Can Nipple Stimulation Induce Labor And How To Perform It?

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Nipple stimulation to induce labor is a natural induction technique often recommended to stimulate uterine contractionsⁱXPeriodic and timed tightening of the uterine muscles during labor, facilitating the childbirth process. during the labor process. Most mothers may look for natural ways to induce labor after crossing the expected due date and may consider nipple stimulation as an option. Stimulating the nipples releases oxytocin hormone that also aids in uterine contractions. However, there is no accurate way to measure the effectiveness of this technique.

Read on to know more about the safety and effectiveness of nipple stimulation to induce labor.

Is It Safe To Induce Labor At Home?

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It is safe to induce labor at home as long as you don’t try it until you are due. Since the effectiveness of these techniques is known only through anecdotal evidence, check with your doctor before trying it to ensure optimum prenatal care. The results also depend on your medical history. In general, natural induction at home is not suggested in any pregnancy as some risk factors do not become apparent till labor actually starts. (1).

Can Nipple Stimulation Bring On Labor?

Nipple stimulation may help induce labor provided there have been no complications during the pregnancy. Oxytocin plays a crucial role in initiating labor by triggering uterine contractions. Stimulation of the nipples releases this hormone and promotes contractions to aid the baby’s movement down the birth canal (2).

Amy Kiefer, a mother of three, recounts her experience using nipple stimulation to initiate labor when her obstetrician projected another week’s delay. She explained, “This time around I had done research on natural methods of inducing labor. That weekend, I pulled my breast pump out of the closet, sterilized my nipple shields, plopped them on, and sat down to pump for a couple of hours while watching a movie. Coincidentally or not—I’ll never really know—I went into labor two days later and delivered right on my due date (i)”

Here is some evidence that shows nipple stimulation works, but only in low-risk pregnancies.

1. In a randomized controlled experiment at a state hospital in Turkey (2015), phases of labor were shorter with nipple stimulation. The average duration of childbirth was 3.8 hours (first phase), 16 minutes (second phase) and 5 minutes (third phase) after nipple stimulation, which was lower when compared to control group’s average of 6.8hr, 27min, and 6min respectively. Also, this method supported vaginal delivery (3).

2. In a 2012 study conducted on first-time and low-risk pregnancies, women at 38 weeks of gestation were advised to massage their breasts thrice a day, for 15 to 20 minutes. They delivered the baby at 39.2 weeks when compared to the control group at 39.5 weeks. Also, the chances of cesarean section were low (4).

3. Sixteen low-risk pregnant women between 38 and 40 weeks of gestation were asked to try nipple stimulation for three days, one hour a day. Their saliva was tested for oxytocin levels. On the third day, the oxytocin levels were high, and six women went into labor (5).

Nipple stimulation might be acceptable for low risk pregnancies, as there is a lack of scientific research of its effectiveness in high-risk pregnancies.

Did you know?

Nipple stimulation may help reduce postpartum hemorrhage. However, more research is required to prove its effectiveness (15).

How Does Nipple Stimulation Work?

Nipple stimulation mimics breastfeeding and causes the sensory cells of the nipples to stimulate the brain to release oxytocin. Rolling or rubbing the nipples releases oxytocin that initiates labor by causing uterine contractions (6).

How To Perform Nipple Stimulation?

Note that nipple stimulation is safe only for normal, full-term and low-risk pregnancies. Also, it should be performed only if your obstetrician considers it safe for you (7).

1. Choose the method: You may stimulate the nipples manually with your fingers or use a breast pump. Or your partner or a nursing baby can orally stimulate the nipples by suckling them.

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2. Massage the areola: Hold the nipples, focusing more on the areola (the dark area around the nipple), in between your thumb and forefinger and gently massage the area. Nipples consist of nerve endings that stimulate the release of the hormone.

3. Repeat with another breast: Wait for two to four minutes before starting with another breast. Spend 15 minutes stimulating one, and then switch to another. Continue the stimulation for one hour and repeat it thrice a day.

4. Perform with caution: The aim is to initiate labor, but not to rush heavy contractions. If you have a contraction, refrain from massaging and wait for it to stop. If your nipples become sore or tender, apply coconut oil, breast milk or natural butter to ease the discomfort.

If your nipples become sore or tender, apply coconut oil, breast milk or natural butter to ease the discomfort.

What Are The Other Techniques For Inducing Labor?

