[Birth Stories] Two (Non-Epidural) Inductions: With And Without The Fetal Ejection Reflex

Given that Pitocin contractions can be so intense, most people who have inductions also tend to have epidurals – but not Meredith Finch! Listen as she shares with Adriana how her preparation, flexibility, the crucial support from her husband and her doula, and a profound emotional release with her care provider helped her through her two inductions, ultimately letting her experience the fetal ejection reflex.

Related resources*:

• Meredith’s Labor Chill and Labor Jams Spotify playlists.
• Transformed by Birth, by Britta Bushnell
• Spinning Babies website
• Evidence on: Premature Rupture of Membranes, Evidence Based Birth
• The Evidence on: Group B Strep, Evidence Based Birth
• Blessed Journey website, home of Meredith’s “amazing” doula, Jennesse
• Chris and Becca Boudoir website (Meredith loved her maternity boudoir photos from them!)

Related Birthful episodes:

• The Induction Process
• Rethinking The Pushing Stage
• [Postpartum] Hemorrhages Explained
• What Cultural Ideals Will Shape Your Birth Experience?
• Why Your Team Isn’t Complete Without A Doula
• How Long Should You Wait To Clamp The Cord?

Image description: Meredith Finch, a white-presenting person with long brown hair, is smiling at the camera

About Meredith Finch

Meredith is a mother of two, living in Longmeadow, Massachusetts with her kids, husband Joe, and dog Poppy. She had her first child, Teddy, in 2021, followed by her daughter AJ in 2023. Outside of being a mother, Meredith is often disappearing into a fantasy book, devouring a big bowl of pasta – or, if she’s lucky, managing to sneak off to the dance studio to take class.