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The Misconceptions Surrounding Labor Induction
I finally have an answer to the question I get asked constantly—“When are you having that baby?”—and the answer is, “In four days!” It could be sooner, but definitely no later than four days from now. I know this because that’s when my doctor is set to induce me. It’s the one small light that keeps me from retreating to a cave until my little one arrives.
This is my first (and probably only) pregnancy, and let me tell you, it hasn’t been my favorite experience. I’ve heard stories of people loving pregnancy; I even met one woman who adored it! But I just can’t understand that sentiment. My strong dislike for being pregnant only gets more perplexing when I try to rationalize it.
No, I didn’t have morning sickness or any other major issues.
No, it hasn’t been an unbearably hot summer.
No, I’m not going through this alone—my husband, his family, my family, and our friends have all been incredibly supportive. My husband, in particular, has earned himself a halo through this process. So that’s not why I’ve found pregnancy so challenging.
And yes, I know I will love my child when they arrive. That’s a crucial distinction! Do I love being pregnant? Absolutely not. Do I love my child, and will I continue to love them when they’re born? Yes, without a doubt.
Since my baby bump became noticeable, I’ve been bombarded with unsolicited questions, advice, and horror stories. Recently, these inquiries have stirred a new level of anxiety within me, making even a simple grocery trip feel intimidating. Before I set my induction date, hearing, “When are you due?” would send me into a spiral.
It felt like the due date was ages away—almost impossible to fathom. Each day was a negotiation with the reality that it probably wouldn’t be today. So why would a stranger remind me of how far away it felt? I’d get defensive and couldn’t muster a polite response like “August 4th.” Instead, I’d find myself saying things like, “Who knows?” or “Not soon enough,” or once, I just froze in the cereal aisle and said nothing at all. This left the poor questioner awkwardly walking away, likely thinking, “WTF?” or, “That poor woman doesn’t know she’s nine months along.”
Now, in this wonderful post-induction-date world, I can joyfully say, “On or before July 28th!” And I can say it with a genuine smile! But I’ve noticed this happy news is often met with judgment: “Oh, you’re inducing? You don’t want to do that.” Oh yes, I do! I truly do!
It seems there’s a stigma surrounding labor induction that I wasn’t aware of. It implies that I’m selfish or that I don’t care about my child’s well-being. (Did I mention I made this decision with my doctor, a professional in this field?) These judgments didn’t totally catch me off guard, as I’ve learned that everyone has an opinion on pregnancy and childbirth. They seem to believe that if they don’t voice their thoughts, they’re doing you a disservice. I expected some disapproval, but not the overwhelming majority. Seriously, people—can’t you see the smile on my face? I’m excited; why rain on my parade?!
So here I am, just four days away from meeting my son, the end of my pregnancy, and yes, the day I’ll be inducing. I’ve decided to avoid the public, stay home, and cling to the calendar. Because come July 28th, this journey ends, and you bet I’m inducing!
If you’re curious about home insemination options, check out this intracervical insemination post, and for more information on artificial insemination kits, visit Make a Mom’s Cryobaby. For weekly updates on pregnancy, the March of Dimes is an excellent resource!
Summary:
In this blog post, Jamie Parker shares her perspective on the stigma surrounding labor induction as she anticipates the arrival of her baby. She discusses the challenges of pregnancy, the unsolicited opinions from others, and the excitement of her upcoming induction date. With humor and honesty, Jamie emphasizes the importance of making decisions that feel right for her and her family.