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August 2012 Moms
DemoDoll
member
Pumping to induce labor?
DemoDoll
member
My SIL told me that her OB had her pump the week before she was due to help induce labor. I guess pumping/stimulating nipples releases oxytocin (the natural form of pitocin). I just thought it would odd because I would assume you are wasting colostrum and what if your milk came in before you delivered? Then I did some googling (obviously can't trust google 100%) and it said that your body will continue to product colostrum until the placenta is delievered, then over the next couple days, your milk comes in.
Anyways, have any of you heard of this or had your OB mention it? I'm just wondering if it's legit or if SIL's Dr is a quack. I don't plan on doing anything to go into labor any time soon but I'm going to ask my Dr about it at my next appt. I would like to try some natural forms of inducing labor if I go past my due date before I would get induced because my Dr will only let me go a week over. Thoughts?
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Re: Pumping to induce labor?
Yes, I've heard of it and know some doctors recommend it, although I think more midwives do. If you decide to do it, 20 minutes max and if contractions come on strong I'd stop. They can be strong, tetanic contractions and can be risky to baby.
Here's an image you won't forget. Had a patient having a postpartum hemorrhage once. We had used every drug avaliable, Doc was massaging her uterus like crazy, we were pumping her full of fluids and finally someone suggested nipple stimulation. I will never forget watching another nurse manually massage her nipples to help increase oxytocin production. The last step was going to be hysterectomy. She ended up doing ok and was transferred to the ICU without losing her fertility. But just goes to show, it does help!
ETA: yeah don't worry about losing your colostrum, you will keep producing it. Although you can save it if you get a substantial amount.
Yep, it is legit.
You probably will not actually get much out when pumping so it isn't something to fret over but like PP said if you DID get a good amount you could always save it but your body will create more and you milk won't come in until the placenta is out anyways so you don't have to worry that will happen.
Haha I am actually really excited to pump but this is my first so I don't have hours upon hours into pumping from a previous child. I just got my pump two nights ago and was so anxious to try it to see how it felt to "breast feed." DH didn't want to me try it out because we were both nervous it would screw up my supply so I promised that I would stop if anything came out. I pumped for about 3 seconds and colostrum came out so DH immediately shut the machine off and said "no more of that!" lol. I expected it to hurt but it didn't.
SCANDAL!
I actually don't think pumping feels anything like breastfeeding. Pumping is way more uncomfortable!
I would only use it as a natural induction on the advice of my midwife. But yes it's a legit method.
That's good to know! I thought pumping would hurt less because it's "latching" on right. My SIL told me BFing hurts 10xs more than pumping does. I'm terrified of BFing hurting really bad and giving up on it just because of the pain.
Mom of 2 monkeys and 1 on the way!
Christian12/06, Liam 08/12, Monkey #3 10/10