Can’t stop crying

I could have written this 2 weeks ago! I was under loads of pressure from hospital to induce, just because I'm 41. Healthy pregnancy and zero health concerns for me or the baby. I declined at 39 weeks and 40 weeks and 41 weeks. I did give in and have a very gentle sweep at 41+2 which didn't really do anything! I still had no signs of labour, not even Braxton hicks!! They booked my induction for 41+6 and I was devastated that I wouldn't get my natural water birth! I also spent a whole day just crying I was so stressed and upset.

Then on 41+4, I had a couple of period type cramps in the morning which I ignored as was convinced I wouldn't naturally go in to labour. All of a sudden I went straight to having regular, strong contractions at 11.30am, still convinced they would just stop, I stayed at home until I needed some pain relief... Got to hospital and ended up with my dream water birth, minimal gas and air for pain relief, all the twinkly lights and hypnobirthing! I still can't believe it happened and so quickly too, we were home by midnight the same night, after an 8 hour labour start to finish. So just to say, there is still hope for you! Why are you being induced? Have you read Dr Sara Wickhams work which tells you the pros and cons? Try to get your oxytocin going again, do some breathing, some yoga, lots of sex, eat pineapple! Clary sage too. I did all these things.. oh and can you book in for reflexology? X

Remember an induction is optional! You do not need to go through with one x

41+3 today and I’m in the exact same boat! My induction is booked for tomorrow at 10am and I was up all night stressed and upset. Makes me feel guilty not being excited to give birth but just trying to keep myself distracted today and getting everything ready for when we come home. We also live with my in-laws which honestly has made everything 10x more stressful as it feels like there’s more pressure and I just can’t be in my own feels about it all. I’ve tried everything in the book to “induce labour” over the last few weeks and had 4 sweeps too now. Honestly I slept in and stayed in bed for a few hours this morning to help stay calm and I’d say it has helped a little but I also feel quite lonely as my partner is also at work too. Makes me sad that today is the last day just us at home and I’m all alone!

Just a note on an induction… I know everyone experiences things differently but I cried so much about having an induction, I was crying, borderline panic attack everything. Got to the hospital and they explained everything perfectly, I got checked and was already a couple of cm so didn’t need help that side, I had my waters broken and that was enough for Labour to start by itself, myself and the midwife agreed on a 3 hour wait, after that I’d have a drip. I didn’t need this. I think the loss of control was more devastating than anything but the midwives still made feel soo in control of the situation

I was the same when my induction was booked, I felt so bad on my baby that I was forcing them out and the anxiety of the unknown ahead as all I heard was horror stories about inductions and also I had never spent any time in hospital before. I just pushed it to the back of my mind and knew I needed to do it for me and my baby. Turns out I had such a lovely induction experience and there was nothing to be worried about. Take it easy on yourself and try and remember the reason you have accepted an induction as it’s still your choice to go ahead with it ❤️

I just had my baby at 42+1, went into spontaneous labour, the delivery went really really well and baby boy was perfect. If you’re not ready for an induction you can decline. If you’re happy with baby’s movements and growth and the placenta is healthy and working accordingly, don’t let them pressure you into something you’re not yet ready for. Sending you lots of positive vibes - I know exactly how you’re feeling 🩵🩵