I'm trying to induce labor, I know stimulating the breasts will help, but is trying out my breast pump ok?

Question

I am 38 1/2 weeks pregnant, and they are saying they'll induce me in a couple days if I don't go before... the Dr. recommended that I try to get things going, or they'll have to use the drugs in the hospital to do it.

Answer 1

How far along are you?
If you are not close to the 40 week mark, you shouldn't even consider it.
Most of the time the baby comes when it is ready to come, the rest of the time the doctor decides when the time is right.

Answer 2

I haven't heard of any such thing but i think the doctors can put you on some pills to induce labour - my friend has been put on drips. some other ways used by doctors are :

Breaking the Waters
If you’ve given birth before, and your cervix has begun to soften and dilate, inducing labour may simply involve bursting the bag of waters surrounding the baby. (This method is attempted only if your baby’s head has already dropped: If not, there’s a chance the umbilical cord could slip between the baby’s head and your pelvic bone, compromising the baby’s oxygen supply.) Breaking the amniotic sac is sometimes enough to kick off contractions. (The disadvantage: If labour doesn’t quickly ensue, there’s no going back — the countdown has started, and you’ll probably be given oxytocin to move labour along.)

Ripening the Cervix
The most common method of softening the cervix is to use a device called a Foley catheter. A balloon is inserted into the cervix, and inflated with sterile water through a narrow tube. After a short period of observation, you’re usually sent home, with instructions to return the next day.

Prostaglandins can also be introduced into the vagina — either in gel form or as a suppository that sits behind the cervix.

While some women find prosta-glandins more palatable than the Foley, the hormones can have drawbacks. Occasionally, prostaglandins produce contractions powerful enough to cause distress (you’ll be observed after they’re given to make sure everything is going smoothly). The drugs also increase the very slender odds of rupture of the uterus, which is why they’re not recommended for women who’ve had a previous Caesarean. The quickly absorbed gel can’t be removed if there are problems.

While the suppository overcomes this limitation, it’s more expensive and, thus, less readily available. Nor does it work any better than the lower-tech Foley, says Natale.
“ We did a study and found that the balloon was actually at least as effective in improving the ripeness of the cervix,” he asserts.

However, prostaglandins can work well, and sometimes even get things started without the need to resort to further interventions. Andria Andrews, who was induced because tests suggested her baby was no longer growing well (fortunately, the results turned out to be faulty), started having contractions almost immediately after prostaglandin gel was applied. Less than 12 hours later, the Acton, Ontario, mom returned to hospital just in time to push her first baby into the world.

If the softening of your cervix doesn’t get labour going, you’ll usually be started on an IV, so contraction-causing oxytocin can be dripped slowly into your bloodstream. You’ll also be hooked up to an electronic monitor so your caregivers can keep careful track of your baby’s heart rate; since the medication can occasionally trigger fetal distress, SOGC guidelines recommend continuous monitoring so doctors can step in immediately if any problems occur.

Answer 3

Don't do that! the colostrum that comes out of your breasts first is THE most important that the baby will get. so don't waste it by using a pump. The best ways to induce labor is to MOVE...go for a walk, Also...sex. that's probably the best (if you're uncomfortable with it, then try manual stimulation or anything that will help you climax, that helps contract the uterus...also it is said that the semen from the man will help soften the cervix) so like I said...move...it helps

Answer 4

i was told to stimulate my nipples when i was due with my son, so there is no difference. also, there is a different amount of suction you can apply to a pump,so you just set it to the lowest setting, as to not 'pull' out milk. and if you do get some, its not going to be alot. I was getting milk out of my breast way before my son was born and he is a completely normal , healthy 4yr old 35lb child. he is perfect in height and weight.

dont worry. I was also told sex will make the baby come, but the baby will come when the baby is ready and when your body wants to say , time to go kido! .lol.

DO NOT try castol oil, thats just going to make you poop your brains out! that stuff not only tasts bad, but do you want to be pooping while you are trying to give birth to your child, no way.

hope all works well, and congrats to having a wonderful child!!

Answer 5

My friend tried it and it worked for her. I think she was close to her due date though. However, I am uncomfortable with this method. I believe in nature taking its course and the baby will come out in his/her own time. Walking or having sex is probably safer than inducing via the pump.

Answer 6

a sweet drink like a blueberry snowball ...or a laxative to empty your colon. It gives the baby room to move down. Then go take a long ride on a bumpy road or a long walk..
You will get a burst of energy 3 days before the baby.
When you go into labor don't eat anything..they might have to do a Cesarean and they will have to put you out.

Answer 7

How far along are you?
If you are 38 or more weeks, I'd say there's no harm in trying. Sex and/of orgasm (it can be by yourself too) can help. It's the contracting of the uterus that, the hope is, will start labor.

Answer 8

I don't see why not. Here's a funny story/idea for you: When I was going crazy around my due date, my doctor told me to have sex because semen ripens the cervix and moves things along. I had known that before and told her I was the most oversexed pregnant woman on the planet. My husband turned all red and told me later that I should'nt have told her that or she'll think we have sex!!! Duh! Do ya think she figured out how I got pregnant in the first place?!?

Answer 9

stimulating your nipples with your breast pump is perfectly safe and it is possible to help induce labour. I have heard many stories of women trying this and having success, though it is possible it won't work for you, it wouldn't hurt to give it a try.

Answer 10

I know you probably don't want to hear this but babies come when they are ready....I tried EVERYTHING. People told me...spicy food,chinese food,sex,nipple stimulation, castor oil,some weird tea.Try to be patient; you'll have a lifetime together when he/she finally arrives.Just relax and enjoy your peace while you have it. Oh, By the way.....Good Luck & Congradulations!!