Non Medical Induction - Castor Oil and Pumping

Do not start this process until you have spoken with a midwife!

What is castor oil and how does it work?

➢ Castor oil is a strong laxative. When ingested, it stimulates the bowels, which can lead to intestinal cramping and diarrhea. The idea is that the cramping in the intestines might stimulate uterine contractions, potentially leading to labor.

➢ Prostaglandin Production: Castor oil is believed to increase the production of prostaglandins, which are hormones that help ripen (soften and open) the cervix and may lead to uterine contractions.

➢ Side Effects: The use of castor oil can cause nausea, diarrhea, and dehydration. These side effects can be uncomfortable.

➢ Effectiveness: The effectiveness of castor oil in inducing labor is inconsistent. Some people may go into labor after taking it, while others may not experience any changes. You are more likely to go into labour if this isn’t your first baby, you are past your due date and your membranes have ruptured.

What is pumping/nipple stimulation and how does it work?

➢ Oxytocin Release: Nipple stimulation can lead to the release of oxytocin, a hormone that causes the uterus to contract. By using a breast pump or manually stimulating the nipples, some women may experience the onset of contractions, which by a positive feed-back cycle, may start labour.

➢ Timing and Method: For nipple stimulation to be potentially effective, it usually needs to be done for extended periods.

➢ Monitoring: It's important to monitor contractions to ensure they are not too frequent or intense, stopping pumping will likely slow down the contractions if this is the case.

Castor Oil Recipe

➢ 5-15 drops lemon verbena oil or ½ c strongly steeped lemon verbena tea (omit if not available)
➢ ½ cup apricot juice (if unavailable can be substituted with peach juice)
➢ ½ cup carbonated water (omit if not available or using tea, can increase to 1 cup juice if not using)
➢ 2 Tbsp peanut butter or almond butter
➢ 2 Tbsp castor oil

Mix all in a blender and drink with a straw. Works best on an empty stomach. It might act as laxative or can make you throw up once, but usually well tolerated. Make sure you are drinking at least 500ml (2 cups) per hour of water following consumption to avoid dehydration!

Schedule

Drink the castor oil mixture at the time directed by your midwife. If in 3-5 hours you aren’t experiencing regular contractions, take another dose (don’t exceed 3 doses). A stretch and sweep may be offered prior to first dose to increase efficacy.

Pumping/Nipple Stimulation Instructions

Your midwife may join you at some point prior to starting pumping, check in with them if they have instructed you to notify them.

➢ Pump/Nipple stimulation 10 minutes (both breasts)
➢ 5 minute break
➢ Repeat x 4 for a total time of 1 hour
➢ Break for an hour
➢ Repeat cycle up to 3x

Note: If contractions are recurring more frequently than every 2 minutes with inadequate break in between or more than 5 contractions in a 10 minute period, discontinue pumping