Is Pitocin Safe?
Do you know the dangers of Pitocin and the side effects that Pitocin can have on you and your baby?
Pitocin is a synthetic form of a natural hormone called Oxytocin that is produced by the Pituitary Gland.
Empower Yourself with Knowledge.
Pregnancy and childbirth is natural.
Childbirth is now scheduled for convenience.
Did you know C-Section is the #1 surgery in the US and Hysterectomy is #2? Why? Doesn't that information seem alarming?
My Thoughts about Pitocin
Ladies do not be afraid to ask your doctors more questions so you are aware of what is being put into your body and why. We need to be informed so we have a choice and can make an educated decision!
My intentions with this website are:
To encourage a discourse
To inspire education and educate
To let women know they are not alone
To share my story
To prevent future stories like mine
I think there can be a change in thought if we are all educated about our bodies.
There is a positive side to Pitocin. It can be beneficial in some cases. The internet is filled with reasons why you should use Pitocin. But do you know all the reasons why you should NOT use Pitocin? In most cases this drug is NOT being used out of necessity.
Pitocin is the new option a drug of convenience. We have to ask ourselves what is right for us and our babies. Should labor be induced for convenience? Why did women stop listening to their bodies? Have we become so disconnected from nature?
There are real dangers. Just a few of the contradictions include infant brain damage, postpartum hemorrhage, and uterine rupture. (and autism is speculated by some...see links)
My BirthStory
My first child was due on Wednesday, October 26, 1995. I was 24 years old and in perfect health. After going to the doctor that day, I was only dilated to .5 cm. He decided to induce me on Friday, October 28, 1995 - just two days later. Being my first child, I read many books to educate myself as to what was happening with my body and what to expect from labor. I had total trust in my doctor...I mean, he was the expert, right? All the books I read stated nothing about the contradictions of pitocin, only that contractions could be severly painful.I arrived at the hospital at 6:30 am, by 7:00 am I was hooked up to the pit drip and as comfortable as I could get in my bed. At noon, they decided to start the epidural, I had dilated a little and they wanted to go ahead and break my water. I noticed that there was a problem using the normal water breaking tool and he had to cut it. This worried me a bit...but I reassured myself that it was fine.
My first child was due on Wednesday, October 26, 1995. I was 24 years old and in perfect health. After going to the doctor that day, I was only dilated to .5 cm. He decided to induce me on Friday, October 28, 1995 - just two days later.
Being my first child, I read many books to educate myself as to what was happening with my body and what to expect from labor. I had total trust in my doctor...I mean, he was the expert, right? All the books I read stated nothing about the contradictions of pitocin, only that contractions could be severly painful.
I arrived at the hospital at 6:30 am, by 7:00 am I was hooked up to the pit drip and as comfortable as I could get in my bed. At noon, they decided to start the epidural, I had dilated a little and they wanted to go ahead and break my water. I noticed that there was a problem using the normal water breaking tool and he had to cut it. This worried me a bit...but I reassured myself that it was fine.
Labor proceeded on very, very slowly. Later that evening, the doctor came in and told the nurse to up my pit drip. She refused saying I had been on the highest dosage all day. By 11:00 pm, I had not dilated any more than 5cm, I was stuck. My doctor decided a C-Section was the way to go. So they wheeled me away- into my nightmare. I'd like to say at this point, that I was never given a break from the Pitocin. I had a constant drip from 7:00 am until around midnight. I don't know if they stopped it at that point or not.All was wonderful in the operating room...morale was high, the radio was playing - everyone smiling. My boyfriend watched intensely as they sliced open my abdomen to retrieve our baby. Meanwhile, I was mostly preoccupied with trying to sway the curtain blocking my view with one of my hands that was tied to the table. I wanted to see my baby.
Labor proceeded on very, very slowly. Later that evening, the doctor came in and told the nurse to up my pit drip. She refused saying I had been on the highest dosage all day. By 11:00 pm, I had not dilated any more than 5cm, I was stuck. My doctor decided a C-Section was the way to go.
So they wheeled me away- into my nightmare.
I'd like to say at this point, that I was never given a break from the Pitocin. I had a constant drip from 7:00 am until around midnight. I don't know if they stopped it at that point or not.
All was wonderful in the operating room...morale was high, the radio was playing - everyone smiling. My boyfriend watched intensely as they sliced open my abdomen to retrieve our baby. Meanwhile, I was mostly preoccupied with trying to sway the curtain blocking my view with one of my hands that was tied to the table. I wanted to see my baby.
