37 weeks

Hi,
Im exactly 37 weeks today and for the last few days been feeling a bit "off" and wondering is this it? but apart from increased BH's, a bit of vaginal pain which i suspect is the cervix dialating but dont know just my guess. I'm intrigued by nipple stimulation and have looked around on the net a bit but cannot find much on how to actually do it, ive read you can use your breat pump but it doesnt state manual or electric and also would this effect breastfeeding at all?
thanks for any suggestions or tips :D

hi nikki,
yep,I have heard that too, I wouldnt have thought it would matter if electric or manual.
but I do recall reading that you need to do it for 4 hrs a day or something silly like that.
I do recall reading about a bb member in one of the belly buddies groups doing it though, im pretty sure she was successful, that was maybe back in may or june???
sorry if not much help...
:)

Nipple stimulation, like most natural induction methods will only be effective if your baby is ready to come anyway, for instance mothers that breastfeed through pregnancy can breastfeed right through until forty plus weeks! In was trying from 37weeks and bub didn't come until 37weeks and 4 days. I think an equally good thing to try is just lots of snuggles and happy times with your DP/DF/DH - it releases the same kind of chemicals and is much less painful. Also good for you to spend some last minute moments with your other half before bub comes along.

The prostaglandins (I think) in semen help to ripen the cervix - so if you can sex is said to be good to help the cervix on it's way.

It doesn't really affect breastfeeding - not that I found at least, and I'm sure if you google you can probably find some techniques.

DTD, walking, rasberry leaf tea, acccupuncture, there are plenty of different ways to get labour going, but I'm pretty sure you could try them all & bubs would still come when ready.
DTD would probably be best as semen does have the prostiglandin thingy's in it to ripen the cervix as cookiemonster said. Sex is actually good for pregnancy. Enjoy it - if it's not too uncomfortable!!

we were wondering this in our due date group and I found some excellent information on breat stimulation to help bring on Labour and other ways long post sorry girls

found some interesting information in brining on labour

Pressure Points to Induce Labor
Acupressure has been used for thousands of years to treat a variety of illnesses. There
Think about how you instinctively press your temples when you have a migraine. Pressure points work in very similar ways.
If you are past your due date, you may have heard that some pressure points can help to induce labor. Here are some common points and how to find them:
Hoku - This point can be found on the top of your hand in the webbing between your thumb and index finger. Press on an angle underneath the bone that connects with the index finger. To stimulate contractions, rub the point. This point can be used for pain relief with steady pressure during contractions.

Spleen 6 - On the inside of the ankle, trace up four of mother's finger widths above the ankle bone. Rub for about 1 minute.

Bladder 32 - This point is halfway between the dimple in the buttocks and the spine. You can find it by tracing up one of the mother's finger width's above the top of the buttocks crease. You should feel a small depression where the point lies.
Tips on Finding Pressure Points

Pressure points are naturally sensitive and feel to the mother like you are touching a bruise. Try the spot several times with varying pressure to find it. If your labor partner or doula is using the points, the mother can provide feedback when they have reached the right place since it will be more sensitive. If it is especially painful, ease up a bit on the pressure.
When to Use Pressure Points
One of the most effective times to use pressure points is if you are already in labor and you need to strengthen your contractions or your water has broken and active labor has not started yet. These are both common reasons for labor inductions. You can also use these points if you are overdue and you want to try to stimulate contractions. In some cases, these points can reduce your chances of having your labor induced

What herbs are used to induce labor?
* Black cohosh - often used to relieve irregular contractions and encourage stronger contractions (If this causes nausea and/or lightheadedness, discontinue.)
* *Blue cohosh - helps to increase uterine tone; (can also cause nausea/lightheadedness - mothers should discontinue use of this herb if they experience any of these side effects.)
* Chamomile - encourages relaxation and promotes sleep; Some experts feel that this herb as a tea is gentle enough to use in moderation anytime after the first trimester, however it should not be used it you have any spotting or bleeding during pregnancy as it can promote menstruation.
* Cramp bark - a uterine toner that relieves cramping and increases relaxation; This herb may be contraindicated for women with hypertension or high blood pressure.
* False unicorn root - Promotes uterine tone and hormone production.
* Partridge berry - A uterine toner that relaxes the uterus as well as helps with backacke, leg cramps and overall tension.
* Motherwort - encourages relaxation and reduces hypertension as well as stimulates the uterus.
* Evening primrose oil - this contains a fatty acid that helps to stimulate prostaglandins, a hormone which increases uterine contractions as well as ripen the cervix. you would insert this in the Virginia
* Red Raspbery leaf - used as a uterine toner and readily available in a tea.

It cannot be stressed enough that mothers who are considering using herbs use extreme caution and consult with experienced herbalists or midwives who can provide appropriate dosage amounts.

Nipple stimulation
To stimulate the release of oxytocin, you must mimic the suckling of a baby. When a baby suckles, he does not grab just the nipple, but actually massages the areola (dark circle around the nipple).

The areola can be orally massaged by the mother's partner, the mother's toddler who is still nursing or by a friend's newborn (babies under 6 weeks will tend to suckle any woman).

The mother may prefer to massage her own areola. To do this she can rub the areola in a gentle rolling way with her palm or fingers. This can be done through thin clothing.

NOTE: Nipple stimulation can have very strong effects, similar to the overuse of Pitocin (synthetic oxytocin). For this reason various experts have given recommendations on its use. Here are some recommendations I have seen at various sources:

*

Only massage one breast at a time
*

Only massage a nipple for 5 minutes, wait up to 15 minutes to see what happens before continuing with the massage.
*

Do not stimulate the breast during a contraction.
*

Do not use nipple stimulation after the contractions are 3 minutes apart or 1 minute long.

Some sample nipple stimulation techniques:

When trying to induce labor or speed up a prolonged early labor, have the mother go about her regular activities. Set a timer to go off every hour. When the timer indicates, have the mother stimulate one breast for 5 minutes, then continue with her normal activities.

If the mother is anxious for labor to begin, combine the effects of natural nipple stimulation with the natural prostaglandin released in semen by encouraging the mother and her partner to engage in intercourse.
In the hospital, have the mother place her palm over the nipple and areola and give a firm but gentle pressure. Encourage the mother to move the palm in a circular motion, keeping the firm and gentle pressure