Pump to Start Labor: How to Do It

Stimulation of breasts as a method to induce labor has been used for centuries by midwives. Some current data is also available that supports the use of stimulation of breasts for induction of labor. Modern females who are interested in using pumping to induce labor can use electric breastfeeding pump to speed up the things; however, to date, no large scale studies have been done to prove the effectiveness of this technique.

What Are the Effects of Stimulation of Breasts

The sucking of a mother’s breast by an infant sends signals to the brain of the mother and a hormone called oxytocin is released. The breasts are stimulated by this hormone and they release milk. Immediately after the birth of the baby, the oxytocin released due to breastfeeding also leads to uterine contractions, which help the uterus to regain its usual size. Similarly, maternal oxytocin levels are increased when a pump is used to stimulate breasts before delivery and this may lead to contractions of uterus inducing labor.

When to Induce Labor by Using Breast Pump

The major prerequisite to use pumping to induce labor is to wait till the completion of term. This method works best in females who present with a dilated cervix. Hence, you should wait till the time you are ready to give birth and do it under the guidance of someone who could perform delivery after labor is induced. You should not do this at home without knowing when you are going to deliver, even if your due date has arrived, it may lead to either no change or induction of premature delivery at term.

Place a towel on your breasts that has been dipped in warm water. This will help keep your breasts warm.

After 5 minutes, remove the towel from one breast and place breast pump shield on it.

Pump the breast for around 15 minutes and then remove the pump shield and place another moist, warm towel on that breast. A small amount of milk may or may not be produced by your breasts. The purpose of pumping is nipple stimulation but not the production of milk. The production of milk is not necessary when nipple stimulation is successful in producing oxytocin in your body.

Pump the breast for around 15 minutes and then remove the pump shield and place another moist, warm towel on that breast. A small amount of milk may or may not be produced by your breasts. The purpose of pumping is nipple stimulation but not the production of milk. The production of milk is not necessary when nipple stimulation is successful in producing oxytocin in your body.

Remove the breast pump and place another warm, moist towel on your breast. If contractions have appeared, begin timing them and see if they are regular. You should stop pumping if the contractions are appearing 3 minutes or less apart and are 1 minute long.

If there are no contractions or if contractions are sporadic, start the process of pumping again and pump on each breast for 5 minutes. Do this process for up to 1 hour, 3 times per day.

Medical researchers are trying to find out if pumping to induce labor is a safe method or not. It is very important that you get yourself checked by a specialist before you begin pumping. An area of concern with breast pumping is that during the procedure there are chances that Colostrum is secreted. Colostrum is the first fluid that is secreted from the breast and it contains all the minerals and natural antibodies that are needed for the growth of your baby. The purpose of these natural antibodies is to fight against all the viruses and bacteria that your child may get infected with.

Hence, due to breast stimulation, labor might not be induced but you may lose out on the most important health fluid for your baby. This is the major flaw of this technique so many mothers do not prefer to use it for induction of labor.

Exercise

Exercise can be done in the form of a long walk or stair climbing. With the help of gravity your baby may descend into the birth canal and your cervix may dilate through simple pressure.

Membrane Stripping

Some physicians may strip your membranes to induce labor. Using a gloved finger, your physician will separate the uterine wall from the amniotic sac. Moreover, prostaglandins are released by this action. You may develop spotting or cramping post the procedure. If you have heavy bleeding similar to menses, contact your physician.

Acupuncture

The release of oxytocin in the body can be stimulated by the use of acupuncture.

Acupressure

According to some practitioners, labor can be started by acupressure. The key is to begin the procedure early and often. You can start pressing the various pressure points at 37 weeks. However, ensure to take instructions from a trained acupressure professional.

Spicy Foods

Prostaglandins are released throughout the digestive process by eating spicy foods. Uterine contractions may be triggered by these hormones.

Evening Primrose Oil (EPO)

Though labor may not be induced by EPO itself; however, it can soften and prime your cervix. You can either ingest the oil orally or insert it in the vagina for best results.

Red Raspberry Leaf Tea

Drinking red raspberry leaf tea is often recommended by mid wives along with evening primrose oil as you are nearing your due date. It helps tone the uterus and organizes irregular uterine contractions into regular patterns.