Nipple Stimulation.....bring on labour?

[8abyDust]

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!

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If you've found this page in your search of the benefits of nipple stimulation to induce labour, you might find our guide to the best nipple toys useful. Hope this helps! MNHQ

[ZuleikaD]

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.

[debbie1412]

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 )

[SoozleQ]

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

[javotte]

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

[Fakeblondie]

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

[Smicha]

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!

[Orenishii]

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.

[PollyIndia]

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

[Orenishii]

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

[Marmiteisyummy]

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