2. Pitocin: Induction and Augmentation How? Risks? Benefits? Alternatives? Support? Rachel Bloxham CIS 1020 Final Project

3. Induction  Pitocin is a drug used to artificially start labor.  Must be administered intravenously  Pitocin is the synthetic version of oxytocin– a hormone that signals contractions to start and birth to occur.  Doesn’t signal endorphin release in the brain to help with discomfort because it is synthetic Rachel Bloxham CIS 1020 Final Project

4. Risks of using Pitocin  Contractions that are stronger than normal- more difficult to deal with pain without pain meds  can cause fetal distress  Increased risk of forceps or vacuum extraction  Increased risk of cesarean section  Requires continuous electronic fetal monitoring (EFM) Rachel Bloxham CIS 1020 Final Project

5. Benefits of Pitocin  When water breaks and labor does not begin  If baby or mother’s lives are at risk if pregnancy continues due to health problems Rachel Bloxham CIS 1020 Final Project

6. The Birth of a Mother.

7. Alternative induction methods  Intercourse  Nipple stimulation  Relaxation and guided imagery  Castor oil  Massage and pressure points  herbs Rachel Bloxham CIS 1020 Final Project

8. Necessary Augmentation of Labor  When pregnancy is prolonged– beyond 42 weeks  When labor stalls  Medical issues (high blood pressure, etc)  Baby not thriving  Prolonged labor with firm cervix Rachel Bloxham CIS 1020 Final Project

9. Pitocin Summary BenefitsAlternatives Necessary When water breaks and labor does not begin Intercourse When pregnancy is prolonged– beyond 42 weeks If baby or mother’s lives are at risk if pregnancy continues due to health problems Relaxation and guided imagery When labor stalls Nipple stimulation Medical issues (high blood pressure, etc) Castor oilBaby not thriving Massage and pressure points Prolonged labor with firm cervix herbs Rachel Bloxham CIS 1020 Final Project

10. Statistics Rachel Bloxham CIS 1020 Final Project

11. Doula’s Role Relaxation Patterned breathing Attention focusing and visualization Counter pressure, massage Rituals Heat and cold Change positions Encouragement her! Rachel Bloxham CIS 1020 Final Project

12. References About.com Childbirth.org Birth.com Babies.sutterhealth.org Revolutionhealth.com Birthingnaturally.net Birth doula workshop manual “The Birth Partner” by Penny Simkin Rachel Bloxham CIS 1020 Final Project