I had planned for my mother to video, but when the doctor called for a C-Section, he refused to let more than one person in or let anyone tape the surgery. After a little pressure, there she was - a beautiful 9lb, 2oz baby girl with a full head of dark hair! Within minutes they were rushing my baby (after letting me get one quick glance at her) along with my boyfriend out of the room. The music stopped and panic struck the faces of all I could see. Something was wrong. The doctor yelled at the nurses to get more blood and to find another doctor. I was hemorrhaging. My uterus was described as a sponge, every time he squeezed to get it to contract down...it would bleed. The doctor repeatedly told me I needed an emergency hysterectomy or I would die. Again and again he asked the nurses to verify my answer. What was I supposed to say at this point? I said okay...I can't breathe.
I had planned for my mother to video, but when the doctor called for a C-Section, he refused to let more than one person in or let anyone tape the surgery. After a little pressure, there she was - a beautiful 9lb, 2oz baby girl with a full head of dark hair!
Within minutes they were rushing my baby (after letting me get one quick glance at her) along with my boyfriend out of the room. The music stopped and panic struck the faces of all I could see. Something was wrong. The doctor yelled at the nurses to get more blood and to find another doctor. I was hemorrhaging. My uterus was described as a sponge, every time he squeezed to get it to contract down...it would bleed. The doctor repeatedly told me I needed an emergency hysterectomy or I would die. Again and again he asked the nurses to verify my answer. What was I supposed to say at this point? I said okay...I can't breathe.
I cocked my head back to see the double doors behind me, and found a nurse holding my mother's shaking hand to a paper - signing away what hope I had for any more children. She was crying...and so was I. She was so upset that I might hate her, but how could I? She had just saved my life.I couldn't breathe, even with the oxygen mask. They were using every good vein in my body for tubes and needles. Then a tube was placed in my neck. I could feel the cold blood going into my veins (6 units to be exact) but at that point, I didn't really care...I just couldn't breathe. So they paralyzed me - or that is what they called it.I awoke to darkness - trapped in my head. Conscious, but physically frozen. I could hear voices, my family crying - feel my boyfriends tears streaming down my left arm, but I couldn't say anything. The doctor proceeded to tell my family that I may not live...and if I did I might be brain damaged, have respiratory problems, and the list goes on.
I cocked my head back to see the double doors behind me, and found a nurse holding my mother's shaking hand to a paper - signing away what hope I had for any more children. She was crying...and so was I. She was so upset that I might hate her, but how could I? She had just saved my life.
I couldn't breathe, even with the oxygen mask. They were using every good vein in my body for tubes and needles. Then a tube was placed in my neck. I could feel the cold blood going into my veins (6 units to be exact) but at that point, I didn't really care...I just couldn't breathe. So they paralyzed me - or that is what they called it.
I awoke to darkness - trapped in my head. Conscious, but physically frozen. I could hear voices, my family crying - feel my boyfriends tears streaming down my left arm, but I couldn't say anything. The doctor proceeded to tell my family that I may not live...and if I did I might be brain damaged, have respiratory problems, and the list goes on.
Around 5:30 am I regained full consciousness, trying to breathe on my own, but choking on the endotracheal tube they had inserted into my lungs. They removed it, and my grandmother came in first to access the damage. I noticed my hand looked as though someone had blown me up, no creases, no knuckles...I can just imagine how I must have looked. The nurses were wonderful in ICU. When I was in pain and crying, the male nurse that was caring for me, comforted me and was very understanding. I am so thankful for his kindness. The nurses at the nursery had dressed my baby and tied a pink bow in her hair. They took pictures of her and brought them to ICU so I could see her. After 3 more units of blood in ICU, I had a miracle recovery. Around 7:00 pm, I was taken to the high risk floor in the Women's Hospital. I was put on respiratory exercises to clear the fluid in my lungs. The next day, I was moved to a regular room.
Around 5:30 am I regained full consciousness, trying to breathe on my own, but choking on the
endotracheal tube they had inserted into my lungs. They removed it, and my grandmother came in first to access the damage. I noticed my hand looked as though someone had blown me up, no creases, no knuckles...I can just imagine how I must have looked.
The nurses were wonderful in ICU. When I was in pain and crying, the male nurse that was caring for me, comforted me and was very understanding. I am so thankful for his kindness. The nurses at the nursery had dressed my baby and tied a pink bow in her hair. They took pictures of her and brought them to ICU so I could see her.
