Induction Part 2: Induction Methods – Foley Bulbs, Pitocin, AROM, & More | Episode 60

In part two of our induction series, I'm walking you through the entire toolbox - because induction is so much more than "just Pitocin." We start with the more natural methods like membrane sweeps, nipple stimulation, and AROM (breaking your bag of waters), then move into mechanical cervical dilators like the Foley bulb, Cook catheter, and the lesser-used Laminaria and Dilapan rods. From there we get into cervical ripening medications - Cytotec and Cervidil - and finally Pitocin itself, including how it differs from your body's natural oxytocin and what that titration process actually looks like in the hospital. My goal here is for you to understand what each tool is actually doing: is it ripening your cervix, or is it creating contractions? Once you know that, you can ask way better questions in your own birth.

Join YBYB: www.thelabormama.com/birth & use the code PODCAST to save 20%

The biggest takeaway I want you to walk away with is that induction is almost never just one step - it's usually a sequence, tools layered together based on how your body responds. There's no single "right" combination, and every pathway looks a little different depending on where you're starting from. What matters most is that you understand each tool being offered, know that informed consent is ongoing (you can always ask questions or say no), and that you feel confident walking into your own induction or augmentation conversation. If you want the full deep dive - including all the evidence behind these tools - that lives inside the induction module of Your Body Your Birth.

Mentioned in this episode:

• Listen to episode 59:Induction Part 1: What You Need to Know Before We Talk About How it's Done
• Listen to episode 47:Should You Say Yes to a Membrane Sweep: Pros, Cons, and Things to Know
• Listen to episode 46:Induction Myths & Truths and Why He Chose to Be an OBGYN with Dr. Ahan Hunter
• JoinYour Body Your Birthcourse & use the code PODCAST to save 20%!

Helpful Timestamps:

• 00:00 Induction Tools and Methods
• 05:12 Natural Induction Methods
• 07:51 Membrane Sweeps Basics
• 09:32 Nipple Stimulation
• 10:27 Breaking the Water - AROM
• 12:53 Foley Bulb and Cook Catheter
• 17:29 Laminaria and Dilapan
• 20:23 Cytotec and Cervidil
• 25:39 Pitocin Explained
• 32:37 Putting It All Together

About your host:

🩺🤰🏻Lo Mansfield, MSN, RNC-OB, CLC is a registered nurse, mama of 4, and a birth, baby, and motherhood enthusiast. She is both the host of the Lo & Behold podcast and the founder of The Labor Mama.

For more education, support and “me too” from Lo, please visit her website and check out her online courses and digital guides for birth, breastfeeding, and postpartum/newborns. You can also follow @thelabormama and @loandbehold_thepodcast on Instagram and join her email list here.

For more pregnancy, birth, postpartum and motherhood conversation each week, be sure to subscribe to The Lo & Behold podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you prefer to listen!

👉🏼 A request: If this episode meant something to you, would you consider a 5 star rating and leaving us a review? Yes, we read them, and yes, they help keep L & B going! ♥️

Connect with Lo more on: INSTAGRAM | TIK TOK | PINTEREST | FACEBOOK

Disclaimer

Opinions shared by guests of this show are their own, and do not always reflect those of The Labor Mama platform. Additionally, the information you hear on this podcast or that you receive via any linked resources should not be considered medical advice. Please see our full disclaimer here.

Additionally, we may make a small commission from some of the links shared with you. Please know, this comes at no additional cost to you, supports our small biz, and is a way for us to share brands and products with you that we genuinely love.

Produced and Edited by Vaden Podcast Services

Mentioned in this episode:

YBYB 20% off ad link