Woodhouse Spa

Runners Up 

Deluxe Nail Salon & Spa & J Spa, Mayerson JCC 

Favorite Family Physician 

Barbara L. Neuman, CNP

Runners up 

Adi Carmi, MD, Kenneth G. Farber, DO, & Anna J. Schweikert, MD

Favorite Hospital

Cincinnati Children’s Hospital & Medical Center

Runners Up 

Good Samaritan Hospital & The Jewish Hospital – Mercy Health

Favorite OB/GYN Doctor

Julia Hyunju Lee, MD

Runners Up

Joseph T. Caligaris, MD, Lisa C. Gennari, MD & Tara D. Knipper, MD 

Favorite Orthodontist

Alex Cassinelli, DMD

Runners Up 

Eric Hickman, DDS & Jacob Stadiem, DMD, MS 

Favorite Pediatric Dentist

Laura Doss, DDS

Runners Up 

Ronald Poulos, DDS & Bracken Webb, DDS 

Favorite Pediatrician 

Jenny Lynn DeBruer, MD

Runners Up 

Jeff A. Drasnin, MD, FAAP & Firoza (Tasha) Zaman Faruqui, DO 

Favorite Psychiatrist/Psychologist

Suzanne M. James PsyD

Runner Up

Gabrielle V. Paul, MD

Favorite Therapist/Counselor 

Casey Hill LPCC-S

Runner Up

Pamela McCarthy, LCSW

The post Family Favorites 2024: Family Health appeared first on Cincinnati Family Magazine.

Lauren Taeko Chase

Pregnancy is a transformative journey for both the parent and the baby. It’s a time of unparalleled joy and expectations, but it also comes with its set of challenges, particularly for the skin. Skincare during pregnancy is not just about beauty; it’s about ensuring the well-being of both the parent and the growing life inside. Allow these dos and don’ts to serve as a compass, to help guide you through safe skincare practices during this critical phase of life. 

Understanding Pregnancy-Related Skin Changes

Pregnancy triggers a cascade of hormonal fluctuations and increased blood flow, leading to various skin changes. These changes are natural and a testament to the miraculous process happening within. It’s crucial to embrace and care for your changing skin, understanding that the priority is a healthy pregnancy, not flawless skin. According to Healthline, these are the most common skin changes people who can become pregnant may begin to notice throughout their term.

Melasma. A form of hyperpigmentation from excessive production of melanin that will appear on the face, arms, shoulders, or legs. It appears as brown/tan patches and will usually fade over time during postpartum. 

Linea nigra. A regionalized form of hyperpigmentation like melasma, but rather than patches or spots, it looks like a dark line across the stomach from the sternum to the pubic area.  

Stretch marks. Scarred skin tissue, due to rapid growth, will typically have a lighter hue than your natural skin tone. Smaller marks are known to fade after delivery; however, large scars may persist.

Acne. Pregnant people may experience acne both during and after pregnancy. People with existing hormonal or cystic acne may experience worsened conditions and are highly recommended to consult their doctor before continuing to use their regular products.

Existing skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, or rosacea are very likely to be exacerbated during pregnancy and postpartum periods. 

Dos 

Identifying safe ingredients is crucial for a healthy pregnancy. Keep in mind that not everything labeled organic may be good for you, and not all your preferred pharmaceutical products may be safe for pregnant women despite being effective. Not every ingredient on this list is best for your individual needs, so always consult with your doctor before using new products. Below is a list of recommended ingredients by board-certified dermatologist Dr. Joyce Kim. 

Gentle Cleansing. Opt for gentle cleansers to avoid stripping away natural essential oils or causing microtears in the skin. Look for cocoa butter or coconut oil-based moisturizers and salt scrubs.

Mineral Sunscreen. Protect your skin from sun damage and hyperpigmentation by applying daily sunscreen. Search for mineral ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. A small amount of chemical sunscreens will be absorbed into your system, small enough to still be considered safe, but mineral sunscreen is still recommended over chemical sunscreens.

