Below is the story and details of a successful labor induction using the medication Misoprostol (cytotech). First time Mom, 35.This story illustrates how it is possible to be induced slowly and allow labor to evolve over days with many breaks/rests for mom. Also. How a doula, nurse, midwife, partner and OB each play a role.
Day One
Mom goes to hospital in the morning and receives a very small dose of cytotech inserted vaginally. First time mom, 42 weeks pregnant. Midwife care
External fetal monitor is used for 1 hour to determine if baby is tolerating the medication well. After it is found that baby is fine, Mom goes for a walk with her support person for about 1-2 hours outside hospital.
Mom returns to hospital and has a vaginal exam. Cervix has softened and thinned a bit and is beginning a little opening. As this is a first birth Midwife suggests Mom goes home to resume normal activities and sleep at hoe.
Day Two
Mom returns to hospital in early for a second dose of cytotech as described above Exact same process of monitoring, walk and vaginal exam followed. Some slight change in cervix. Mom again goes home for the afternoon/night
Day Three
Mom returns to hospital for a third dose of cytotech. Baby tolerates this well and mom goes for another walk . Mom goes home to eat, rest and sleep.
Day Four
Mom requests day off from the process. Midwife agrees as both Mom and baby are doing great. Midwife suggests a hike of a few miles nearby. Mom hikes and really feels this does help. She is getting some mild contractions.
Day Five
Mom returns to hospital for another dose of cytotech. Mom’s cervix is now beginning to change and shorten/open. Mom takes a long walk in the hospital and returns to Labor and Delivery in late afternoon. As Mom walks in the door of her L&D room her water breaks.
Mom labors normally (no pitocin given/needed). Nurse and support person help mom who is fairly comfortable walking, ball sitting, breathing.
Doula arrives around midnight. Mom is now in Active Labor. Mom goes in shower, then bath which helps a lot. Mom sits on ball for an hour or so, partner sleeps.
Mom decides on epidural after contractions intensify. Mom sleeps and nurses turn her (she wakes for this) every 20-30 minutes and use Peanut Ball to keep pelvis open. Baby’s heart rate is on low side but not below normal. Consult with OB says ok to continue.
Midwife checks Mom’s cervix in early AM. Mom is 9 cm dilated. Mom rests chats for another 1.5 hours in bed.
9:45 AM mom begins pushing stage. Mom at first is told by nurse to push on back with legs pulled up, holding her breath as she pushes . She finds this very uncomfortable.
Midwife suggests side pushing and Gentle Birth. No breath holding/counting is followed(gentle birth procedures). Mom pushes very well and baby is born at 10:45 AM. One tiny bit of pitocin is given to Mom at end of labor. Baby is healthy. Doula reminds staff to follow Baby Friendly process of skin on skin for first hour (baby was taken away for weighing but brought back for this right away)