Nipple Stimulation
Once you’ve reached full term (38+ weeks) in your pregnancy, you may feel a range of emotions from anxious to meet your little one to feeling exhausted and uncomfortable. Because of this, you’ve probably been thinking of ways to jump start labor to finally serve that eviction notice! There are dozens of ways to medically induce labor but before you agree to any poking, prodding or inserting, you have the right to be informed of other routes.
The first thing to understand is this, in the end, your baby will make their appearance when they feel their baking is complete.
In addition, if you are wanting to bring your baby earth side in the most noninvasive, natural way... you’re in luck! Nipple stimulation is a noninvasive, natural and effective way to start uterine contractions which will lead to the onset of labor. When the nipples and areola are stimulated, it triggers oxytocin hormones which trigger your uterus to contract. These uterine contractions are ultimately what’s going to aide your baby down and out the birthing canal. Because nipple stimulation causes uterine cramps or contractions, it is best that this only be done when you’ve reached full term and after consulting your healthcare provider. Performing nipple stimulation before reaching full term could lead to preterm labor and other unwanted complications.
Nipple stimulation can be done by hand massaging the areola and inward towards the nipple, using a manual breast pump, a breast pump on its lowest setting, or a helping hand (or mouth) from your partner. It’s important not to cause over stimulation so focus on one breast at a time for about 15-30 minutes and no longer than an hour. If you begin to feel cramps closer than 3 minutes, take a break and consult with your medical provider. Nipple stimulation can also be performed during labor to hasten contractions and reduce labor time.
The information contained in these topics is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, it is provided for educational purposes only.
