Positive Induction: The Essential Guide

Positive Induction: The Essential Guide

As a midwife, I have had the absolute privilege of attending the births of hundreds of babies across Scotland in birth units, hospitals and their own homes. I have the strong belief that any type of birth - inductions, caesareans, assisted, unassisted - can all be wonderful and positive experiences. My experiences so far have reinforced my belief that the key to a positive birth is feeling supported, respected and informed.

The purpose of this 71-page guide is to walk you through the induction process; inform you of what each step involves, what will be offered to you, what the research says and how you can make it your own positive experience! This guide will NOT tell you what to do, what to accept or what to decline, but will provide you with the information needed to plan for a positive birth experience. This guide will encourage you to recognise your own strength and autonomy, and take an active role in decision-making. At the end of each chapter, you have a "My Notes" page. Please use this space to reflect on what thoughts have popped up, what you might like to research further, questions for your care provider and what you think would help you to feel empowered and in control at each stage. So... make yourself a cuppa, put your feet up, get comfy and let's go!

Chapters

1. Introduction
2. Informed decisions - making informed choices that are right for YOU
3. Labour 101 - Understanding your birthing hormones, stages of labour and optimal fetal positioning
4. Ripening my what? - Step 1: Membrane sweeps, pharmaceutical and mechanical ripening methods
5. Releasing waters - Step 2: Breaking the amniotic sac
6. Hello contractions - Step 3: Inducing labour contractions
7. Writing a birth plan - Writing an informed birth plan or birth preferences for an induced labour
8. Affirmations - Positive labour and birth affirmations
9. References
10. Helpful Resources - Additional helpful websites, contacts and a calming breathing technique

About the author

Joanna McIntyre is an Independent Midwife living in Glasgow and working across Central Scotland.
You can find me online at www.joannamcintyremidwife.com, where I share blog posts and a free monthly newsletter. Come say hi over on Social Media - I'd love to connect!
www.facebook.com/joannamcintyremidwife and @Joanna.Midwife on Instagram.