Many pregnant women who are past their due date or want to avoid medical induction of labor may wonder if there are any natural ways to induce labor at home. One of the methods that some women try is nipple stimulation, which involves massaging, rubbing, or sucking the nipples to release oxytocin, a hormone that causes uterine contractions. But does nipple stimulation really work to induce labor, and is it safe for both the mother and the baby? Here are some facts and tips about nipple stimulation and labor induction.

Nipple Stimulation

How Does Nipple Stimulation Work?

Nipple stimulation is based on the principle that stimulating the nipples can mimic the effect of breastfeeding, which triggers the release of oxytocin from the brain. Oxytocin is a hormone that plays a role in childbirth, breastfeeding, and bonding between the mother and the baby. Oxytocin stimulates the uterus to contract and helps the cervix to dilate, which are essential for labor to progress. Oxytocin also increases the production of prostaglandins, which are chemicals that further enhance uterine contractions.

Nipple stimulation can be done manually by massaging or rubbing the nipples with the fingers, using a breast pump, or having another person (such as a partner or a nursing child) suck on the nipples. The stimulation should be done for about 15 minutes per hour, alternating between both breasts, and stopping when contractions start. Some women may feel mild cramps or discomfort during nipple stimulation, while others may not feel anything at all.

What Does the Research Say?

There is limited research on the effectiveness and safety of nipple stimulation for labor induction, and most of the studies have involved women with low-risk pregnancies who were already close to their due date. Some of the studies have found that nipple stimulation can shorten the duration of labor, reduce the need for other interventions, and lower the risk of cesarean delivery. However, other studies have found no significant difference between nipple stimulation and other methods of labor induction, such as membrane sweeping or herbal remedies.

According to a 2015 study published in Worldviews on Evidence-Based Nursing, nipple stimulation during vaginal delivery led to shorter phases of birth. The average duration of the first phase of birth was 3.8 hours for those using nipple stimulation, compared to 6.8 hours for those not using this method. The study also showed lower rates of cesarean delivery in the nipple stimulation group.

Another study published in PLoS One in 2018 asked 16 low-risk pregnant women at 38-40 weeks gestation to stimulate their nipples for one hour a day for three days. The researchers then took a sample of the women’s saliva to test it for oxytocin levels. The level of oxytocin did not increase significantly until the third day of nipple stimulation. Of the 16 participants, six went into labor within three days of starting the nipple stimulation.

A 2011 survey of postpartum women in the Midwestern United States found that 7.5 percent of the 201 respondents said that they stimulated their nipples to try to induce labor. The survey also reported that 50 percent of women in Japan use nipple stimulation to help induce labor.

What Are the Risks and Benefits?

Nipple stimulation is generally considered a safe and natural method of labor induction, as it does not involve any medication or invasive procedures. It can also be done at home, at any time, and with minimal cost. Some women may find nipple stimulation relaxing and enjoyable, while others may find it uncomfortable or painful.

However, nipple stimulation is not without risks or limitations. Some of the possible drawbacks include:

Nipple stimulation may not work for everyone, especially if the body is not ready for labor or if there are other factors that prevent labor from starting.
Nipple stimulation may cause too strong or too frequent contractions, which can stress the baby or reduce blood flow to the placenta.
Nipple stimulation may interfere with normal breastfeeding patterns after birth, as it may affect milk production or cause sore nipples.
Nipple stimulation may not be suitable for women with certain medical conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, placenta previa, or a history of preterm labor.

When and How to Use Nipple Stimulation?

Nipple stimulation should only be used after consulting with a healthcare provider who can assess the individual situation and advise on the best course of action. Nipple stimulation should not be used before 37 weeks of pregnancy, as it may increase the risk of preterm birth or complications. Nipple stimulation should also be avoided if there are any signs of infection, bleeding, or reduced fetal movement.

If nipple stimulation is approved by a healthcare provider, it should be done gently and gradually, following these steps:

Choose a comfortable position and time when you are relaxed and not distracted.
Start by stimulating one breast at a time, using your fingers, a breast pump, or another person’s mouth.
Massage or rub the nipple and the areola (the dark area around the nipple) for about five minutes, or until you feel a contraction.
Switch to the other breast and repeat the same process.
Continue alternating between both breasts for about 15 minutes per hour, or until contractions become regular and strong.
Stop nipple stimulation if contractions become too painful or too close together, or if you experience any adverse symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, or bleeding.
Contact your healthcare provider if you have any concerns or questions, or if you think you are in labor.

What Are the Other Natural Ways to Induce Labor?

Nipple stimulation is not the only natural way to induce labor. Some of the other methods that some women try include:

Walking: Walking can help gravity to move the baby down the birth canal and put pressure on the cervix, which may stimulate contractions. Walking can also improve blood circulation and reduce stress.
Sex: Having sex can release oxytocin and prostaglandins, which can trigger uterine contractions. Sex can also help relax the muscles and cervix, and may cause the membranes to rupture (water breaking).
Acupuncture: Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body. Acupuncture may stimulate the nervous system and release hormones that can induce labor. Acupuncture may also reduce pain and anxiety during labor.
Acupressure: Acupressure is similar to acupuncture, but instead of using needles, it uses finger pressure on certain points on the body. Acupressure may also stimulate the nervous system and release hormones that can induce labor. Acupressure may also help with pain relief and relaxation during labor.
Spicy food: Eating spicy food can irritate the digestive system and cause diarrhea, which may stimulate the uterus to contract. Spicy food may also increase body temperature and blood flow, which may help with labor induction.
Pineapple: Pineapple contains an enzyme called bromelain, which may soften the cervix and cause contractions. Pineapple may also have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which may benefit the immune system and prevent infections.
Dates: Dates are rich in fiber, sugar, and nutrients, which can provide energy and nourishment for labor. Dates also contain compounds that may mimic the effects of oxytocin and prostaglandins, which can induce labor. A 2011 study found that women who ate six dates per day for four weeks before their due date had shorter labor and less need for induction than those who did not.

However, none of these methods are proven to be effective or safe for labor induction, and they may have side effects or complications. Therefore, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider before trying any of these methods, and to follow their instructions carefully.

Conclusion

Nipple stimulation is one of the natural ways that some women use to induce labor at home. Nipple stimulation works by releasing oxytocin, a hormone that causes uterine contractions. Some studies have shown that nipple stimulation can shorten labor and reduce the need for other interventions, but other studies have found no significant difference between nipple stimulation and other methods of labor induction. Nipple stimulation is generally safe and natural, but it may not work for everyone, and it may cause too strong or too frequent contractions. Nipple stimulation should only be used after consulting with a healthcare provider who can assess the individual situation and advise on the best course of action.