If You're Offered an Induction of Labor
Here's what I share with them:
Thanks for reaching out about making choices about induction. I’m including a number of resources here to both help you a) find a framework for decision making and b) view evidence and perspectives that you can use to help make the best decision that’s right for you. You can also use this information to guide conversations with your OB/GYN doctor, midwife, and other care providers. You can, for example, ask how the evidence of a certain intervention applies to your particular situation; and you can ask how your preferences and experiences may be impacted by making certain decisions.
It can be a lot to take in. Your doula can work alongside your care team to support you with informational resources and a listening ear.
Frameworks for Decision Making about Induction
General Information on Induction: Research, Risks, and Benefits
Induction Information for Dates
Thanks for reaching out about making choices about induction. I’m including a number of resources here to both help you a) find a framework for decision making and b) view evidence and perspectives that you can use to help make the best decision that’s right for you. You can also use this information to guide conversations with your OB/GYN doctor, midwife, and other care providers. You can, for example, ask how the evidence of a certain intervention applies to your particular situation; and you can ask how your preferences and experiences may be impacted by making certain decisions.
It can be a lot to take in. Your doula can work alongside your care team to support you with informational resources and a listening ear.
Frameworks for Decision Making about Induction
- Dr. Sara Wickham (one midwife's perspective): 5 Questions to Ask if You’re Offered Induction of Labor
- BRAIN: Use the BRAIN acronym to help make the decision(s) that are best for you:
- B is for Benefits - What are the benefits of the choice?
- R is for Risks - What are the risks of the choice? Every choice has some sort of risk.
- A is for Alternatives - What are my alternatives? What else could help here?
- I is for Intuition - What is my intuition telling me here? What is important to me?
- N is for doing Nothing - What happens if we do nothing? What happens if we leave this situation as is and wait?
General Information on Induction: Research, Risks, and Benefits
- Evidence Based Birth: Evidence on the ARRIVE Study (longer read with rich detail, scroll to the very bottom of the article for a helpful summary)
- The Great Birth Rebellion podcast (hosted by Melanie the Midwife): Episode 152 - The 5 BIG induction studies (this episode is just over an hour long and so worth the time... I listened to it while walking on the treadmill and folding laundry)
- University of Michigan: Labor induction doesn’t always reduce risk
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG): Labor Induction FAQs
Induction Information for Dates
- Evidence Based Birth: Evidence on Induction for Dates (longer read with rich detail, scroll to the bottom for the summary)
Induction information for Advanced Maternal Age
Induction information for Suspected Big Baby
About Induction Methods
- Evidence Based Birth: Evidence on Pregnancy at 35 or Older (longer read, covers a number of topics including induction, scroll to the bottom for summary)
Induction information for Suspected Big Baby
- Evidence Based Birth: Evidence for Induction or C section for a Big Baby (longer read, scroll to the bottom for a summary)
- Dr. Rachel Reed (midwife blog): Big Babies: the risk of care provider fear
About Induction Methods
- Pregnancy, Childbirth and the Newborn: Methods for Cervical Ripening and Induction
As a doula, I feel called to ensure that birthing women and parents have the information needed to make truly informed decisions. A decision about whether or not to undergo induction of labor can be complicated. It's important that you feel your care providers are answering all of your questions and communicating why they are making a specific recommendation in your case. It's key that your care provider is explaining risks, benefits, and other options, and taking your individual needs and preferences into account. If you're needing more support in decision-making or navigating prenatal care, a doula can help.
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