Many other methods exist for inducing natural labor. They can also be tried along with nipple stimulation, provided you are near full-term and your doctor approves of them (8).

1. Walking, especially long walks, can stimulate the release of oxytocin and pressure the baby to move down the pelvis. However, do not power walk as it can drain all your energy. A gentle stroll is enough to encourage labor.

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2. Although there aren’t any studies to support this, some have found that sexual intercourse can release oxytocin to speed up the labor. Refrain from having sex in certain cases, such as placenta previaⁱXA pregnancy complication where the placenta grows around the cervix, blocking it partially or completely. , suspected rupture of membranes, as it can lead to complications.

3. It is an age-old belief that castor oil can stimulate uterine contractions. However, it may result in diarrhea due to its natural laxative properties (9). or could lead to uncontrolled strong contractions.

4. Herbs such as raspberry tea leaf, evening primrose oil, and black cohosh help initiate labor. Although they might be effective, there is no evidence suggesting they are safe to use (10).

5. Pineapple has an enzyme called bromelain that stimulates labor by softening the cervix. Some other tropical fruits including papaya, mango and kiwi also show the same property. But there are no proper studies to support this theory (11).

6. According to old wives’ tales, eating spicy foods can stimulate labor. It is believed that spices could upset the tummy and lead to uterine contractions in the womb. However, this might not be the best thing to do as excessively spicy food could lead to indigestion or heartburn.

7. Acupuncture can stimulate the release of oxytocin. However, this should be done only by a trained professional. Even if it does not bring labor, acupuncture may at least reduce the discomfort and pain associated with labor.

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8. Having a warm, relaxing bath or soaking in a bathtub filled with warm water may stimulate uterine contractions. It has a positive effect on your emotions by removing your fear and anxiety about labor. Make sure the water is warm and not hot (12).

Point to consider

A study shows that eating date fruits four weeks before may help achieve higher mean cervical dilatationⁱXExpansion or widening of the cervix during the childbirth. during labor (16).

When Should You See A Doctor?

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In the initial stages of labor, the contractions are dull with a little discomfort. When you try any of the above methods, observe the contractions and try to time them.

Ideally, the contractions should last about 40 to 60 seconds and repeat two to three times in ten minutes (13). If you feel the contractions are stronger and lasting longer or feel the baby dropping lower into the pelvic region, or the mucus plug is loosening, consult your doctor, midwife, or doula.

Infographic: Common Myths And Facts About Inducing Labor

You may probably be tired, uncomfortable, and set for your baby to come out at the end of your pregnancy. Although there are several folklores about how to start labor that might not hurt, they are not helpful either. These misconceptions are to be debunked. Check this infographic to learn some common myths associated with labor induction and save it for a fact check.

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Expectant mums may also use nipple stimulation to start labor when absolutely necessary. Discover the simple steps to get your body ready for birth with this video.

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Dr. Anita GondyMD, FACOG

Dr. Anita Gondy is an Ob/Gyn at The Ob-Gyn Center in Las Vegas. In practice since 1998, Dr. Gondy began her medical training at Rangaraya Medical College in Kakinada, India and completed studies at the University of Nevada School of Medicine, where she also did an obstetrics and gynecology residency. She is also a Fellow member of The American College...more

Rebecca MalachiBSc

Rebecca is a pregnancy writer and editor with a passion for delivering research-based and engaging content in areas of fertility, pregnancy, birth, and post-pregnancy. She did her graduation in Biotechnology and Genetics from Loyola Academy, Osmania University and obtained a certification in ‘Nutrition and Lifestyle in Pregnancy’ from Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU). She has been into health and...more

Dr. Ritika ShahBDS, CLC

Dr. Ritika Shah is a certified lactation counsellor (CLC) from iNational Health Care Academy, Singapore and a dental surgeon with more than seven years of clinical experience across various cities in India. She did her graduation in Dentistry from KM Shah Dental College. During her clinical practice, pediatric dentistry was her particular area of interest, and she constantly thrived to...more

Reshmi DasMSc

Reshmi Das has over four years of experience as a clinical coordinator, medical content writer and medical conference coordinator. Her continuous interest in medical journals and writing makes her write well-researched articles for MomJunction. She writes health and wellness articles for children and pregnant and lactating women. Reshmi has completed her post graduation in Biotechnology from MITS School of Biotechnology,...more