HypnoBirthing® UK

[LittleB]

Hi all,

I hope you can give me some advice. My official estimated date of delivery is on Monday 3rd, but my baby's head is not engaged yet. My midwife just told me that I will have a sweep next Friday, then be booked in for induction the following week. I said that I had always maintained that my true EDD is Monday 10th, so I don't want any intervention at this stage. Apparently I have to argue with the doctors over that one!

I SO want to have a proper hypnobirth in the cosy midwife led unit. I hate hospitals and if I end up being induced with a nasty drip stopping me from moving around I will find it very hard to relax. I truly trust my baby to decide to be born when he/she is ready, but I feel like that sentiment is falling on deaf ears. Has anyone got any suggestions on a) Encouraging the baby to engage in my pelvis, and b) Warding off bullying by medical staf without putting my baby at risk.

[mia]

Hi Little B,
I wouldn't see this so much as a "fight". More a hoop jumping! The NICE guidelines (government) say that a woman should be offered induction - and that if she doesn't want it, alternatives should be offered (such as monitoring baby and placental functioning).
I went in to "talk" to the consultant about the fact that I didn't want induction at 42 weeks. He was obviously just following protocol - had to read me the list of "risks" (which I knew already) They don't need to tell you the risks of induction! When I left, he wrote in my notes "induction declined - low risk".
Another time (all my three were two weeks over the guess date) I just said to the midwife I don't feel ready. i feel fine. I know inside that this baby isn't ready. She listened to me, and we took it a day at a time. Tell them again and again with confidence that your dates are a week later than theirs.
your baby is not "late" until you go over 14 days beyond your guess date. First time babies come later - on average at 41 weeks. So, if you haven't had your baby by 41 weeks, you are no different to half of all first time mums. Everyday after that, your chances of going into labour spontaneously are increased hugely.
And with regards the membrace sweep, I would wait until you feel ready. do it too early, and it may be in vain. If you don't want it at all, just politely decline.
finally - in terms of the "risk" they may say to you that the risk to your baby doubles after 42 weeks. What they mean is that instead of 1 in 2000 having problems, 1 in 1,000 have problems. (I think these are the figures - I can't be sure that I've remembered them accurately, but i found them by internet searching). It sounds slightly different that way doesn't it?
For ideas on positioning of baby, try googling "spinning babies" or "optimal foetal positioning" - if you haven't done so already.
Good luck with this. Stay chilled, enjoy those lovely last few weeks, and try to get your birthing companion to do most of the negociating while you put your feet up with your rainbow relaxation and light touch massage!
Mia