn how to do it yourself for free. Have a great day.

http://www.emofree.com/

http://www.eft-alive.com/how-to-do-EFT.html

Brett and Heather said...

My last pregnancy...I was so done with being pregnant. I research all the ways to get labor going. One of them was to do a summersault. Yep, imagine that!! Surprisingly, I was able to pull it off with a lot of grace I thought. My husband yelled upstairs, "What was that thud?" I guess I wasn't as graceful as I thought. It didn't work for me, but it was harmless. I did get some good giggles out of it and it is a good story to tell.