Nipple Stimulation to Induce Labor?

The advice to use nipple stimulation to induce labor is a popular one and has been used for centuries.

This stimulation of your nipples brings about the release of oxytocin - the natural form of pitocin - and a hormone which induces contractions. These contractions will only lead to labor IF your body is ready to go into labor in the first place. This is the reason why moms can - and do - nurse another child throughout a pregnancy without going into premature labor.

Nipple stimulation can also help a labor which has stalled.

You should use some caution though. Nipple stimulation has the potential for hyperstimulating your uterus. This means that your uterus - and therefore your baby - gets too little rest in between your contractions. This in turn can lead to your baby not receiving enough oxygen and going into distress. Use caution! Do not try to ever induce labor for convenience!

A Guide to Nipple Stimulation to Induce Labor

1. Always massage one breast at a time! This will help to prevent hyperstimulation.

2. Grasp your areola and rub in a circular motion until some contractions begin. Then stop! More is not better!

3. Wait 15 to 20 minutes and then repeat with the other breast IF it is necessary.

4. Do not stimulate your breast during a contraction!

Notes:

Nipple stimulation can also make your nipple raw and sensitive which will affect your nursing relationship once your baby is born.

Stop using nipple stimulation if your contractions are 3 minutes apart and/or are 1 minute in duration.

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