Though Burke was due to meet the world on February 9th, he opted to make a fashionably late entrance. Knowing that the pressure to medically induce was inevitable, it was important to me to both encourage him to make his grand appearance and to let him do it on his own terms.
So, I set out to try a natural encouragement tactic each day he was overdue. There's lots of stuff on the web about natural induction, some of it probably works and some is probably coincidence. Did any of mine work? I can't say for sure, but I think it got him moving & motivated.
So, here's what I did in case you want to try...of course, this is only for full-term babes of at least 40 weeks. And check with your doctor.
Saturday, 2/9: Water aerobics.
I think the instructor & the other participants were a little shocked when we went around & introduced ourselves with our due dates, considering this WAS his due date. All the other mamas-to-be kept checking on me, making sure they knew how to reach J in case I spontaneously gave birth. The class was amazing. I mean, it was so incredible to be weightless in the water and all of the jumping around felt so good. I'd been meaning to try it out throughout my pregnancy, and I kick myself for not doing so earlier. It was a class through Oh Baby! Fitness, and I've really enjoyed all of their classes throughout my pregnancy: Fitness Combo, Prenatal Yoga (taught by pal Kristen Mercado, to boot!), and now Water Aerobics. Burke and I will definitely be attending the Mom & Baby water class once he's old enough!
Sunday, 2/10: Acupressure Prenatal Massage
Recommended by our doula, I made an appointment for a relaxing prenatal massage at the Pregnancy Massage Center. I asked the masseuse to apply gentle pressure on any points that might jumpstart labor without opening the floodgates. The massage was great. Plenty of support pillows for the belly, arm, back, etc.
Monday, 2/11: Pineapple Date Smoothie & Yoga Ball
As already mentioned, I concocted this recipe after reading about certain foods & how they benefit labor. It was quite delicious.
I also spent most of Monday at my desk, sitting on my yoga ball instead of regular chair. It really helped my back.
By the afternoon, I could feel more pressure in my pelvis and thought things were moving along in the right direction.
Little did I know that we'd have a son by sunrise...
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