After 3 more units of blood in ICU, I had a miracle recovery. Around 7:00 pm, I was taken to the high risk floor in the Women's Hospital. I was put on respiratory exercises to clear the fluid in my lungs. The next day, I was moved to a regular room.
The doctor came in and removed the draining tubes that were inserted into my abdomen and had me screaming in pain. My doctor told me the results of the lab test on my uterus - it was perfectly healthy, nothing wrong with it. He said... at least you have one child. I was released from the hospital on Tuesday, October 31, 1995. (which I thought was a little too quick)A nurse told my family before I left that a woman just two weeks before - had died of the same exact thing.I am very thankful for my daughter. God gave me a beautiful, intelligent, and funny little angel...she is the pride and the joy of my life. After discussing the events with my family, I was told the doctor came in from the surgery and fell to the floor crying. When he came to my room to check on me, he just stared, didn't really say anything except - you aren't supposed to be here.
The doctor came in and removed the draining tubes that were inserted into my abdomen and had me screaming in pain. My doctor told me the results of the lab test on my uterus - it was perfectly healthy, nothing wrong with it. He said... at least you have one child. I was released from the hospital on Tuesday, October 31, 1995. (which I thought was a little too quick)
A nurse told my family before I left that a woman just two weeks before -
had died of the same exact thing.
I am very thankful for my daughter. God gave me a beautiful, intelligent, and funny little angel...she is the pride and the joy of my life.
After discussing the events with my family, I was told the doctor came in from the surgery and fell to the floor crying. When he came to my room to check on me, he just stared, didn't really say anything except - you aren't supposed to be here.
This leads me to my sister's story. (which will explain how I found out what happened to my uterus)June 2nd, 2000 - she arrived at the hospital at 7:00 am, she was induced with Pitocin shortly after. We were all terrified. The nurse couldn't understand our concern. We do this everyday, she said, we induced 6 today. She went on to say that after 12 hours or so on Pitocin, they stop the drip and give the uterus a break because it can become saturated and will not work properly. (Food for thought, in fact, it's a feast!) We told her of my experience and she was horrified.My sister was on Pitocin until 8pm and only dilated to 6cm. (she was 2cm when she entered the hospital) They decided it was time to give the uterus a break. Within one hour after they took her off the drip, she had dilated on her own to 10cm and was ready to push. If they would have kept her on the drip, I believe she would have suffered a much longer labor, a C-Section, or even ended up like me.
This leads me to my sister's story. (which will explain how I found out what happened to my uterus)
June 2nd, 2000 - she arrived at the hospital at 7:00 am, she was induced with Pitocin shortly after. We were all terrified. The nurse couldn't understand our concern. We do this everyday, she said, we induced 6 today. She went on to say that after 12 hours or so on Pitocin, they stop the drip and give the uterus a break because it can become saturated and will not work properly. (Food for thought, in fact, it's a feast!)
We told her of my experience and she was horrified.
My sister was on Pitocin until 8pm and only dilated to 6cm. (she was 2cm when she entered the
hospital) They decided it was time to give the uterus a break. Within one hour after they took her off the drip, she had dilated on her own to 10cm and was ready to push. If they would have kept her on the drip, I believe she would have suffered a much longer labor, a C-Section, or even ended up like me.
(It's proven that there is a higher rate of C-Section with Pitocin, Pitocin is also known to cause postpartum hemorrhaging and rupturing of the uterus when given in excess amounts, among other things.)At 9:48 pm, she delivered a beautiful, healthy baby boy. I have asked many doctors to explain what happened to me. I want some answers. But all say, it happens, and are quick to change the subject. I have found that doctors won't discuss other doctors. They have some sort of code of silence. I found my own answers . I just really wanted someone to be accountable for their actions and admit error.I could have left my bad birth experience as fate, but 3 1/2 years later I started bleeding. I went to the ER thinking I was hemorrhaging again! But it was a period! WHAT?? The doc had left about an inch of my uterus intact. My hormones are crazy and everyone wants to put me on antidepressants!
(It's proven that there is a higher rate of C-Section with Pitocin, Pitocin is also known to cause postpartum hemorrhaging and rupturing of the uterus when given in excess amounts, among other things.)
At 9:48 pm, she delivered a beautiful, healthy baby boy.
