The following is a guide on how to do nipple stimulation. Your caregiver may suggest a different technique, or regime.
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| 1. |
Take one nipple between the thumb and forefinger, and roll it gently between them. |
| 2. |
Gently pull the nipple, down and out, from the areola, and over the nipple, causing it to become erect. If doing it orally, lick (or gently suck) the nipple until it is erect. If using a breast pump (a device used to express breast milk), pump a few times until the nipple is erect. |
| 3. |
Once the nipple is erect, continue stimulating for about a minute. |
| 4. |
Then leave the nipple alone for about 2 - 4 minutes. |
| 5. |
After this time has elapsed, go the other nipple, and repeat the same procedure. Waiting 2 to 4 minutes afterwards. |
| 6. |
Return to the first nipple, and repeat. Keep going from one nipple to the other, with a rest in between. |
Stimulating the nipple for a minute, and spacing the stimulation every 2 - 4 minutes, mimics the pattern of labour.
Alternating the nipples means less chance of damaging them.
Keeping this up can be recommended as follows, for about:
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30 minutes at a time, if preparing the cervix during the last weeks of pregnancy. |
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30 minutes, to an hour, at a time if trying to stimulate labour after the waters have broken. |
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10 to 15 minutes, if using it after the birth to control the bleeding (if you are breastfeeding your baby may be able to do this for you!) |