“Why Induction Matters” Book Review ….
-WHY INDUCTION MATTERS - by Dr Rachel Reed
Book Review by Sasha Murray
Why Induction Matters? Seems such a simple question yet often women who have been recommended their labours and births be induced do not think to ask this question. Induction is such a common occurrence in the modern maternity system that one might think there isn’t really much difference between an induction and a spontaneous physiological labour, and if there is, surely induction will not have any ill effects or outcomes.
Dr Rachel Reed is the author of “Why Induction Matters” she is a Senior Lecturer and Discipline Leader in Midwifery at the University of the Sunshine Coast, Australia. She has provided midwifery care for hundreds of women in a range of settings in the United Kingdom and Australia. Rachel's Phd explored women's experience of birth and midwifery practice during birth. She is a writer and presenter, and is the author of the MidwifeThinking blog site. Rachel is originally from the North of England but now lives in a forest in Queensland, Australia.
Dr Rachel Reed has outlined that induction should be offered to women who are at a point in their pregnancy where continuing on with gestation puts themselves and their baby at risk of morbidity or mortality. If a woman does have a complication or variation then a conversation about induction should take place.
However it is crucial to note that every individual assesses risks differently, therefore it is of utmost importance that these women and their birthing partners have full access to science based evidence surrounding their specific condition alongside education on what an induction truly entails.
This information should include what going forward with an induction means in relation to their labour and birth.
In other words they should understand the risks of their condition vs the risks associated with induction and only then are they able to make an informed and educated decision about what route is most suitable for them as an individual.
I would not hesitate to recommend this book to any client looking for more information surrounding induction. Dr Rachel Reed has a wonderful ability to speak and write in relatable, easy to understand terms. I found this book exceptionally straightforward and easy to read. It is even printed in a pocket size edition which is convenient for anyone looking to read on the run. Lets face it, most women are busy and have much to think about, the last thing they need is to be overloaded with statistics, graphs and numbers. We need accurate, factual, comprehensible and easy to remember information, and this book has that covered!
“In modern maternity systems one in four women have their labour induced. Why Induction Matters provides a comprehensive, evidence-based guide to this common intervention. The induction process is explained in detail, and reasons for offering induction are discussed. Options related to inducing labour or choosing to wait are explored, and women's experiences are included throughout. The book aims to help parents make their own informed decisions about induction of labour” - Summary “Why Induction Matters”
Why Induction Matters is broken down into the following the categories:
1: Making Decisions About Induction
2:Complications of Pregnancy
3:Variations of Pregnancy
4:Spontaneous Labour
5:Medical Induction - ripening the cervix and breaking the waters
6:Medical Induction - inducing contractions
7:Alternative Methods of Induction
8:Creating a Birth Plan for Induction
Chapters 1,2 and 3 make important differentiation between complications vs variations. Complications are disease or syndromes that have developed whereas variations are out of the norm symptoms that could potentially turn into a complication, and what this means when making decisions around induction.
Chapter 4 speaks to spontaneous labour, and the important hormonal processes that take place during this complex physiological event. These processes do not occur during an induced labour therefore this should be taken into consideration by the birthing woman when weighing up her risks and benefits.
Chapters 5 and 6 explain in depth the process of induction. Oftentimes care providers do not give women the whole story regarding what the induction process involves. It can be a long, painful and unsuccessful process that may result in “failure to induce” leading to a possible c section or trial of other induction interventions. Making sure that women have a transparent view of this process and the possible complications and cascade of interventions that may arise will allow them to make a truly informed decision.
Chapters 7 and 8 list alternative modes of induction, some coming with their own risks, and although for the most part the evidence on non medical induction is anecdotal they are methods that mum’s to be may want to try before consenting to an induction in the hospital. It is also highlighted that a birth plan is still applicable even if you are having an induced labour, allowing the mother to still have autonomy over her birth preferences.
Lastly, this book incorporates birth experiences from a wide variety of women and pregnancies. This adds an additional human layer and is a reminder that every woman, baby, pregnancy, labour and birth is unique.
No matter what decision you choose, if you feel supported through education and knowledge then you are able to own your choices and no matter the outcome, you should feel that you made the best decision at the time. This will help women to feel positive, in control and empowered by their births.
