Emotional reactions to inductions

If your caregiver recommends an induction (and it is not planned) then you may be taken by surprise, raising many emotional reactions.

Some common emotional reactions can include:

	Feelings of disappointment in your body and yourself.
	Fear that you are handing over control.
	Relief that the labour will now start and you can meet your baby.
	Upset that you may not be able to give birth where you planned.
	Worried that the induction will be more painful than you anticipate.
	Unhappy with having to be monitored and restricted in your movement.
	Grief in letting go of how you would have liked the labour to be.
	Feelings of becoming 'a number' in the medical system.
	Feeling concerned (or invaded), by all the procedures. (Particularly if you have had past experiences with being touched or examined in a personal or private way by someone you hardly know.)
	Worried that you and your baby will be all right, particularly if the induction is happening because of health complications.

If the situation doesn't require immediate induction, then you might be able to allow yourself some time to be with your feelings.
Talk to your partner, or a trusted friend. Identify what is surfacing for you. Allow your feelings to be there. Cry if you need to and explore any alternatives with your caregiver.

Try not to be moved out of your feelings with inevitable comments such as "It will be OK", "You'll be alright". Yes, you probably will be alright but your feelings should not be negated.

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