I have asked many doctors to explain what happened to me. I want some answers. But all say, it happens, and are quick to change the subject. I have found that doctors won't discuss other doctors. They have some sort of code of silence. I found my own answers . I just really wanted someone to be accountable for their actions and admit error.
I could have left my bad birth experience as fate, but 3 1/2 years later I started bleeding. I went to the ER thinking I was hemorrhaging again! But it was a period! WHAT?? The doc had left about an inch of my uterus intact. My hormones are crazy and everyone wants to put me on antidepressants!
They put me on birth control pills to regulate my new period and hormones, even though I can't get pregnant. I will not take them. I loved the feeling of being pregnant - someone took that from me, I love children and wanted more - someone made my choice for me also. Why wasn't I told about the risks of this drug?The statute of limitations for medical malpractice in Tennessee is 1 year after the discovery of a wrong and it has to be within 3 years of the date of occurance. Well, I think this law sucks (pardon my language) and should be changed. My body wasn't just affected for 1 to 3 years, it has and will affect my whole life. It will affect the choices I make, or lack of choices. It will and has already affected my mental, physical, and emotional state. I never forget it - everyday it is there.
They put me on birth control pills to regulate my new period and hormones, even though I can't get pregnant. I will not take them.
I loved the feeling of being pregnant - someone took that from me, I love children and wanted more - someone made my choice for me also.
Why wasn't I told about the risks of this drug?
The statute of limitations for medical malpractice in Tennessee is 1 year after the discovery of a wrong and it has to be within 3 years of the date of occurance. Well, I think this law sucks (pardon my language) and should be changed.
My body wasn't just affected for 1 to 3 years, it has and will affect my whole life. It will affect the choices I make, or lack of choices. It will and has already affected my mental, physical, and
emotional state. I never forget it - everyday it is there.
I have learned to live with it. I accept and appreciate what God has given me.Time has helped me forgive a person for being careless and negligent with my life and my child's life. I hope this doctor learned a great lesson from his mistake. I understand that doctors are people and people make mistakes. It is a shame when a doctor does not see that and will not take responsiblility for his/her actions.To close, I would like to thank you if you made it all the way through my story. I appreciated you taking the time to read it. (I prewarned you that I was long-winded!) I would also like to invite you to share your story on my board. With all of my heart, thank you again.
I have learned to live with it. I accept and appreciate what God has given me.
Time has helped me forgive a person for being careless and negligent with my life and my child's life.
I hope this doctor learned a great lesson from his mistake. I understand that doctors are people and people make mistakes. It is a shame when a doctor does not see that and will not take responsiblility for his/her actions.
To close, I would like to thank you if you made it all the way through my story. I appreciated you taking the time to read it. (I prewarned you that I was long-winded!) I would also like to invite you to share your story on my board.
With all of my heart, thank you again.
Let me start off by saying...this is an emotional subject for me. I 'm long winded! So, if you have a few minutes, please read my story. I also want to encourage anyone with a similar story or anyone who thinks that they were given too much Pitocin to please post your story on the forum. I would like to read it and I know there are other women out there who would also.Please click the corner of the book to open it and flip the pages.
Let me start off by saying...this is an emotional subject for me. I 'm long winded! So, if you have a few minutes, please read my story. I also want to encourage anyone with a similar story or anyone who thinks that they were given too much Pitocin to please post your story on the forum. I would like to read it and I know there are other women out there who would also.
Please click the corner of the book to open it and flip the pages.
Thank
You
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Welcome to the Links Page.
Here you will find links to other websites that include birthstories, pitocin facts, autism, c-section, etc.
Click on the pink title to visit the site.
If you have any links that you would like me to post, please use the contact page! Thanks.
What is Pitocin?
Pitocin is the trademark name that King Pharmaceuticals uses for its synthetic oxytocin. It is a clear liquid that is injected into an intravenous drip. Artificial oxytocin can also be found under the name syntocinon or generic oxytocin.
Oxytocin is one of the hormones that plays a part in the labor process. Injecting your body with synthetic oxytocin is expected to cause uterine contractions. It may be used to start labor, speed up a slow labor, or to cause the uterus to clamp down and stop bleeding after your baby and placenta are born.
Oxytocin is a love hormone. It is released during breastfeeding and by both males and females during orgasm. Oxytocin is one of the hormones responsible for the loving bonds that form between people.
Pitocin Drug Label
Read these contradictions... and if you can click on the pdf link to the full 5 pages. Always enlightening!