Hydration. Regularly hydrate so your skin maintains its elasticity, a crucial factor to help reduce stretch marks. 

Antioxidants and vitamin C. Incorporate skincare products rich in antioxidants and vitamins to promote overall brighter skin health and appearance. Good for treating hyperpigmentation.

Benzoyl Peroxide. Recommended for wash-off treatments for microbial cleansing instead of leave-on treatment. Look for products that only use 10 percent or less of this ingredient. 

Insect Repellent. Avoid for the first trimester; otherwise, it is safe to use brands that contain only 20-30 percent DEET, the active bug-repelling ingredient. 

Sodium Sulfacetamide. It is best used as a wash treatment for inflammation and redness. It will help treat acne, rosacea, and some eczema.

Topical Antibiotics. Safe for treating hormonal acne. 

Don’ts

Below is a list of ingredients that are considered dangerous for a pregnant person to ingest or use topically while their child is still in utero. Many of these products are perfectly safe to use if you are not pregnant or breastfeeding. For example, Accutane is highly effective for cystic acne but can be lethal to a fetus. If you are currently using these products with these ingredients and are planning to become pregnant, you should talk with your doctor about switching to safer alternatives. 

Retinoids. Steer clear of retinoids due to their potential harm during pregnancy. Consumption of retinoids has been linked to fetal development in the heart and brain. 

Isotretinoin, known as oral Accutane, is very effective for cystic acne but is not accessible for people who are pregnant or planning to be pregnant because of a high rate of fetal deformation or first-trimester failure. Topical application has not found a strong correlation with fetal defects but is highly advised against, and usage should be consulted with a doctor. 

Salicylic Acid. Avoid high concentrations of salicylic acid taken orally or in chemical peel applications, but it can be used in less than 5 percent via the topical wash method.

Excessive Sun Exposure. Be mindful of sun exposure and tanning beds, as they kill essential folates in the skin, leading to a risk of dehydration, dry damaged skin, and skin cancer.

Minoxidil. Commonly known as Rogaine for hair loss treatment. Causes kidney and heart problems for fetuses in utero.

Botox. Cosmetic botox is a hard no-no because it puts the fetus at risk for botulinum toxin infection. For those who use Botox medically for headaches, migraines, or temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ), speak with a neurologist before continuing treatments during pregnancy. 

Hydroquinone. Often used in skin bleaching products, over 30 percent of this component can be absorbed through the skin, get into the endocrine system, and transferred into the fetus.

Spironolactone. It is a male hormone receptor blocker that would affect the hormone supplement and hormonal development of a male fetus.

Embracing Change

During pregnancy, consulting a healthcare provider, and a dermatologist, is essential. Some conditions, like pregnancy-specific dermatoses, may require specialized care. In certain medical conditions, like the need for medical botox, a doctor’s consultation is crucial for the well-being of both the parent and the baby.

All too often, women find themselves feeling critiqued at every moment. Being pregnant takes a lot of energy, and you will not look your best every day. No pregnant person will! Embrace the changes, prioritize safe skincare practices, and always seek professional guidance for a personalized skincare regimen during this critical time. A healthy and radiant pregnancy glow is a testament to both your inner strength and the love you already have for your unborn child.

The post Pregnancy Glow appeared first on Cincinnati Family Magazine.

The most transformative events you’ll ever experience as a woman: childbirth. The journey to delivery can be filled with both joy and grief, confidence and fear, as well as optimism and uncertainty. There is a myriad of emotions to be spoken for through the pregnancy process until the moment mom is cradling her baby in her arms. 

In fact, if we’re being honest, a mom never stops experiencing mixed emotions beyond delivery. As time goes on, women learn how to cope and acquire techniques that allow us to effectively regulate our nervous system.

Women are very resilient! We develop an acute skill of tenacity that enables us to overcome feelings that may stifle our interpersonal connections, giving every effort becomes the best person we can be for our families – but more importantly for ourselves!

