5 Things NOT to do Before Your Induction

I’ve talked ALL about what to do before an induction, today I want to talk about 5 things to NOT do before your induction!

Before we get going — grab my induction checklist to be sure you know what to expect heading into your induction:

What to NOT Do Before Your Induction:

Pack a Ton of Luggage

Yes, DO PACK YOUR BAG. That’s one of the great things about an induction, that you can pack for it. BUT, over-packing will end up with you having a TON to put away when you get home. So, ask the hospital if they have a list of what they recommend you bring (some hospitals have different things they do or don’t supply) and then add a few things you think will help, and then stop.

Here’s my hospital packing list just for your info:

Want to know more info on hospital bags — check out these posts:

• What to Pack in a C-Section Hospital Bag: 4 things you’ll want from an L&D RN.
• What to Pack in Hospital Bag for Baby
• Hospital Bag for Dad
• What to pack in your bag for after baby
• When to Pack Your Hospital Bag: Get prepared with The Pregnancy Nurse

I DO think it’s smart to bring a few extra things that may occupy your time with an induction because it will be longer. Things like cards, a tablet to watch movies on, crosswords — whatever you like to fill boring time with. Want to know how much time to fill? Check out my post on how long your induction will be.

Watch All the Tiktoks

Yup, I’m on Tiktok and yes I have a LOT of information on there.

But don’t go to your For You Page and just ingest all the information from there. I can’t even begin to tell you how much of that information is wrong, or just was the case for that person. I am a fan of getting those snippets of information from someone you can trust.

BUT, just take a prenatal class, so you make sure to hit all the good parts, and then move on with your quiet confidence that you’re ready. 🙂 That looks good on everyone!

People love that this class has key point videos you can quickly watch the night before for a refresher. 🙂

If you really want info and don’t want to take a class, I’d recommend Youtube as a better place to start. I have an induction series here:

Eat a Ginormous Meal

Eat. Yes, please eat (unless your provider said not to, but in that case I’d find out why and make sure you agree with their reasoning) but just a regular-sized meal.

Being SUPER full when you come in to start contracting isn’t great. Often your stomach wants to get in on some contracting, which means you’ll see that meal again. 🤮

Just a regular meal, full of things you love. That’s what I recommend. And just eat to “full” not “bursting” 🙂

I love that you’re here, but labor (especially inductions) is a team sport. Get them prepared with you!

Looking to get prepare for your birth? I have some easy options for you!
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– Worried you’re missing something? Grab my pregnancy planner so you don’t miss a thing!
– Thinking about an induction? Grab Inductions Made Easy to feel prepared in just 20 minutes!
– Wondering how to get that baby OUT? Grab Going Into Labor Made Easy so you know how to (and not to) do it!
– Postpartum got you anxious? Check out Postpartum Care Made Easy so you can stay SAFE even when all your attention is on that little on.
🚨 AND if ALL OF IT has got you on edge The Online Prenatal Class for Couples is perfect for you — You’ll feel so ready before you even know it!
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No matter WHERE you are at in your pregnancy journey, we have resources that can help!

Try to Go Into Labor

If you and your provider have decided that an induction is best, don’t try the “natural” methods (like castor oil) the night before your induction. Many of those methods aren’t safe (or fun — looking at you castor oil).

Sure, you could try to ripen your cervix with some sexy time with your partner, but there’s no reason to stress yourself trying to induce yourself when the hospital is just going to do it for you tomorrow.

Got more questions as to what will put you into labor (or what won’t?) — check out these posts:

• Does Sleeping Stop Contractions?
• 3 Things to Know About Perineal Massage
• Can You Push Yourself Into Labor?
• When Should I Start Drinking Raspberry Leaf Tea?
• Can Curb Walking Induce Labor?

Stay Up and Worry All Night

SO common to have a hard time getting to sleep before an induction, but laying in bed with worry or concern isn’t a great plan.

You may even want to ask your provider if there is something you can take to sleep the night before (or, to take to sleep if you’re going into the hospital for a night induction where they hope you can get some rest). Sometimes they recommend just a Benadryl or might offer something stronger.

If you’re thinking HILARY — how on EARTH can I sleep the night before something I’m so scared of… I’m here to say that you do NOT have to be afraid of birth.

The Online Prenatal Class for Couples is really the easy way to get prepared for birth.

• We’re talking MINUTES not MONTHS of preparation (because I know you’re busy)
• Get that partner in on the game as a teammate, not just a cheerleader (yay!)
• Do it entirely on YOUR timeline instead of mine — I’m available 24/7 in there!

>> GET STARTED HERE <<

Want to do a vibe check before diving into the whole thing with me? — check out my free labor pro tips. It’s your first step toward getting in the driver’s seat of your birth.