Massage Today
March, 2006, Vol. 06, Issue 03
The Truth About Pitocin
By Elaine Stillerman, LMT
There is a little publicly known law in New York (Public Health Law, Section 2503), passed in 1978, that requires all physicians and midwives to fully disclose and require informed consent from laboring women regarding the use of all drugs during labor and delivery.
OXYTOCIN
This is a great site with lots of articles on Oxytocin. You will learn a great deal about how it works and not just in childbirth!!
Pregnancy Today
Pushing Pitocin
The Pros and Cons of Pitocin Use After Delivery
By Shannon McKelden
Often used to induce or speed up labor (after consent from the mom-to-be), Pitocin (oxytocin) is more and more routinely being used after delivery, sometimes without explanation or discussion. So what is the purpose of Pitocin post delivery? And more important, what are the pros and cons of this drug's use?
Research Autism
Oxytocin also appears to play a key role in social behaviour and social understanding. For example, it helps to regulate sexual behaviour, mother-infant and adult-adult pair-bond formation and social memory/recognition. It has also been implicated in repetitive behaviours and stress reactivity.
Some people believe that individuals with autism, and a wide range of other conditions, have abnormal levels of oxytocin. They also believe that some of the problems faced by those individuals can be treated by taking oxytocin, either by injecting or by inhaling it.
June 22, 2009
Hospitals Use Too Much Oxytocin During Labor
An Ohio study found that, as the use of oxytocin (or Pitocin) to speed up labor was reduced, medical outcomes for mothers and babies improved.
According to Elsevier Global Medical News, Boonshoft School of Medicine at Wright State University in Dayton nearly halved its number of emergency C-sections in a three-year period by reducing its use of oxytocin...
Autism/Pitocin article
To Whom It May Concern:
Public health authorities have identified an enormous increase in the incidence of childhood autism. In California, the number of kids receiving state services for autistic disorders has nearly quadrupled since 1987...
Babycenter.com Discussion Board:
Is there a link between pitocin induction and autism?
Here people from the babycenter.com community answer this question.
Something to think about: Labor starts - Oxytocin talks to the babys Oxytocin telling it that the time has come!
Now...this is just a question that I have. It seems like a sensible question. Who can answer it?
When a woman is induced she is given a synthetic form of Gods perfect natural hormone. This is not natural and we all know the consequences of synthetics in our society today. Could the Pitocin be an overload for the babys little brain...causing a malfunction in the normal production of Oxytocin after the baby is born?
I also wonder if it could be effecting the mothers as well. There are many woman who experience a difference in social behavior and memory after having been induced with Pitocin.
Go to the Forum to join the discussion!
July 1, 2007
Vol. 3 No. 7
Oxytocin, Pitocin, and Autism: Researchers Wrestle With Links
Myra Partridge
An imbalance in blood levels of oxytocin may be associated with certain forms of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). . .
Is Pitocin Safe Birthstories
www.positivebirthstories.com
www.thelaboroflove.com
www.childbirth.org
www.birthdiaries.com
The C-section Epidemic
More women are dying in childbirth thanks to the high numbers of doctors and mothers who opt out of normal delivery.
By Jennifer Block
September 24, 2007
Pre-term births are on the rise. Nearly one-third of women have major abdominal surgery to give birth. And compared with other industrialized countries, the United States ranks second-to-last in infant survival. For years, these numbers have suggested something is terribly amiss in delivery wards. Now there is even more compelling evidence that the U.S. maternity care system is failing: For the first time in decades, the number of women dying in childbirth has increased....
HERS Foundation
An informational website about the female reproductive system and Hysterectomy.
Please view the informative video
and buy their book - I have read it and it is excellent and eye-opening.
As an artist, I feel art can be used in many ways including healing and educating. My goal is to encourage deep thought about this subject. The background is a digital collage titled "Uterus,Where Art Thou?".
In May of 2009, I graduated with a BFA.
My senior show is featured on
The Hers Foundation Website.
Please take a look at their website - it offers valuable information that every woman should know about her uterus. While you are there please take a look in the art gallery at my show or you can visit my direct site.
www.utearusout.com
Some images in the show may be viewed as graphic, they are about hysterectomy which is a violent act. They coincide with this image below.
www.hersfoundation.org
Contact: ispitocinsafe_gmail.com © 2009 Is Pitocin Safe? All Rights Reserved
