Ask your obstetrician, midwife, or labor and delivery unit before trying breast stimulation
Do not try breast stimulation if you have placenta previa, vaginal bleeding, preterm labor risk, or any condition your clinician has told you makes it unsafe
Wash your hands and find a comfortable seated or lying position
Use a warm compress or gentle massage first if desired
Stimulate one breast at a time
Gently roll or rub the nipple and areola with your fingers
Use light to moderate pressure
Stimulate for 5 to 10 minutes
Stop for 10 to 15 minutes
Repeat on the same breast or switch to the other breast
Continue only if contractions are mild and spaced out
Stop immediately if contractions become very strong, too frequent, or painful
Stop if you notice vaginal bleeding, fluid leakage, decreased fetal movement, dizziness, or severe pain
Do not use a breast pump unless your clinician specifically instructs you to
Keep track of contraction timing and fetal movement
Contact your clinician or labor and delivery right away if contractions are regular, your water breaks, or you have any concerning symptoms