The evolution of childbirth practices in our country span well over a century. We’ve gone from expecting moms at home surrounded only by female counterparts holding their hand through the process to birthing options that alleviate stressors, with advancements in both medicine and technology. Scientific research of the birthing experience has elevated the systematic course of action for families, reducing anxiety and achieving the safest delivery possible for mom and baby.

Although birthing centers gained popularity over the last few decades, according to Birth Settings in America: Outcomes, Quality, Access, and Choice, an academic text (available on National Center for Biotechnology Information, a U.S. government website) 98.4 percent of women still choose hospitals to endure childbirth. At such a critical time as this, majority of moms lean upon the expertise of medical professionals to provide reassurance and comfort.

What to Consider

It is common for many women to be apprehensive or overwhelmed about their pending hospital stay, especially if they have not had to. Your journey to delivery is filled with emotions of all kinds; here’s what you can expect from your experience in the hospital interface with physicians very often up to this stage in their lives. It is why as expecting moms, and families, it is important to acclimate yourselves with the facility and your care team in advance of delivery. This comes by way of attending scheduled appointments with your doctor and prenatal care classes.

Length of Stay

The length of stay varies from mom to mom. There are factors such as the duration of labor and delivery, health of mom and baby, hospital practices, and health insurance which impact how mom’s stay is supported. Understanding that there is no definite timeline to prepare for is extremely important. Acknowledging that everything moves accord ing to the natural blossom of mom and baby is the priority.

You must fully accept that in this moment it is permissible for time to slow down. Give way to nature’s course. It provides mom peace through the process. Furthermore, mom deserves to calmly focus on her role alone. This is a unique and one of a kind experience that does not warrant the pressure of comparison to anyone else or the expectation to meet a Standard.

Take into account these statistics:

• First- time labors typically take the longest because the body is learning a new function.
• The average duration for mom’s first delivery is 12 – 24 hours although how labor time is counted varies from hospital to hospital which impacts national reporting accuracy.
• The duration of delivery typically shortens with each pregnancy
• On average, moms who deliver vaginally are typically cleared to go home after one night.
• Moms who deliver through Cesarean section typically stay in the hospital two or three nights.

Chosen Labor Support

Childbirth is a scared time for mom. Her energy, her mind and her spirit should be in a positive space because her physical body is about to take on its greatest challenge. Therefore, mom rightfully decides who gets to share in the moment and what support looks like for her. Hospitals today respect that mom controls this aspect of labor and delivery experience.

Deborah Metz, nurse manager for Mercy West of Mercy Health Hospital, says it is their priority to make sure mom’s desires are heard and her needs are met. “It is about mom’s wishes and what she wants for her delivery. Some moms want everyone in the room and others only want their partner in the room,” says Metz. “At Mercy, we honor mom’s wishes regardless and develop a code word that helps mom communicate with her medi cal team so that she doesn’t hurt family members’ feelings. We don’t mind being the bad guy in this scenario,” she adds.

Beyond the family, moms may choose to incorporate midwives and Doulas as part of their care team during the delivery process. Both doctors and nurses have increasingly accepted midwives and Doulas in their respective roles, because they aid mom’s comfort.

The difference between a Doula and a midwife is fairly simple. Asked explained in sum by healthline.com, a significant difference between a midwife and a Doula is that a midwife will provide medical care for mom during pregnancy, birth and postpartum. Doulas provide mom and her  family with emotional, informational and physical support during pregnancy, birth and the postpartum.

Care Team Relationships

Building a rapport with your medical care team is essential. Often times medical professionals are busy and have many patients, but your visit is yours. Seek each opportunity to learn more from your doctor and your nurses along the way. Being able to trust medical professionals every step of the way will increase mom’s confidence and will help to guide her to a successful birthing experience.

Be mindful that the baby comes on their terms. If he or she arrives early, there may be changes to which doctor is actually available to perform mom’s delivery. Mom needs to expect the unexpected in this regard, then be able to mentally and emotionally adjust to the new course of action. Nothing in life is perfect, however preparation is always key when life events arise; we must be adaptable humans.

