Can Nipple Stimulation Help in Inducing Labor Naturally? 

There is no doubt that a pregnant woman gets too uncomfortable, anxious, and exhausted at the end of her pregnancy. It is quite natural to get curious and look out for natural ways to induce labor when you are eagerly waiting for your due date or have already surpassed your 40th week of happy, healthy, and normal pregnancy. Some ways can do wonders but for that, you need your doctor’s approval first. Practicing nipple stimulation is one of the most effective methods to naturally induce labor for a pregnant woman who is ready to give birth.

Is inducing safe at home?

Most women who exceed their due date try some or the other method of inducing labour at home. But it’s important to consult your doctor before trying these natural methods of inducing labour. Especially women with a high-risk pregnancy should avoid inducing labour at home.

Evidence for stimulating the nipples

According to a study conducted in 2015, a group of women were assigned different methods of inducing labour: nipple stimulation and uterine stimulation and some were asked to control. As per the results, the group who practised nipple stimulation had the shortest duration of each phase of labour and delivery. Let’s understand the science behind the efficacy of nipple stimulation as a labour inducing method.

Can nipple stimulation induce labor?

Nipple stimulation during pregnancy releases a hormone called oxytocin which causes contractions in the uterus and induces labor. Practicing nipple stimulation in a high-risk pregnancy can be risky and must be avoided. Some women prefer to manually massage the nipples whereas others prefer a breast pump.

If you have another person such as a nursing child or a partner, then they can help in stimulation by sucking the nipples. Nipple stimulation is one of the non-medical ways to start the process of labor whereas in the hospital a drug called Pitocin is given to a pregnant woman which helps in releasing the oxytocin hormone.

If any of the natural methods like nipple stimulation, exercise, sexual intercourse, spicy foods, etc. doesn’t help in inducing labor, then the doctor might give you a synthetic version of the oxytocin i.e., Pitocin.

Before trying any new technique to naturally induce labor, you must learn its advantages and disadvantages from your Obstetrician and Gynecologist. Consulting a trusted medical professional will help you learn the entire process and depending on your medical history he/she will guide you on whether this method is safe for you or not.

How to do nipple stimulation at home?

Before starting nipple stimulation at home, you must ensure that your pregnancy is normal and your doctor has guided you well:

• Massage one areola (dark skin around the nipple) at one time to avoid overstimulation.

• Gently roll the nipple by using your thumb and forefinger.

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• Gently pull the nipple downwards or your partner can gently suck it or can orally lick it.

• After the erection of the nipple, continue doing stimulation for a minute.

• If you experience any kind of discomfort or pain you must stop doing stimulation.

• Stop the process for a few minutes and then move on to the other nipple.

• Keep taking breaks for a few minutes while shifting from one nipple to the other and do not exceed the time limit of 15 minutes.

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Similar to the manual method, a breast pump also helps the release of oxytocin in your body. Pumping your breasts may release colostrum (milk produced by the mammary glands) and that is a natural process because your body is gearing up for childbirth. Nipple play may help in releasing oxytocin and it also helps in building a bond between you and your spouse. If you are already a mother then you must ensure that you are breastfeeding your little one as and when required.

Precautions to follow before trying nipple stimulation during pregnancy

Before trying nipple stimulation to induce labor you must ensure that:

• Either your due date is nearby or has already passed.

• Instead of taking any drug as prescribed by your doctor, you want to naturally induce the process of labor.

• The position of the baby is head down.

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• No sort of pregnancy complications is there like placenta previa or uterine cord prolapse.

• If your doctor has recommended.

Additional labor-inducing methods

You can also try some other methods to induce labor naturally in conjunction with nipple stimulation. It’s safe to try these methods once you have crossed your due date and have the approval of your doctor:

• Exercising

• Having intercourse

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• Eating spicy foods

• Going for a bumpy car ride

• Using evening primrose oil

Is 37 Weeks of Pregnancy a Safe Age for Nipple Stimulation?

Doctors recommend trying labor inducing methods such as nipple stimulation after 37 weeks of pregnancy. However, it’s recommended that you consult your doctor before you try any labor inducing method, especially if you had or have a high-risk pregnancy.

When to see a doctor?

When you are near active labor you will experience strong contractions in the uterus and if you notice that your water has broken or any kind of vaginal discharge, then without wasting any further time you should go see your doctor and make arrangements to move to the hospital.

FAQs

How long should I nipple stimulate?

You should practice nipple stimulation for 5 minutes and then take a 15-minute break before resuming it.

Does nipple stimulation work?

Nipple stimulation helps to produce oxytocin in the body which causes contractions and induces labor.