Are you concerned about the possibility of labor induction?
If so, you’re right to have concerns, AND you’ve come to the right place. Currently in North America, the percentage of pregnancies ending in labor induction ranges between 20-40%, depending on your specific location and type of care provider you’re working with. Although labor inductions may be warranted in some cases, it is also true that they carry some risks when compared with spontaneous labor. These risks include increased pain, longer labor, increased risk of infection (with some methods), missing out on the hormonal benefits of spontaneous labor, the potential for additional interventions, and the potential of a “failed induction” resulting in a cesarean section.
I’ve been a doula and childbirth class instructor since 1993, and I can tell you that of the many topics we cover and questions my students / clients ask me, induction is overwhelmingly THE MOST COMMON concern. For that reason, I’ve decided to start offering a new workshop to focus on this topic exclusively. My goal is to empower you with information, so that you are better equipped to navigate this topic with your medical team and make informed choices.
FAQ's (Frequently Asked Questions):
I UNDERSTAND THIS IS AN IMPORTANT TOPIC, BUT I’M ALREADY PLANNING ON TAKING A CHILDBIRTH CLASS. ISN’T ALL OF THE INFORMATION ON INDUCTION COVERED IN THOSE CLASSES?
The short answer: that depends, of course, but probably not. Some classes barely touch on it, while others may spend a little more time on the subject of induction. However, I have yet to encounter a childbirth class that covers it as thoroughly as it truly deserves. Even in my Bradley Method classes, which are extremely comprehensive, there’s no possible way to spend 1.5 - 2 hours discussing labor induction when we have so many other topics we need to cover.
IS THIS CLASS APPROPRIATE FOR HOME BIRTH OR HOSPITAL BIRTH?
Yes to both! Although your chances of labor induction do decrease if you are planning a home or birth center birth, your chances of needing an induction are still exponentially higher than they were 10-20 years ago. And in some states, midwives have legal requirements mandating that they transfer your care to an obstetrician once you reach a certain # of weeks gestation, if you haven’t given birth spontaneously. What happens after that varies, but the pressure to be induced is extremely common.
HOW MUCH DOES THIS WORKSHOP COST, AND WHEN / WHERE IS IT OFFERED?
Since this is a brand new class, I am offering the workshop at a discounted price of only $69 for a group workshop or $99 for a private workshop. Although I may offer it as an in-person workshop in the future, I am currently offering it only on a virtual basis (live on Zoom.) My intent is to get detailed feedback from each participant while this class is in it’s infancy, in order to incorporate content revisions and updates for future iterations. For the group workshop, you can select from the dates listed below; for a private workshop, I will work with your availability to schedule a day / time that works best for you.
UPCOMING GROUP WORKSHOPS (the content is the same for both, you can choose whichever one is most convenient for you).
Friday March 21st 6:30 - 8:30 pm pacific (full)
Tuesday, April 1st 6:30 - 8:30 pm pacific
Sunday, April 20th 6:30 - 8:30 pm pacific
CAN’T I JUST EDUCATE MYSELF ON INDUCTION USING GOOGLE AND YOUTUBE?
Of course you can, but if I’m being completely honest, it’s not easy to sort out the good stuff from the garbage, and you may not get the results you’re hoping for. There’s no one comprehensive source for the information that we’ll be discussing in this workshop, and much of the information you’ll find online not evidence based and has an agenda. I’ve spent decades working with expecting couples, and I’ve seen how difficult it is for them to make sense of the publicly available information, even when I try to point them in the direction of the best resources. Most of my childbirth class students and doula clients are either leaning towards or actively pursuing a natural birth experience, and being pressured to undergo an induction is one of the top three most common factors that throws a wrench into those desires at the end of pregnancy.
WHAT WILL I LEARN IN THIS CLASS THAT WILL ACTUALLY BE OF USE TO ME?
We will cover the following:
What exactly IS induction, and how / why it did become so common? (Background / brief discussion of trends)
Why might I need an induction? Why is my doctor / midwife encouraging me to get one?
What are some reasons I might NOT want an induction? (Concerns / unintended consequences / side effects for mom and baby)
Methods of induction (both medical / pharmaceutical and natural methods - this will include the effectiveness of each)
What happens if I just say “no” to the induction? (Alternatives to induction)
What can I do if I end up having one? (Options to consider and suggestions from those who have experienced an induction)
While I will be presenting a great deal of information, this workshop is conducted in a casual, open atmosphere in which questions, concerns, and honest conversations are welcomed and encouraged!
WHAT IF I HAVE MORE QUESTIONS?
If you have questions about taking this workshop, I encourage you to reach out to me - you can email me at birth@lisahiguchi.com, or call/text me at 951.757.8154. Please put “Induction Workshop” in the subject line if you email me, so I can be sure to get back to you right away!
HOW DO I SIGN UP?
Email me at birth@lisahiguchi.com, or call/text me at 951.757.8154 and tell me you want to sign up for the Labor Induction Workshop. Let me know which group workshop you’d like to attend from the dates listed above, or send me your due date and availability (days / times) and I'll work with you to set up a private workshop to suit your schedule. Payment methods accepted include debit / credit and Venmo. (I will also accept Zelle prior to April 1, 2025.) Once you have completed the registration process, including payment, I will send you the zoom link for our workshop.
INCLUSION POLICY:
Tenaja Birth Services is committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for pregnant persons of any age, religion, race, sexual identity, gender identity, or relationship status.