Natural Labor Induction: Options & Concerns - What You Need to Know

Question
Hi my due date is in one week on the 23rd of May. And my doctor told me that if nothing happened that they would schedule me for an induction and I don't want them to induce me.  They had to induce my mother with me and she ended up with a c-section.  And we don't want that for me, because this is my first child and I want to do it completely natural with out any iv's, meds, or anything that would end up going bad for me.  Please reply if you have time.  Thanks a whole lot.  Christan  

Answer
Hello Christian. If you do not want induction, you simply say NO- you cannot be FORCED into induction. It is normal and healthy to carry your baby up to two weeks past your estimated due date. Those dates are the cause of more sections than you can imagine. They are ONLY estimates, guesses- only your baby and your body know when the time is right. Your dr. wants to induce you because then he/she can "schedule" your delivery for a time convenient for the dr and the hospital. If you attended prenatal classes, you should have learned all about the hazards of interventions. Your BEST chance of avoiding all of the interventions you mentioned is to seek out and hire if necessary, a DOULA. This is a woman who has taken training to be able to help women and their partners during labor and birth in the hospital. You might call your local midwives to find a doula in your area. You could also contact DONA- Doulas of North America. Hope that helps- Cheri.