Owning Your Process

Charla Payne, nurse manager at the Liberty Birthing Center for The Christ Hospital, says that every effort is given by her team to facilitate each mom’s special journey. “Everybody has an individual need as well as desire. These are experiences that take us well beyond even those first 12-weeks postpartum,”explains Payne. “These are experiences we take for the rest of our lives.

I think Cradle Cincinnati [a non-profit that The Christ Hospital began a partnership with in 2012] was one of the first to encourage the process of pulling together resources and leading the way in a collaborative effort to meet the specific needs of patients in this regard.”

A comprehensive approach tailored to each mom’s care plan is something that The Christ Hospital values for its patients. “Focusing on the fact that everybody is unique and that some women have higher medical risks than others, such as postpartum depression and postpartum hemorrhage, then determining how to best educate them to ensure that they and their families have the resources to best care for themselves is what we must do,” says Payne. “If we are not caring for women and their bodies completely, then they cannot care for their families.”

As a mom, you will write your very own birthing story along with your baby! Therefore, the journey to the delivery room, the vital work that occurs to bring baby into the world, and the triumph of holding them close when labor is finished is uniquely and divinely created for your purpose.

Yes, I firmly believe women are magical.

Metz and Payne share the many services their hospitals provide expecting mothers. The ultimate patient experience is to feel heard, protected and supported. Cincinnati has outstanding medical professionals who’ve proven to go the extra mile for their patients, allowing hospital stays to feel safe. When vulnerable, this is all we can ever ask for. 

The post Hospital Stays for Expecting Moms appeared first on Cincinnati Family Magazine.

 “I’ve had patients who were so uncomfortable that they pulled off their gowns and delivered naked,” says Lisa Fraine, a certified nurse-midwife. These reactions are common; they’re simply a response to pain and exhaustion. You can also blame hormones: “Labor causes a shift in your estrogen and progesterone levels, which is akin to a major case of PMS,” says Henry Klapholz, M.D.

If you do lose it, don’t feel bad. Doctors and nurses are used to these reactions. But if you’re uncomfortable with the idea of such a display, be prepared for your delivery. “Women who take childbirth classes tend to stay calmer than those who don’t,” Klapholz acknowledges.

Because knowing what to expect makes for a less stressful delivery, we’ve asked the experts to spill the beans on more common (yet seldom-talked-about) scenarios.

You become nauseous and may even throw up.

Many women think that vomiting during labor is abnormal, but it’s not. One reason it happens: Epidurals can cause hypotension, a sudden drop in blood pressure.

“An early sign of this is nausea and vomiting,” says David Birnbach, M.D., past president of the Society for Obstetric Anesthesia and Perinatology.

But throwing up can occur even if you haven’t been given an epidural, either because of the pain you’re experiencing or as a result of food sitting in your stomach (digestion usually stops during labor). To keep vomiting to a minimum, eat only light foods during the earliest stages of labor, and stop eating completely — and drink only clear liquids — once you’re in active labor.

Your teeth chatter.

Nearly 50 percent of women complain of shivering and teeth chattering,” Birnbach says. It has nothing to do with being cold. In fact, your body temperature may rise a degree or two during labor, making you feel hot. The jury’s still out on what exactly causes this, but the latest evidence points to blood incompatibility.

“During labor, a small amount of fetal blood crosses into the mother’s bloodstream,” Klapholz says. “Studies show that when there’s an incompatibility in blood type between mother and baby — for example, your blood is type A and your baby’s is type B — the mother shakes, shivers and get chills.”

You make noises.

As a baby descends through the birth canal, air gets forced out the anus, so be prepared to pass gas. This is especially likely if you’ve had an epidural, which paralyzes the anal sphincter.

Another unpleasant side effect of childbirth: You may have a bowel movement right on the delivery table.

