Question abt augmenting stalled VBAC labor w/ nipple stimulation

[AlaaJ]

Hi all. Question for the midwives, birth professionals, the been there done thats, the informed:

So my sister is gonna try for a VBAC (this is baby 2) but the hospital policy does not allow augmentation or induction of VBAC labor AT ALL. So we were throwing around ideas about what she'd have to do if (assuming she labored at home as long as possible) she headed to the hospital only to find that her labor has stalled and nurses have already begun shining the OB's knives.

I suggested she take my other sister and her newborn along and stuff him to her breasts to get that oxytocin flowing, and hopefully, the contrax surging. What do you think; do you think that would really jump start the labor again? She only has a week or so left till EDD, do you suggest that she start dry nursing the little one now to help with ripening/effacement, or would it only make her uterus contract? (She doesn't want to go into labor yet.)

We're just trying to figure out how this whole nipple stimulation thing works, and trying to work it to the best of her advantage.

Thanks for reading :)

[julie128]

I haven't tried this myself, but Ina Mae Gasking swears by open mouth kissing to stimulate labor.  Something about the tissues of the vagina/cervix being "connected" (?) to the tissues of the mouth/open jaw.  What the heck, it's worth a shot. 

As for nipple stimulation, same thing: give it a shot.  If it doesn't work, you haven't lost anything. 

[LisaSedai]

Hospital policy may say "no children under age 14" at L&D - hospitals have been getting strict about visitation lately, but maybe not so much now since flu season is over. I would be leary of taking my baby into a hospital and exposing her to all the hospital's germs.

I used a breast pump when I needed nipple stimulation.

My OB prescribes as much sex as you can manage after 37 weeks. (Ugh)  I am kinda of the opinion that there is much we don't know about what makes a baby ready to be born and if the kid is not ready all there is not much you can do (non medically) to force him along.

Hope all goes well for her!