Can Pumping Induce Labor?

Are you looking for a way to naturally induce labor? Maybe you are over the discomfort that comes with an approaching due date. Maybe your doctor is suggesting a medical induction, and you’re looking for natural ways to get labor started. Or maybe you are just really ready to meet your little one. Whatever the case, you’re not alone! 

A quick internet search produces loads of suggestions for natural methods to start contractions, and many pregnant women are left sifting through myths about induction methods like spicy foods, acupressure, acupuncture, sex, walking, and taking herbs. One of the most commonly tried methods for labor induction is nipple stimulation. We’ve got you covered with reliable information on the safety and effectiveness of nipple stimulation as a way to jumpstart labor.

Labor induction is an attempt to elicit uterine contractions to facilitate birth. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)¹ lists the following as potential reasons for induction:

• Your pregnancy has lasted beyond 41-42 weeks.

• You have significant health problems (heart, lung, or kidney issues).

• There are concerns about placental complications, such as placenta previa.

• Your baby has a health problem, such as poor growth.

• Your amniotic fluid has decreased.

• You have a uterine infection.

• You have gestational diabetes, or if you had diabetes before becoming pregnant.

• You have chronic problems with high blood pressure.

• Your water breaks before labor begins.

Healthcare professionals use the Bishop Score to grade how favorable, or ripe, your cervix is for induction. Depending on your Bishop Score, a medical induction may start with a cervical ripening agent such as Cervidil or Cytotec. These ripening agents contain synthetic prostaglandins, which are hormone-like substances that can help prepare the cervix for labor. 

When administered vaginally, Cervidil can be removed if negative side effects arise. Cytotec dissolves quickly and cannot be easily removed. In some cases, mechanical dilation of the cervix is attempted with a Foley bulb. With this method, a Foley catheter bulb is inserted into the cervix and filled with saline. The pressure from the bulb causes the cervix to dilate. Sometimes, administering Cervidil or Cytotec or placing a Foley bulb can trigger contractions. 

Other methods may be used to start contractions. These include sweeping or stripping the membranes, rupturing the amniotic sac, and administering Pitocin via IV. Pitocin is a synthetic version of the hormone oxytocin. It is important to note that Pitocin does not cross the blood-brain barrier as natural oxytocin does. Some research indicates that Pitocin can interfere with the natural cascade of hormones that normally occurs through labor and vaginal birth. This interference could impact breastfeeding as oxytocin is responsible for the milk ejection or “let down” response during lactation.²

However, we can draw from the studies regarding labor induction that nipple stimulation is a safe and viable option for augmenting labor, as it increases oxytocin levels. Nipple and breast stimulation is one of the oldest methods of labor augmentation that has historically been used by midwives throughout the centuries. Other ways to naturally get labor moving again include emptying your bowels and bladder, walking, squatting, bouncing on a birth ball, and changing positions.

The short answer is YES! However, there’s more you need to know. Nipple stimulation causes the release of oxytocin, which can trigger contractions or strengthen contractions if labor has already begun. Research evidence reveals that nipple stimulation, either with your hands or a breast pump, can impact cervical changes and trigger contractions if your body is ready for labor to begin.

In preparation for labor, the cervix softens, thins, and begins to dilate. This is often referred to as cervical ripening. A 2014 study found that moms who began nipple stimulation at 38 weeks improved their Bishop Scores, went into labor sooner, and reduced their risk of c-section and postpartum hemorrhage when compared to moms who did not use nipple stimulation.

Additionally, a 2015 study found that those participants who used nipple stimulation experienced shorter first, second, and third phases of labor than those who received uterine stimulation or had no intervention.^{3, 4, 5}

The short answer here is, IT DEPENDS. Studies indicate that nipple stimulation is a suitable induction method for low-risk pregnancies. If you’re interested in pumping to induce labor, be sure to discuss this with your healthcare provider. Your doctor or midwife can advise on the safety of nipple stimulation based on your specific situation. All induction methods carry some level of risk. Triggering the body’s release of natural oxytocin can reduce the need for Pitocin (synthetic oxytocin) and the potential risks that come with its use.³

Talk with your healthcare provider about your desire to start labor naturally. Discuss the risks and benefits of your specific situation.

1. Choose your breast pump. For the most comfortable and effective results, choose a flange size that is within 0-3mm of your nipple size. (Your flange size might change after birth, so be sure to reassess.)

2. Sterilize your breast pump parts according to the manufacturer's instructions, then assemble them for single pumping. If your pump has a rechargeable battery, plan to make sure it is fully charged.

3. Consider applying a warm compress and gently massaging or stroking your breasts before pumping. This helps initiate the release of oxytocin. 

4. Pump one breast at a time for 15 minutes.

5. Continue switching between your breasts every 15 minutes until regular, strong contractions begin. Use the maximum comfortable suction level on your pump.

6. If after pumping for one hour no contractions develop, stop pumping and try again in a day or two. 

7. Once contractions begin, stop pumping and observe whether they are real labor contractions or Braxton Hicks. 

8. If contractions weaken, pump each breast (one at a time) for 5 minutes to help strengthen them.

9. Stay in contact with your healthcare provider concerning your progress.

Think ahead to how you plan to use your breast pump once your baby is born. Features such as a powerful motor and a rechargeable battery are at the top of most moms’ pump wish list.

Many moms worry about wasting colostrum when pumping to induce labor. Fortunately, the answer is no. Your body starts to make this first milk as early as 16-20 weeks into your pregnancy, and it will continue to produce what your baby needs even if you express some early. In fact, the act of harvesting colostrum provides the exact nipple stimulation needed to release oxytocin. Colostrum is often thick and sticky and comes in small volumes, and you can safely collect it in sterile syringes to freeze and offer to the baby later without the fear of "running out."

• Breast pumping can trigger the start of labor by eliciting the release of oxytocin.

• Nipple stimulation can be an effective way to speed up labor or strengthen contractions.

• Nipple stimulation is considered a safe induction method in low-risk, term pregnancies.

• Discuss the risks and benefits of pumping to induce labor with your midwife or OB/GYN.

• All types of induction carry risks, but nipple stimulation can be a safe alternative to medical inductions.

• Single pump for no more than 15 minutes per breast to help get contractions started.

• If contractions don’t start after an hour of pumping, try again in a day or two.

Did you know that most health insurance plans cover the cost of a breast pump? Whether you are looking to naturally induce labor or simply want to be fully prepared for your little one's arrival, Motif Medical makes it easy. To find out if you are eligible to receive a Motif Breast Pump through insurance, you can easily use our Insurance Lookup Tool to check your coverage details.

1. ACOG: Labor Induction FAQs 

2. ResearchGate: Intrapartum Administration of Synthetic Oxytocin and Downstream Effects on Breastfeeding

3. Cochrane Library: Breast stimulation for cervical ripening and induction of labour

4. BioMed Research International: Breast Stimulation in Low-Risk Primigravidas at Term: Does It Aid in Spontaneous Onset of Labour and Vaginal Delivery? A Pilot Study

5. Sigma: The Effect of Uterine and Nipple Stimulation on Induction With Oxytocin and the Labor Process

Information provided in blogs should not be used as a substitute for medical care or consultation.