Ask your obstetrician, midwife, or labor and delivery nurse before trying nipple stimulation
Do not try nipple stimulation if you have placenta previa, vaginal bleeding, a high-risk pregnancy, or any condition your clinician has told you makes labor induction unsafe
Wash your hands
Use one nipple at a time
Gently roll, rub, or massage the nipple and areola
Stimulate for about 5 minutes
Stop for about 10 to 15 minutes
Repeat on the same side or switch sides
Keep sessions short and spaced out
Stop immediately if contractions become very strong, very frequent, or painful
Stop if you notice decreased fetal movement, vaginal bleeding, fluid leakage, dizziness, or any concerning symptoms
Do not use breast pumps or vigorous stimulation unless specifically approved by your clinician
Monitor contraction timing and intensity
Contact your clinician if contractions are regular, lasting about 60 seconds, and occurring every 5 minutes for about 1 hour
Go to labor and delivery right away if your clinician told you to do so or if you have urgent symptoms