Mumsnet Talk

Ok, so I've been doing some research on how to bring on labour (I'm 41 weeks and close to being induced which I would prefer not to be) and nipple stimulation seems to be the one that may actually work. I know some of you will tell me that the baby will come when he is ready and I agree but it stops me from going mad if I feel like I am doing something to help things along...

So...can anyone tell me about their experiences, how they did it, etc.

Thanks!

I found that if I did it for ten minutes or so then I could bring on a Braxton Hicks contraction - but to bring on labour you're supposed to do it for three hours a day so I hope you've got a box set laid in! Basically just twiddling, pinching, bit of pulling. Don't think it's very scientific, you're just trying to replicate what an infant might do when feeding. I think it's about oxytocin production, so, erm, fiddling elsewhere might have beneficial effects too, though I may get contradicted on that.

Save them nips for after the birth. You'll wish you never messed with them after a few days of b-feeding. (if that's the plan )

I'm still feeding DD at 38 weeks with DC2 - does that mean DC2 will arrive on time

I was still feeding DS when DD was born. She was born at 41+3, so I don't think it speeded things up.

Agree with Z.
Um actually its SI that may help mostly-the prostaglandins in semen to be exact.
Good luck x

I'm not sure it works or not but I was due to be induced with ds at 38+4 because of gestational diabetes and was advised to express colostrum in the week before so I had an emergency supply if he had low blood sugar at birth, so was expressing for about 2 hours a day. When I went in for induction I was already 2cm dilated and he was on his way naturally...who knows if the nipple stimulation had anything to do with it, but it could have!

I tried manually expressing yesterday - partly for the nipple stimulation, partly out of curiosity, partly because I felt a bit squeamish about it and wanted to get used to it. I managed 10 minutes with the hand veeeeeeeery slowly until I got a little bit weirded out. Might try the electric pump, sit back and ignore it.

Now I am 40+10, even I might try that. Get the breast pump out... I suppose I'll be using it for real soon enough. Assuming this baby ever comes out that is

Oh Polly can't be long now! And good on you for making it this far without being feared into being induced

Don't forget to keep the colostrum - baby really needs it!