#6. Is Pitocin the "Bad Guy" in Hospital Births?

07/13/23 • 37 min

Send me a love note here to let me know what you thought about your most recently listened-to episode!

Welcome to this episode where we tackle a lot of misconceptions and dive deep into the role of Pitocin in labor and birth.
1. Understanding Pitocin
Explanation of what Pitocin is and how it functions similarly to the naturally occurring hormone, Oxytocin.
Contextualizes the necessity of Pitocin in certain medical situations like induction due to medical complications.
2. Natural Oxytocin Vs. Synthetic Pitocin
Explanation of the differences in how natural oxytocin and synthetic Pitocin work in the body.
3. Alternatives to Pitocin for Induction
Discussion of alternative methods for labor induction including amniotomy, prostaglandins like Cytotec, Cervidil, and mechanical dilation methods.
How each method has limitations that might necessitate the use of Pitocin.
4. Misconceptions about Pitocin
Clarifies that Pitocin is approved and intended for use in medical inductions, contrary to some misunderstandings.
Discusses the safety of Pitocin in elective inductions and its proper use.
5. Overuse of Pitocin
Addresses the overuse of Pitocin in spontaneous labors and situations without a medical need.
6. Post-Birth Use of Pitocin
Explains why Pitocin is often used after birth to control bleeding.
Discusses the different dosages and applications of Pitocin during and after labor.
7. Risk Factors for Postpartum Hemorrhage
Outlines the factors that increase the risk of hemorrhage after birth, including prior induction or augmentation of labor.
8. Risks of Pitocin
Learn about the potential risks of Pitocin, including increased pain, overstimulation of the uterus, potential for emergency C-sections, and the limitation of movement and diet during labor due to continuous monitoring.
9. The Natural Birth Process
We talk about the nature of birth and the effectiveness of natural contractions.
10. The Role of Interventions in Childbirth:
Discussing the overuse and misuse of interventions, I stress the importance of understanding when they are necessary and when.
11. Informed Decision Making : I encourage you to consider your health and your baby's health when making choices in labor and birth.
Learn More

Sign up for the FREE 3-Day Labor Masterclass
Check Out The Empowered Birth Academy

Have your BEST birth!
CLICK HERE to learn more about our online birth, breastfeeding, and baby care courses that will help you feel prepared and empowered on your journey to and through motherhood.
And be sure to follow @alifeinlabor on instagram to join our little community of mamas who are navigating this stage of life right along side you.
https://alifeinlabor.com
Support the show
*From time to time, the host or guests may discuss topics related to health, fitness, nutrition, or medicine. T

Support the show

Send me a love note here to let me know what you thought about your most recently listened-to episode!

Support the show

Previous Episode

#5: Important Postpartum Tips: How To Take Care of Yourself After Baby

Send me a love note here to let me know what you thought about your most recently listened-to episode!

*From time to time, the host or guests may discuss topics related to health, fitness, nutrition, or medicine. This information is not advice and should not be treated as medical advice. All content is for informational purposes only*
Postpartum recovery involves more than just managing physical symptoms. Taking care of yourself during this time is crucial.

Accept help when it's offered:
- Don't be ashamed to ask for help when needed.
- Be open to accepting help from unexpected sources.
- Challenge the mindset of doing it all alone and set a new norm of accepting help.
Implement the 5/5/5/5 rule:
- Give your body the attention it needs after childbirth.
- The rule includes spending 5 days in bed, 5 days on the bed, and 5 days around the bed.
- Focus on rest, skin-to-skin bonding, breastfeeding, and healing.
Talk to other moms:
- Seek advice and support from experienced mothers.
- Join mom groups or online communities to connect with a broader network.
- Find a safe space where you can ask questions without fear of judgment or shaming.
Prepare your spouse:
- Communicate your thoughts, feelings, and needs to your partner.
- Consider adjusting roles based on what feels natural for both of you.
Rest:
- Prioritize sleep and rest deep into the postpartum period.
- Find moments to rest and relax throughout the day.
- Discover what activities make you feel rejuvenated and decrease stress.
Make a portable postpartum recovery kit:
- Organize postpartum essentials in a portable caddy.
- Keep everything easily accessible to make your recovery more convenient.
Get outside:
- Spend time outside with your baby, even if it's in your backyard or front porch.
- Fresh air and sunlight can boost your mood and regulate sleep patterns.
- Avoid seclusion and the feeling of being trapped indoors for too long.
Don't get lost in opinions. Get informed, and make your own:
- Recognize that there are diverse opinions on parenting topics.
- Trust your instincts and make decisions that feel right for your family.
- Find a middle ground that aligns with your values and circumstances.
Be gentle with yourself:
- Understand that hormonal changes and adjusting to postpartum life can be challenging.
- Practice self-compassion and patience.
- Take care of your physical and mental well-being as you heal and adapt.
"Take Ten":
- Take short breaks for yourself to relax and recharge.
- Choose activities that can't be done while holding or nursing the baby.
- Encourage your partner to handle baby care during these breaks.
- Allow yourself time to focus on your own needs and rejuvenate.

Download the FREE Postpartum Recovery Checklist

Momming Like You Mean It baby care course
Have your BEST birth!
CLICK HERE to learn more about our online birth, breastfeeding, and baby care courses that will help

Support the show

Next Episode

#7. Why We Should Use The Term “Birth Plan” Instead of “Birth Preferences” and Why It Matters

Send me a love note here to let me know what you thought about your most recently listened-to episode!

Introduction
- Discussion on the importance of having a birth plan.
- Clarifying what a birth plan is and what it isn’t.
What is a Birth Plan?
- A birth plan as a communication tool
- The importance of understanding it is not a contract, but a plan
- Exploring the concept of a birth plan and how it’s a crucial part of labor preparation.
Why Every Pregnant Woman Has a Birth Plan
- Insight into how every birth follows a plan.
- Addressing common misconceptions and stereotypes associated with birth plans.
Debunking the Myth that More Preparation Leads to More Disappointment
- Discussion on how birth plans do not inherently lead to more disappointment when things change.
Why a Birth Plan is Not Just a "Preference List"
- Understanding the difference between a birth plan and a preference list.
- Why writing down preferences doesn't necessarily influence the course of your birth.
Understanding the Negative Connotations Around "Birth Plans"
- Addressing the misconceptions surrounding birth plans.
How to Use Your Birth Plan as a Tool
- How a birth plan can be more than a list of things you don't want.
- The necessity of going beyond ticking boxes and actually understanding and exploring your options.

Want to feel more confident in creating your own personalized and empowering birth plan, download " The Birth Plan Blueprint".
The Birth Plan Accelerator Course - learn the risk, benefits, alternatives and action steps associated with each labor intervention so that your birth plan will never get "thrown out the window".
Have your BEST birth!
CLICK HERE to learn more about our online birth, breastfeeding, and baby care courses that will help you feel prepared and empowered on your journey to and through motherhood.
And be sure to follow @alifeinlabor on instagram to join our little community of mamas who are navigating this stage of life right along side you.

https://alifeinlabor.com
Sign up for the Week by Week Pregnancy Email Sequence: https://alifeinlabor.com/weekbyweek
*From time to time, the host or guests may discuss topics related to health, fitness, nutrition, or medicine. This information is not advice and should not be treated as medical advice. All content is for informational purposes only*

Support the show