Pitocin--What You Need to Know

I've compiled a list of articles on Pitocin by midwives and other experts rather than writing my own article on it.  Here are some links for great information on this artificial hormone used so prevalently in America:


Unwarranted Use
"Studies have found that in recent years, up to 3 out of 4 inductions weren't even medically indicated. Being a few days, or even a week past your due date is not a medical indication for induction. Being tired of being pregnant is not a medical indication for induction. Suspecting that baby is getting big, is not a medical indication for induction. Having fast or slow labors is not an indication for induction. Even ACOG themselves, along with many other national and world-wide health organizations have acknowledged that the high number of inductions and augmentations that are done is out of control."

http://midwiferyramblings.blogspot.com/2010/03/what-pitocin-does-to-your-baby.html

ADHD

Results of this study revealed a strong predictive relationship between perinatal Pitocin use and subsequent childhood ADHD (ADHD occurred in 67 percent in cases with Pitocin and in 35 percent of cases without.  The study concludes that further study is warranted.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21527574

It's Not Natural

Pitocin Is NOT the same as your body’s oxytocin!  It's not a "natural" hormone, it's a synthetically-created version of the natural hormone, but does not have the same effects on mother's or baby's body.

http://pregnancy.about.com/od/induction/a/pitocindiffers.htm

Babies Born Blue

Ever had a baby born blue?  Could it have been the Pitocin?  This is a very good in-depth article on the use of Pitocin and its complications, including babies being born blue, with a compressed cord, and other oxygen problems for the baby, often causing fetal distress during and immediately after labor.

http://www.natural-pregnancy-mentor.com/pitocin-induction.html

 

So why is the use of Pitocin so prevalent among hospitals?  In Pushed, Jennifer Block quotes Kathleen Rice Simpson, PhD and professor of nursing, "Most physicians were concerned with increasing the oxytocin rate to 'keep labor on track' and 'get her delivered.' They repeatedly used 'aggressive' to describe their preferred method of nurse administration of oxytocin."  

Block goes on to say, "One physician said, 'The main thing is to have a nurse who is not afraid of Pit, who can actively manage the labor and be aggressive in turning it up on a regular basis.'  Another remarked, 'When I hear I've got a nurse who will go up on the Pit, I know it's going to be a good day.' "

Yes, women, in the large majority of cases where Pitocin is being used, it is for the convenience of doctors.  Do not become a victim to a doctor's schedule!