Nipple stimulation how is it done

Pregnant women who have reached or are past their expected due date may use different methods of inducing labor, such as eating spicy foods, walking, acupuncture, exercising, or drinking certain beverages or teas. Nipple stimulation is also a proven option with evidence-based research behind it that you may want to discuss with your doctor. When attempting to spur labor, many women try to stimulate their nipples manually or by using a breast pump to induce labor. Pumping to induce labor, and any other at-home method of inducing labor, should only be tried if you are having a safe, low-risk pregnancy and are at or beyond your expected due date.

Be sure to communicate any questions to your doctor, especially if you are past your expected due date. Your physician should be aware that you are using your breast pump to induce labor, or if you are trying any other methods of labor induction at home, because he or she may recommend that you wait a little longer or may want you to be induced at the hospital.

When oxytocin is released from the brain, it often encourages uterine contractions. In fact, nipple and breast stimulation has even been shown to make these contractions longer and more powerful.

Before trying nipple stimulation—or any form of natural or at-home labor induction methods—consult with a healthcare professional. Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life.

Demirel G, Guler H. The effect of uterine and nipple stimulation on induction with oxytocin and the labor process: uterine and nipple stimulation. Worldviews on Evidence-Based Nursing. Hormone Health Network.

What is oxytocin? Updated November Johns Hopkins Medical. Inducing labor. Hodgson ZG, Latka P. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada. Molitoris J. Breast-feeding during pregnancy and the risk of miscarriage. Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health.

La Leche League International. Breastfeeding during pregnancy and tandem nursing. Kaiser Permanente. Prenatal breast care.

Effects of breast stimulation for spontaneous onset of labor on salivary oxytocin levels in low-risk pregnant women: A feasibility study. UT Southwestern Medical Center.

The truth about "natural" ways to induce labor. Updated April Cleveland Clinic. Truth or tale? Updated December 21, What natural ways to induce labor actually work? Updated May 4, Your Privacy Rights. To change or withdraw your consent choices for VerywellHealth. At any time, you can update your settings through the "EU Privacy" link at the bottom of any page.

These choices will be signaled globally to our partners and will not affect browsing data. We and our partners process data to: Actively scan device characteristics for identification. I Accept Show Purposes. Table of Contents View All. Table of Contents. Why Induce Labor? This may include: The pregnancy is past the due date. The pregnant person has risk factors such as high blood pressure or gestational diabetes. There are concerns with the baby's growth. There are concerns with the pregnancy such as low amniotic fluid, infection, or problems with the placenta.

Likelihood of Success Most healthcare providers agree that nipple stimulation only has the potential to be effective if the pregnant person's body is ready to give birth.

When to Call a Healthcare Provider Call your healthcare provider or go to the hospital if you experience any of the following either before, during, or after trying natural induction methods: You notice a change or reduction in the baby's movement seek immediate medical attention.

Your water breaks or leaks. But depending on your medical history, the method may or may not be safe for you to try. Rubbing or rolling your nipples helps the body release oxytocin. Oxytocin plays a role in arousal, initiating labor, and bonding between birthing parent and child. This hormone also makes the uterus contract after labor, helping it return to its pre-pregnancy size.

Stimulating the breasts may also help bring on full labor by making contractions stronger and longer. In fact, in medical inductions, healthcare professionals often use the drug Pitocin , which is a synthetic form of oxytocin.

In a study published in Worldviews on Evidence-Based Nursing , a group of Turkish pregnant women were randomly assigned to one of three groups during their labor: nipple stimulation, uterine stimulation, and control. The results were compelling. The women in the nipple stimulation group had the shortest durations of each phase of labor and delivery. According to the study, the average duration was 3. Even more interesting, none of the women in the nipple stimulation and uterine stimulation groups needed to have a cesarean delivery.

By comparison, many women in the control group needed other induction methods, like synthetic oxytocin, to get things going. Over 8 percent of women in the control group had a cesarean delivery. Before you get started, note that this method of labor stimulation is only recommended for low risk pregnancies. Its effects in late pregnancy can be powerful. On the other hand, light or occasional nipple stimulation during earlier pregnancy is not likely to bring on labor. In most research studies, the participants have used their fingers.

The areola is the dark circle that surrounds your actual nipple. When babies nurse, they massage the areola, not just the nipple itself. Use your fingers or palm to gently rub your nipple and areola through thin clothing or directly on the skin. You can also use an oil or lubricant on your nipple to make it more comfortable. It is possible to get too much of a good thing.

Follow these guidelines to prevent overstimulation:. Always speak with your doctor or midwife before using nipple stimulation to induce labor. You can also use nipple stimulation in combination with other natural labor-inducing techniques.

In the early stages of labor, these contractions may feel like dull pressure or mild discomfort in the lower part of your belly, your low back, or in your pelvis.