Book Review: Why Induction Matters by Rachel Reed
Title: Why Induction Matters
Author: Dr. Rachel Reed
Review by Laura Davis, Doula
Rachel Reed’s Why Induction Matters is a small but powerful guide that provides women with the tools and information they need to make informed decisions about labour induction. With around 33% of Australian women experiencing an induction (and an even higher rate for first-time mothers), this book couldn’t be more timely. Reed helps demystify the process, explores the pros and cons, and empowers women to choose the best path for their birth experience.
Chapter 1: Making Decisions About Induction
The book kicks off with a fundamental question: why is induction being suggested for you? Reed starts by encouraging readers to ask themselves important questions—what are the reasons behind it, what are the risks, and what are the alternatives? She gives clear guidance on where to look for reliable information, such as Cochrane reviews and evidence-based guidelines. What’s most important, though, is Reed’s emphasis that the decision is yours to make—not your care provider’s. This chapter is all about giving you the confidence to make an informed choice that aligns with your own values and circumstances.
Chapter 2: Complications in Pregnancy
In Chapter 2, Reed dives into the medical reasons why induction might be recommended, exploring various complications like high blood pressure, pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, and growth restrictions. She doesn’t just stick to the clinical facts; Reed also shares personal stories from women who have experienced these complications. It’s a great balance between the medical side of things and the human experience, providing context to each condition and what induction might look like in these situations.
Chapter 3: Variations of Pregnancy
Not all pregnancies follow the same path, and Chapter 3 explores some of the variations that might lead to an induction, such as post-dates pregnancies, VBACs (vaginal births after caesarean), and pregnancies involving multiple babies or suspected big babies. Reed unpacks the reasons why an induction might be suggested in these cases and offers an honest look at what you might face. This chapter provides valuable insights into the challenges and nuances of different pregnancy scenarios and helps you understand when induction may or may not be necessary.
Chapter 4: Spontaneous Labour
This chapter is a beautiful reminder of how the body is designed to prepare for labour naturally. Reed explains how, when left to unfold in its own time, spontaneous labour is a deeply interconnected process, with the body and hormones working in harmony to bring about birth. She discusses the key roles of hormones like oxytocin, which triggers uterine contractions, and prostaglandins, which help soften and ripen the cervix. The cervix, uterus, and baby all work together to create a series of coordinated responses that gradually lead to the onset of labour.
Reed also highlights how each woman’s body prepares differently, with labour often beginning when the baby and mother are both ready. This chapter shows you what might happen when you wait for labour to begin spontaneously, allowing birth to unfold in its own time.
Chapter 5: Medical Induction: Ripening the Cervix and Breaking the Waters
When induction becomes necessary, it typically starts with efforts to ripen the cervix. In this chapter, Reed explains the different methods for cervical ripening, from prostaglandins to mechanical options like balloon catheters. She also covers artificial rupture of membranes (ARM), where the amniotic sac is broken to stimulate labour. Reed offers a detailed, accessible guide to what each of these methods involves, giving you a solid understanding of what to expect if you’re facing an induction.
Chapter 6: Medical Induction: Inducing Contractions
Now it’s time to talk about syntocinon (synthetic oxytocin), a key player in many inductions. Reed breaks down how syntocinon is used to induce or strengthen contractions and compares it to the body’s natural oxytocin. While this chapter is more technical, it’s still easy to follow. Reed goes over the risks associated with syntocinon—like uterine hyperstimulation, a higher chance of caesarean, malposition of the baby, and perineal tearing. She also talks about the cascade of interventions that often follow an induction, such as continuous monitoring and IV fluids, so you know exactly what to expect if you go down this route.
Chapter 7: Alternative Methods of Induction
In Chapter 7, Reed explores the many so-called “natural” methods of inducing labour, such as acupuncture, castor oil, and walking. She’s quick to point out that there’s limited evidence supporting the effectiveness of these methods. While these techniques might sound appealing, Reed encourages readers to approach them with caution, acknowledging that many of these methods are backed by poor-quality or sparse research.
Chapter 8: Creating a Birth Plan for Medical Induction
The final chapter is all about crafting a birth plan that suits your needs and preferences, especially when induction is part of the equation. Reed walks you through how to structure your birth plan, covering everything from choosing your pain management options to deciding how you want to handle unexpected changes during labour. She suggests using tools like the BRAINS acronym to make decisions, and she provides a thorough breakdown of what to think about for each step of the induction process—from cervical ripening to syntocinon use, and even how to approach the first hours after birth.
Why Induction Matters is an essential read for any woman who might be considering or facing an induction. Rachel Reed strikes a perfect balance between the medical facts, emotional experiences, and evidence-based information. Her empowering approach ensures that women can make an informed decision about their birth, based on the best available evidence and their personal values.
As Reed so aptly puts it, “It is important that individual women’s needs are prioritised over health professionals’ routine preferences and recommendations” (p.152). This book is a timely reminder that every woman deserves to have her voice heard and her choices respected during one of the most significant moments of her life.
The way a woman experiences her birth can have a profound impact on her journey into motherhood. When a woman comes out of her birth experience feeling empowered, informed, and supported, it can lay a strong foundation for the rest of her mothering journey. Why Induction Matters gives women the facts they need to ensure their birth experience is one where they feel heard, respected, and in control—ultimately setting the stage for a positive transition into motherhood.
My name is Laura Davis, and I am a qualified doula who has completed training at the Doula Training Academy, and I service the Brisbane area. If you would like more information about my doula services, please contact me:
Phone:
0408 444 635
Email:
[email protected]