Exploring Drugs Used During Labor: Pitocin

As many of my readers know, I think that babies should choose their due dates and that inductions should only be performed out of medical necessity. There is a part of the Business of Being Born documentary where someone makes the point that pregnant women avoid so many things during pregnancy, doctors tell them to avoid just about everything, but when it comes to labor, all of that stuff goes out the window. All of a sudden, doctors are giving you three different medications that all lead to a cascade of interventions. 

I am a huge believer that educating moms is the best way to prepare them for labor and birth. Mom's should know what is going into their bodies and should know the risks and side effects.  Today, we are examining Pitocin. Pitocin is a drug that many providers use for labor induction, as it is a synthetic form of Oxytocin (a hormone a woman's body creates that causes the uterus to contract). Some providers simply use it to augment or speed-up labor. Notice how most doctors never talk about the risks of pitocin to the baby or the mom?

The below image was taken from safefetus.com and describes the Risk Category, Indication (suggested use) and Fetal Risks of Pitocin. In the labors where mother's were given pitocin, I will venture a guess that most of them never get this information.

Medical Interpretations:

Fetal Bradycardia - Slow heart rate, usually under 100 beats per minute (bpm)
Neonatal retinal hemorrhage - Abnormal bleeding of the blood vessels in the retina, the membrane in the back of the eye
Neonatal Jaundice -yellowing of the pigment in the skin and eyes due to high billirubin levels
Tetanic contractions - long, strong contractions where there is no resting period for the muscle
Abruptio Placenta - the placenta separates from the wall of the uterus, which can cause severe bleeding
Cardia Arrythmia - abnormal heart rate
Intracranial Hemorrhage - bleeding in the cranium
Asphyxia - lack of oxygen, suffocation
 


Courtesy of safefetus.com

 
Amazing how when you look at it from this angle, it doesn't seem like such a good idea. According to Ina May's Guide to Childbirth, using induction drugs like Oxytocin during labor causes approximately 1-2% of women to suffer uterine rupture, a potentially fatal condition for mom and baby. The risk for Vaginal Birth After Ceserean (VBAC) moms (not using pitocin) is only .6-.7%.  Funny that doctors won't do VBACs because of the risk of uterine rupture, but they do routine elective inductions with Pitocin like it is risk-free.

Of course, sometimes you have to pick the lesser of two evils, and induction becomes medically necessary. Regardless, it is good to be educated on what you are putting into your body (and your baby).

8 Tips for Making Labor Easier and More Enjoyable

I can't guarantee that you are going to have a wonderful time going through labor. It is hard work! As a mom who delivered in a hospital, there are a lot of things I know now that can make the labor easier and more enjoyable. I am not going to touch on narcotics and epidurals. Instead we are going to focus on natural means of succumbing to labor.

In labor, you should be comfortable and feel safe. When a cat is in labor, she will find a dark space off on her own to give birth. That space is usually quiet, warm, comfortable and she is usually alone. It sounds silly, but this is a concept that holds very true to the primative needs of females giving brith. Giving birth is, in essence, a very primitive act.

Hire a Doula - I know I am biased, but Doulas can be that extra informational and physical support. They come equipped with massage and pressure point techniques that can help ease the pain of labor. They also come with the emotional support to reassure you and cheer you on. Sometimes having that voice in your ear telling you that you are doing great is all you need to get through each contraction, one at a time.

Labor at home as long as possible - You will typically be more comfortable in your own environment with the freedom to move as you need to, and the privacy to act on your instincts to make noise and adjust, no matter how strange the position.

Create a comfortable birthing space - Even in a hospital you can do small things to make your birthing space more welcoming. Dim lights, aromatherapy/scents you enjoy, pictures, your own blanket and pillow, and your own music can all help the space feel more comfortable. Wearing your own clothes is also something you can do to feel more comfortable.

Move - I am well aware that sometimes in labor all you want to do is lay down, but that position isn't always the best for encouraging the baby to move down, especially in early labor. In most cultures, women do not lay down to give birth. They stand, squat, hug a tree, basically anything that feels good to them. They don't tend to spend their labors laying down.

Utilize the water - Ever take a bath to relax? Humans have a natural draw towards water. Most women will report that upon entering a tub in labor, the contractions were much more tolerable. I can tell from personal experience that it definitely takes the edge off.

If you invite others to attend, surround yourself with people that love you and will encourage you - If you couldn't pee in front of them, you probably don't want to try and labor/give birth in front of them. You utilize similar muscles for giving birth as you do in urinating and pooping. Don't believe me? Check out Ina May's Sphincter Law.

Remove negative energy from the birthing space - If there are spectators in the room who are commenting negatively or making you feel embarrased or uncomfortable, they should leave the space. There is a lot of psychology in birth. If you don't feel comfortable, the labor will take longer and may be harder.

Give in - So many women try to fight the contractions/pressure waves/rushes in attempt to make them less painful. Give in to the sensations and try to see them more as a rush of energy. They are going to happen no matter what you do. When you give in and let them work, your labor will be more effective and typically quicker.

What tips do you have more making labor easier and more enjoyable?

Earth Mama Angel Baby Happy Mama Spray Review

It's about time I reviewed this product! I have been using the Earth Mama Angel Baby Happy Mama spray for over a year now and what can I say, I love it! It is the perfect scent to be worn as a "perfume" while it serves a purpose. There is a lot of psychology behind scents and emotions. I think EMAB got this one right!

The Earth Mama Angel Baby website describes the spray as "...virtual bliss in a bottle! A gloriously uplifting aromatherapy spray, it's made only with pure essential oils and flower essences for pregnancy nausea, on-edge new mamas, and even more patience-tested ones. For a quick spritz of bliss to get a queasy mama (or car sick kid) through the moment, spritz a little onto your wrist and inhale. Since there are no chemical fixatives to make the fragrance last an artificially long time, you get an instant blast of blissful relief."

I started using this spray when I realized I was suffering from postpartum depression. The scent is a magical blend of sweet citrus. The citrus is very uplifting and the overall scent is exactly how they describe it, uplifting! I won't say it cure my postpartum depression, but it definitely made me feel a little better.

I am also one where I feel nauseas a lot, and some of it tends to stem from blood sugar issues. This spray helps alleviate some of that nausea.  I would be lying if I said I only put it on when I am sad or nauseas. I like the scent, it is light and fresh, so I will wear it as a body spray too! The only downfall is that the scent doesn't last all day since there are no chemicals in it to make it last longer. I'm okay with reapplying in exchange for no chemicals.


What I like about Earth Mama Angel Baby Happy Mama Spray

• It is Natural- No chemicals in this spray! I don't feel guilty wearing this when it may transfer to my children
• It is a natural way to help with postpartum depression - This spray definitely helped me to feel a little bit brighter on my "bad" days
• Assists with Nausea - While it doesn't completely eliminate nausea, it definitely helps!
• It smells oh so delish! - Plain and simple, it just smells good!
• It calms me down -  When my kids are testing my patience, this helps calm me.

What I don't like about Earth Mama Angel Baby Happy Mama Spray

• Nothing! - I love this spray!