Pumping to Induce Labor?

BBeccaJean
BBeccaJean Posts: 453 Member
Has anyone done this?

I had an almost impossible time trying to bf my son. He was born early and tongue-tied, so I think he was too confused and unable to latch (plus my milk supply wasn't that good since I had a lower Prolactin level and sometimes flat nipples). Anyway, I was thinking about getting a pump early and trying to pump starting at 38 weeks. Maybe it would help create a more successful experience this time...thoughts?

Also, almost a completely different subject, perineum massaging, has anyone noticed that it helps with tearing?

Replies

  • obum88
    obum88 Posts: 262 Member
    http://kellymom.com/health/baby-health/bfhelp-tonguetie/
    Online resource for breastfeeding the tongue-tied child.

    There was a technique a lactation consultation showed me to help stretch the son's tongue muscle to help him learn correct latch. I had to train him with my finger, but in the end we had him clipped. I didn't notice much of a difference and looking back I think my boob was just too big for his small mouth and when he got a little bigger his latch was better, but so many different things were tried with him that I can't say which work and which didn't. I don't know enough about pumping before baby arrives and its effects.
  • kellykneppergrundy
    kellykneppergrundy Posts: 234 Member
    Have you had your Prolactin levels checked recently? It might give you an idea of where you are starting from. I know nipple stimulation can induce labor but I don't know if pumping before hand will help with milk coming in? It can help draw the nipple out before you latch baby on and that might be helpful.
    I don't know the circumstances of you last labour but I do know the c-sections and inductions can delay milk coming in. But the very best thing for milk supply is a baby that can feed effectively. If you suspect tongue-tie again, I would recommend seeing an expert quickly, clipping could make all the difference. And I second the recommendation for the Kellymom website. It is the very best internet resource for breastfeeding.

    From what I've read perinium massage does reduce tearing by about 6%, which isn't a huge amount, but after a second degree tear last time that never healed properly I am going to give it a try this time. I'm also having a water birth and hoping that helps.
  • RBXChas
    RBXChas Posts: 2,708 Member
    I had a horrible supply issue the first time around, and a while back I looked up pumping prior to delivery in hopes that it would tell me something about whether or not it would help my supply after birth. Everything I read said that pumping (read: nipple stimulation) can lead to contractions and thus labor, so some women do this as they approach or pass their due dates. It's recommended that you not do it too early so as to cause early labor.

    Depending on how desperate I get towards the end, I might try it, but I wouldn't expect it to have any real effect on breastfeeding.
  • TRHuston
    TRHuston Posts: 69 Member
    Never breastfed before, but I will weigh in on the perineal massage. I am a surgical tech and during a case a few days ago, I was bending the ear of our OB/Gyn surgeons. She said that it really makes no difference. It is basically the same concept of whether you're going to get stretch marks or not. You can massage, and use oils and lotions all you want, but it's a factor of genetics and force. How fast baby comes out, your skin's natural ability to stretch and the distance between your vaginal opening and your *kitten*.
    It's not what you want to hear when it comes to the possibility of either tearing or having an episiotomy, but I trust her professional opinion. She did say however that giving birth is truly like an endurance sport. You wouldn't want to attempt to run a marathon with out training and a warm up. Be sure to do kegels, lunges, and any other lower body work out that will help build muscle and reduce fatigue when it comes to the big day. Hope that helps! :smile:
  • vettle
    vettle Posts: 621 Member
    Thanks for the info on the massage stuff. Makes sense.
  • BBeccaJean
    BBeccaJean Posts: 453 Member
    Yes, thanks ladies. I guess I still have a while to decide on these things. I think I should talk to my doc about the breastfeeding issues at next appointment though! I did the massage with my son and the doc said tearing wasn't that bad, but don't know if it really helped. Thanks for your input everyone!
  • Pepper2185
    Pepper2185 Posts: 994 Member
    I know nipple stimulation can cause contractions, but I thought milk production didn't take place until the placenta detached (I could be totally wrong).

    With regards to tearing: I had heard that consistent taint massages were supposed to be helpful, but I never got around to it. I delivered a 9lb baby au naturale with only first degree tears. Before labor started I asked my nurse about the likelihood of tearing and she said "not to be rude, but you're the right race" She had noticed correlation between certain skin types and the level of damage done. I thought that was weird, but it made me feel better about skipping the taint massage :ohwell:
  • bed2883
    bed2883 Posts: 92 Member
    I was scheduled for an induction with my first son as I was over 41 1/2 weeks, so they gave me the weekend to go into labor on my own. I was was dreading the induction so as a last ditch effort I whipped out my breast pump I received for my baby shower. I'm not sure how long I "pumped" for, but I did start contractions several hours later.
  • FitFunTina
    FitFunTina Posts: 282 Member
    I'm 39 weeks 3 days and just got permission from my midwife to start trying it. (To induce). It did produce a few contractions (yay), so tomorrow afternoon/evening I'm going to be more diligent in working on it. I was 10 days late (induced) with DS, and don't want to go there again if I can help it. But I need to do more research and make sure I'm doing it as I should. Don't want to overstimulate the baby.
  • obum88
    obum88 Posts: 262 Member
    I get the massage thing too, we did it not too seriously just kind of something to try. I was doing go through labor but as soon as my son's head popped through he flipped out the rest of his body so fast I tore (according to my husband). While I don't want to tear, I 'd rather tear a little than get cut.