Nipple stimulation is the act of twisting, rubbing, or sucking on the nipple to trigger contractions and labor. This is a technique that is commonly performed as part of the natural birth process. The goal is to release oxytocin, a hormone that generally controls the birth of a baby. You can stimulate the nipples manually with your hands or with the help of a breast pump. Before starting, it is highly recommended to consult a doctor or midwife.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Obtaining Medical Expert Approval
Step 1. Write a list of questions for your doctor or midwife
After deciding to use induction, take a piece of paper and make a list of the concerns or questions that are on your mind. Study and pick up the top five questions to ask a doctor.
For example, ask, "What are the potential dangers of trying nipple stimulation before HPL?"
Step 2. Consult your midwife or doctor
When you see your midwife or doctor, talk about whether they think nipple stimulation is the right option. Listen to their advice carefully. In the majority of situations, your doctor will advise you to wait until you are at least 40 weeks pregnant before trying stimulation.
- You can say, "When should I consider natural induction methods?" Or ask, "Have doctors ever read any research suggesting nipple stimulation?"
- Remember that you can always make another doctor's appointment if you need extra time.
- There are situations when a doctor or midwife recommends nipple stimulation (along with other methods of induction) for the good of the fetus. For example, nipple stimulation is recommended if you are more than 42 weeks pregnant and the placenta is less efficient at providing nutrients or if you have complications, such as preeclampsia, that may pose a risk to the baby.
Step 3. Make sure your body is healthy and ready to give birth
Nipple stimulation is generally most appropriate for women who are showing early signs of labor, such as cervical effacement. You can ask your doctor or midwife to check and advise on the likelihood of success.
- Even if your doctor says there's no problem, pay attention to your body's cues to do so. If at any point you feel uncomfortable, take a break.
- For some high-risk cases, the mother's body may feel ready, but the baby can't stand the stress of labor that is triggered. For example, nipple stimulation can cause a baby's heartbeat to be abnormal under some conditions. If your pregnancy is high risk, do so with caution.
Step 4. Decide if you want to try another method
To increase the chances of success, ask your doctor about trying several methods of induction at the same time. Non-drug induction options include walks, sexual intercourse, castor oil, herbal concoctions, and enemas.
- Be aware that some of these methods get tentative approval by the medical authorities in healthy pregnancies (sexual intercourse) while others (castor oil) are somewhat dubious.
- You can also inquire about stripping the membrane, which should be done by a doctor or other qualified healthcare practitioner.
Step 5. Make a commitment to closely monitor progress
Be prepared to hear advice from your doctor or midwife about the type of monitoring during nipple stimulation efforts. You may need to be connected to a fetal heart rate monitor while at home or have stimulation at the clinic.
Method 2 of 3: Starting the Stimulation Process
Step 1. Place the phone near you
The contractions caused by nipple stimulation are sometimes rapid and very strong for some women. Stimulation sessions need to be done with a partner or with a cell phone ready for an emergency. So you can get help if you need it during/after the process.
Step 2. Wear clothes made of soft and light, or remove the clothes completely
For stimulation to be effective, you must be able to access your breasts unhindered. When you're ready to start, go to a private place and arrange your clothes so you're comfortable. Be aware that according to some women, wearing a bra (especially underwire bras) affects blood flow and reduces the response to stimulation.
Step 3. Start massaging one breast
Start by placing the areola (the dark area around the nipple) between your thumb and forefinger. Gently massage and rotate the areola, moving slowly toward the nipple. When it reaches the nipple, you can pull or massage it.
- One of the purposes of stimulation is to imitate a baby's sucking. That's why you need to massage only one breast at a time. If both direct, the body's system will overreact. Alternating massage is expected to trigger the body to release oxytocin like when breastfeeding.
- Another way of massage is to cup one hand on the areola and nipple, and the other hand cupping the outer edge of the breast. Then, both hands work together to massage the entire breast area.
- Massage the other breast after the one nipple has stood for a full minute.
Step 4. Repeat this process with the other breast
It's best to wait 2 to 4 minutes before starting this process again with the untouched side of the breast. The whole massage takes a maximum of 15 to 20 minutes. It is recommended that you repeat the massage a maximum of three times a day.
Step 5. Proceed with caution if you feel a contraction
The purpose of nipple stimulation is to induce labor, but not directly to intense contractions. It will only put stress on you and the baby. Therefore, if you feel a contraction, stop massaging until the contractions stop. If you choose to continue the massage after a contraction, do so with caution and stop completely if the contractions last more than a minute or if they are 3 minutes apart.
- If you want to continue massaging after the contractions have started, do so under the guidance of a medical professional.
- Realize that at this point, your baby may be overstimulated if you don't monitor his heart rate.
Method 3 of 3: Increase Chances of Success
Step 1. Have an induction notebook
Each day, note when you massaged, the duration of the massage, and whether you felt any contractions. You can also note down information about other induction methods you've tried. It would be helpful to know what methods worked and what didn't.
- For example, “Massaging both breasts at 13:00 for 15 minutes, wearing lotion, no contractions.”
- If you want a schedule, set a time on your phone to remind you when to massage.
- Make sure you take this note with you when you visit your doctor or midwife.
Step 2. Use an electric breast pump
In addition to massages, some women are helped by electric breast pumps. The pump will put more pressure on the areola and nipple area so that it can trigger contractions. Many women also feel their hands hurt during pregnancy and pumps are very helpful.
Try several pump settings to determine the most comfortable power level. Remember that the highest pressure does not always give the best results
Step 3. Apply lubricant
If your nipples are dry, sore, or sore, it will be more difficult for you to apply (or tolerate) the stimulation technique. Apply a natural lubricant, such as nipple cream or coconut oil, to the areola and nipple. Rub as part of the massage process. Add as needed.
Step 4. Apply a hot compress
Heat is also known to stimulate the let-down reflex and release oxytocin. Place a hot compress on one breast for five minutes, alternating. Rotate for 30 minutes to an hour. Repeat this process up to three times a day.
- Make sure the compress is not too hot. Ideally the compress should feel warm against the skin, not burning. You can also buy heating pads that can be put in the microwave, which are then inserted into the bra.
- Try a hot shower. Face the body to the flow of water so that it hits the breasts while massaged for maximum effect.
Step 5. Involve the husband
This massaging process is a bit of a hassle, but the husband's involvement can be a little easier. Show the correct massage technique and touch that you like, and ask your husband to do it. Ask your husband to remind you when it's time for a stimulation session.
- You can also ask your husband to stimulate by sucking or licking the nipple. This method is best when combined with massage techniques.
- If you prefer to do the stimulation yourself, your husband can provide verbal support.
Tips
- If you're trying induction out of frustration with not having a baby, remember to prioritize your health and that of your baby. You won't be pregnant forever, and for now you should trust the body's natural processes.
- Similar to breastfeeding, alternate ways also help in natural induction. So if you start with the right breast, the next session starts with the left breast.
Warning
- Remember, you should get a clear "okay" answer from your doctor or midwife before doing nipple stimulation. Premature delivery will lead to various complications and serious risks.
- Be patient. It may take days or even weeks to see the desired results. Remember that the end goal is a healthy baby and a happy mother.
