Induction can feel overwhelming when it’s not part of your original birth plan. So many mums worry that it means losing control, more pain, or letting go of the birth experience they hoped for.
Nikki's beautiful story is such a powerful reminder that even when birth takes an unexpected turn, you can still feel strong, supported, and deeply empowered. 🤍
My first birth was always planned to be an unmediated experience. Originally the plan was to use TENS and my birth comb through active labor and move into the water for transition/pushing phase. Unfortunately, when my water broke at 2am there was marconium present, which led to a fully monitored urgent induction - ruling out the opportunity of a water birth.
In consultation with my midwife and OB, it was decided I would be induced with continuous monitoring using a Pitocin (Oxytocin) IV drip, increasing every 30 minutes. Within the first 2 hours the contractions became intense and I began using the TENS machine. This was a game changer for my labour - the sensation helped to relax me and created a focused pattern through each contraction. I continued to use the TENS machine throughout the entire labour as my main pain relief.
Within 45 minutes I had gone from 3 to 10 cm with contractions 30 seconds apart. This was an incredibly intense and tiring experience. My sister-in-law operated the TENS machine, my husband massaged my back, I held a birth comb, and used gas during this 45 minutes period. Once I began pushing the only relief I had was the TENS machine, which I couldn’t be more thankful for the relief it provided. Within 40 minutes our baby boy was born At 3:08pm.
Nikki