“It’s purely a space issue,” says Arianna Sholes-Douglas, M.D., a high-risk pregnancy obstetrician. “As your baby’s head makes its way through the birth canal, the rectum gets flattened and its contents pushed out.” In any event, don’t worry. “These bodily functions happen all the time — there’s very little we haven’t seen or heard before,” says registered nurse Deborah Robbins.

Your mind goes blank.

In the heat of the moment, it can be easy to forget what they taught you in childbirth class.

“I couldn’t remember the various positions I was supposed to get into to ease labor pains,” says new mom Elizabeth Estes Niven. “Instead, I stayed flat on my back, gripping the bed railing,” she adds.

You’re also likely to forget many of the details of the birth. So be sure your partner takes plenty of photos or captures it all on video.

It may not be love at first — but most likely it will be.

Don’t feel bad if your first reaction to holding your newborn isn’t overwhelming joy. You’ve just been through an exhausting experience and need time to recover. If you can, try breastfeeding — then let a nurse take your child so you can get some rest. That’s what I did after 17 hours of labor and a C-section. But after an hour, I had them bring my baby girl back and I was immediately smitten!

The post What Nobody Tells You About Labor appeared first on Cincinnati Family Magazine.

Maintaining Friendships After Baby

First, keep talking. The best thing you can do to preserve your friendships is to be honest and communicative from the get-go. This frank advice comes from F. Diane Barth, psychotherapist and author of I Know How You Feel: The Joy and Heartbreak of Friendship in Women’s Lives (Harper; 2018). Barth says you can say something like this to a friend, “I love you and I hate that I don’t have a lot of time right now, but I’d rather see you for 30 minutes than not at all.” Then you can make a plan for a 30 minute coffee — and stick to it. It’s so much better than bailing on a brunch or something on the day of. And when you do manage to get together — for a walk or a workout — remember not to only focus on your baby. Aim to talk about the same things you talked about before like books you’re reading, what shows you’re watching and romantic relationships. You may find it refreshing to be reminded that all of life isn’t about changing diapers and breastfeeding!

 “To a new mom, a friend’s dating or work issues may seem trivial, but be careful not to be condescending,” Barth says. “Make sure to be a partner in the conversation by valuing what your friend has to say.”
 

For friendships to thrive — with old friends, new or even with your spouse — it requires 50 – 50 effort. Aim to focus on your listening skills, compassion and communication. And remember, being a good friend means offering support through thick and thin. 

Find more baby resources in our all-new Expecting Digital Guide!

The post Maintaining Friendships After Baby Arrives appeared first on Cincinnati Family Magazine.

What does that even mean? What if my baby won’t take a bottle? Thoughts and worry suffocate you. Depletion of milk happens for many reasons and none of those being your fault. You did not fail. Some babies need more and supplementing is a good thing to help them get what they need, and with a little patience and consistency, you can get your milk supply up to speed again.

“Many things can lead to a reduction in supply, but the great thing is, with a little bit of help, many women can overcome this,” says Charla Payne BSN, clinical nurse manager at the Liberty Birthing Center at The Christ Hospital Health Network. “We tell parents to reach out as soon as they’re seeing an issue. Factors that can cause a drop in supply include decrease in infant feeding or pumping, illness, resumption of your period or returning to work.”

How to Tell If Baby Isn’t Getting Enough

There are some key details to pay attention to consider if your baby isn’t getting enough milk. Your pediatrician will ask you about wet or dirty diapers as soon as you make that first follow-up visit after birth. Your little one should also not have a weight loss that is more than 10 percent from their birth weight by the time they are two weeks old. Before jumping to conclusions, your pediatrician will want to find out the reason why.

“Is the baby not able to transfer milk at the breast or is there not enough milk in the breast?” says Payne. “Working with an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) in the lactation department would help get more food in the baby (there are many different options) and potentially work on aspects to increase milk production.” Another sign includes inadequate wet or dirty diapers, says Payne. Also know that if your baby seems to be frequently feeding, that is a completely normal sign and it is not always a sign of a problem. There are more positive signs to look out for according to Payne.

