Re: Im 40 weeks today! No signs of labor yet though.

My daughter just hit her official due date yesterday. Since we have been moving her into a new house - I told her she couldn't have the baby until Sunday. I think he must have heard me. Anyway, I told her if she didn't kick over on her own, I would start encouraging her labor this weekend. Having said that, I always base it on several things:
1) She has to be past her due date. (Both of you are)
2) The baby has to be head-down and ready to be born. (Being locked in is preferable - meaning, it doesn't bob up and down when pushed on)
3) The cervix has to be ready. (Meaning, it has to have shown some dialation and be soft and pliable)

If she meets this criteria, then I will start her on the B&B tincure (blue & black cohosh). I usually have them take 1/2 to 1 full dropper full every 20 minutes while walking. (Since it is January, I recommend going to the mall where it is climate-controlled) I have them walk for 2 or 3 hours while taking the B&B every 20 minutes. The Blue Cohosh helps to initiate contractions and the Black Cohosh helps to make them effective. If, during this time, you start to experience a headache, then stopping taking the herbs, as this is a sign the body has had enough.

If this doesn't keep going, I may have her take some castor oil in some juice. As the castor oil goes through the system, it causes the intestines to contract. Since they are laying on the uterus, they tend to irritate the uterus into contracting.

If these two methods don't work and the cervix is open enough, I, sometimes insert Evening Primrose capsules under the cervix which help to soften it and initiate labor.

Talking to the baby and letting him know that you are anxious to hold him, that you love him and you are ready for the birth can also be beneficial in helping him to make the transition and be ready for birth.

Have your midwife check the cervix and let you know if everything appears ready to go. If so, try some of these techniques and let me know how you do. What an exciting time for you and this new life you are about to bring into the world! Stay positive and don't allow the 'calendar' to make you stressful or fearful - these emotions will only complicate your labor and confuse the baby. Stay positive and happy - everything is as it should be. Tweet