Iāve just got back from my 40 week midwife appointment and am feeling rather frustrated. In the Maternity Note Schedule it said that I would be having sweep today, but alas no sweep happened, nor was my induction booked (Iād been told previously by a different midwife that I could book this a bit earlier due to Christmas). I know Iām only 40 weeks today so Iām not technically over-due, but itās getting closer and closer to Christmas, and Iād quite like her to be here by then! Annoyingly (but thankfully) Grape is in a perfect position;Ā Ā head low down, back in correct place with her ānose pressed against the doorā waiting to come out. She just needs the hormonal green light from my body to enter the world. It sounds likeĀ a sweep may well have been just the ticket needed to get labour properly startedā¦but hey, Iām not a midwife and I have to trust her.Ā
This has made me determined to attempt to naturally coax her outā¦so Operation āBorn Freeā is on!Ā
Raspberry Leaf Tea
Iām on my second cup since getting home. Smells a bit like cystitis medicine, but actually doesnāt taste too bad! It contains an alkaloid called fragine, which is said to strengthen uterine muscles, and thus assist in making contractions more effective once theyāve started.Ā
| Oh Holy raspberry leaf tea ā will you bring my baby to me?Ā |
Curry
Weāre getting a takeaway tonight; my spice tolerance isnāt very high but Iām going to give something spicy a go. Apparently getting the bowels moving (TMI) is a good way to kick-start the processā¦Ā
Fresh pineapple
Pudding tonight! Itās supposed to soften the cervix, but it was a craving early on in pregnancy for meā¦Ā Iām not holding my breath on this one.
Walking (Waddling)
Iāve done some last minute Christmas shopping this afternoon and am trying to keep as active as possible. Itās fairly to painful to waddle now her head is so low, but needs must.Ā
Sex
Obviously, if my Mutti or Grandparents ask, Grape was immaculately conceived, but apparently sex is a good way to get a baby out due to a hormone in sperm. Or perhaps the baby doesnāt fancy being poked in the eye?Ā
Cold glass of champagne in a warm bath
My midwife suggested this one to me today. Love that woman. Weāve put a bottle of āMummā in the fridge; I feel if any brand of champagne is going to encourage her to join the world the appropriately named bottle will.Ā
Reflexology
Yay! Foot massage time! Iāve got a great, free reflexology app on my phone which we shall be referring to this evening.
Gin and Tonic
I read about this yesterday and gave it a go last night. Didnāt work, and since Iāve only been drinking one glass of wine a week since 12 weeks, I had a fuzzy, dehydrated hangover headache at 3am. Itās the quinoline in the tonic that helps apparently.Ā
There are so many more natural ways to induce a baby (seemingly endless!); if you have any suggestions please tweet me or leave a comment below, as I feel that I may be desperate if she hasnāt arrived by the weekend!Ā
Wish me luck with Operation āBorn Freeā and letās hope Grape arrives soon!
Hannah
I remember hitting 40 weeks with my first and being desperate for him to make an appearance. I recommend a long walk to get the head descending nicely into the pelvis. I had a curry the night I went into labour, although with hindsight, I was obviously in the early stages before we ordered it but hadnāt realised. The only downside was, when I used the gas and air, curry repeated on me the whole way through the labour. It was utterly disgusting. This time I ate very bland foods in the run up to EB being born. My last meal before him was Quiche/salad and a jacket potato! I hope you donāt have to wait too long to meet her. x
Oh no! Iāve been on the curryā¦youāve got me scared now š
Fingers crossed - Iām starting to think she may arrive tomorrowā¦itās probably not Motherās intuition and just wishful thinking, but you never know š
I hope all is going well with EB and Pip, and youāre enjoying the new experiences of being a 4! š x