“Meeting appropriate milestones and overall wellness are great signs that Baby is thriving,” she continues.

All About Supplementing

If you are told you need to supplement, that could mean either giving your little one pumped milk, formula or milk from a donor. That is up to you.

“We do not have to use a bottle if mom prefers not to,” says Payne. “Again, this depends on if we are supplementing because of Baby or because of mom meaning is this a milk volume issue or is baby not transferring well related to oral anatomy, tone, being born on the early side or other factors.”

The early days are sweet, but hard. The road doesn’t end with supplementing – you can go back to breastfeeding once your milk production gets back on track, so try not to get discouraged. Creating that little bridge of supplemental milk and a great plan with your lactation consultant can get your milk production climbing again, says Payne.

Get Your Milk Production Back

Pumping and more can help — and reaching out to your doctor or a lactation consultant.

FREQUENT FEEDING AND PUMPING – Pumps vary; Payne recommends a hospital grade pump or a Spectra at minimum.

GET ADEQUATE REST- Restless nights can lead to a stress. Have a close friend or relative come over so you can get some extra zzz’s.

EAT A HEALTHY DIET- Oatmeal, almonds and herbs such as ginger are some great foods that can help your supply.

RELAX AND MASSAGE – Ask for help so you can relax with Baby. Hold Baby skin-to-skin, and massage your breasts before feeding to encourage your let down.

The post “You’re Not Making Enough Milk.” appeared first on Cincinnati Family Magazine.

These rankings are designed to help expectant parents and their doctors identify hospitals and health systems committed to providing high-quality maternity care.

In order to receive a ‘Birthing-Friendly’ designation from CMS, a hospital needs to provide high-quality maternity care, have evidence-based quality interventions in hospital settings to improve maternal health plus participate in a national perinatal quality improvement collaborative program – and UC Medical Center has proven all of that!

In addition, UC Medical Center is the first and only Level IV maternity hospital in Greater Cincinnati, and one of only seven Level IV maternity hospitals in Ohio. A Level IV maternity hospital is a regional perinatal healthcare center that is able to utreat the most complex medical conditions during pregnancy, labor and postpartum

UC Medical Center is also home to the region’s first and only Obstetrical Emergency Care Center, which provides emergency care to expectant mothers and babies after 16 weeks of gestation and up to two weeks post-delivery

For more information, visit Best Hospitals for Maternity Care and Birthing-Friendly Hospitals.

The post Local Hospital Named ‘Best for Maternity Care’ and ‘High Performing’ appeared first on Cincinnati Family Magazine.

Casts are the perfect gift for expecting and new mommies and packages begin at $225.

Find out more by emailing ambrosialifecasting@gmail.com or check out images at the Facebook page for Ambrosia Lifecasting.

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Most pregnant women get to 37 weeks gestation and sigh a breath of relief because childbirth is imminent. They’ve made it past the preterm stage. Then the waiting begins. And the incessant questions: Have you had that baby yet? When are you being induced?

Induction of labor seems to be so common these days. Nearly every other woman you know had to have some help getting her labor started. In fact, in the U.S., induction has more than tripled since it first began to be recorded from certificates of live birth in 1989. Then it was nine percent of births. In 2020 it was up to 31.37 percent,  according to the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS). The last few years have seen even more increase. But world organizations (including the World Health Organization) agree that induction of labor should only occur when it’s medically indicated.

Do you want to be induced even if you’re not high-risk? You need to be informed to participate in the discussion. Here are eight considerations to help you make an informed decision about whether to induce or not.

What to Consider …

You’re Ready
You’re so very ready to have this baby! It’s been a long pregnancy and you’ve had enough of the big belly, the never-empty bladder and not being able to see your feet. You’re over the lack of sleep, the Braxton Hicks and the never ending questions about when you’re due. But wait a second. Just because you’re ready, it doesn’t mean Baby is. That estimated due date might’ve arrived, but it doesn’t mean labor is imminent. Estimated due dates are exactly as advertised — a guess at the time your baby will arrive. Only three to five percent of babies actually do arrive on that date so it’s clearly just a “guesstimate.”

Many care providers are still focused on pregnancies going past the 40-week estimated due date. That’s why inductions tend to be booked once a woman reaches 41 weeks, as a ‘just in case’. According to the National Institutes of Health, one in 10– 12 childbirths are induced for elective reasons. Yet inducing labor runs the very real risk that your baby will be born before they are ready. In the last weeks of pregnancy, your baby’s lungs are maturing. Fat needs to be deposited, also. So just because an ‘average’ length of time has been established for pregnancy doesn’t mean every baby will be ready within that time frame.

Baby May Be Big
You may be so big you look like you’re having twins, but your ultrasound confirms you’re having just one. You’re jumbo, but baby may not be. More than 30 different algorithms are used to predict a baby’s weight via ultrasound. And while ultrasound weight estimates are more accurate than they used to be, there is still a 15 percent margin for error in weight estimation. (That means your baby can be either 15 percent smaller or 15 percent larger than the estimated weight given at your ultrasound.)

Next, the closer you are to your due date, the harder it is to estimate your baby’s size. Many women are induced for a suspected big baby (macrosomia), and then discover their baby is actually average-sized, after interrupting a perfectly healthy pregnancy. One-in-three women in the United States report being told their babies are too big, according to the NCHS. Suspected macrosomia isn’t a medical indication for induction or c-section, but it is one of the most common reasons given for either of these procedures.

Your Care Provider Might Not Be Available
Uh-oh. Your obstetrician reminds you that she will be on leave around your due date. You can hope you go into labor beforehand, or you can just schedule an induction. Sounds easy. But again, it’s not that simple. Your baby may not be ready to be born. Your body might not be receptive to induction and fail to get the hint. This often leads to what is known as ‘failure to progress’, which sounds a lot like it’s your body’s fault. Ask to meet your doctor’s back-up provider so you can feel more at ease if they end up delivering your baby.

It’s Convenient
Your parents are flying in from out of state the week before you’re due. Your husband is working at least an hour away from the hospital and your babysitter has exams when you need her to be with the kids during your hospital stay. Wouldn’t it just be easier to induce and know exactly the day your baby will be born, so it’s more convenient for everyone else? Well, yes. But if your baby and your body aren’t ready for labor, an induction is more likely to fail than succeed. Once an induction has been started, there’s no going back — even if that means having an unplanned c-section for failure to progress.

You’re in False Labor
False labor is difficult. You’re anxious, impatient, bored and tired — and experiencing Braxton Hicks contractions. This is the time when you may just go for the induction. Induction has many risks and it’s important to weigh those up when considering getting things moving along faster. Your baby won’t be in there forever.

Hospital Policy
Hospital policy on induction of labor varies. In one hospital it might be at 10 days post due date; in another might be as soon as you reach 39 weeks. Depending on your doctor, you might be booked for an induction because active management is perceived as a way of preventing things going wrong. But hospital policy is not law. Many women aren’t aware they can decline an induction if there is no medical reason. You can ask your care provider to check your baby’s health, and yours, until your labor begins spontaneously.

It’s Complicated
There are risks to induction, as there are with all medical procedures. It’s important to balance those risks against the chance that you might develop a complication.

If you are having a healthy pregnancy and your baby is healthy, it’s not likely you will develop a complication. It can happen, but that doesn’t mean it will. It may make no sense to interrupt a healthy pregnancy and force a healthy developing baby out just in case you develop a health condition, which in most cases is very unlikely to happen.

If you prefer a spontaneous labor and you are not high-risk, then ask for one. That’s all you have to do. In the last weeks of pregnancy, maternal antibodies are passed to the baby that help to fight infections, so really, every day that Baby is safe in the womb counts.

The post Childbirth is Natural appeared first on Cincinnati Family Magazine.

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