Breastfeeding/nipple stim does release oxytocin comparable to IV Pitocin.
When the nipple stim stops, the natural oxytocin will last about 4-6 more
ctx, just like shutting off an IV.  Some labors respond strongly to nipple
stim or low doses of IV Pit, some labors do not respond much at all to
nipple stim or relatively high doses of IV Pit.  My observations of
breastfeeding in labor vs. nipple stim is that the mother who breastfeeds
her own sweet toddler will relax and surrender and turn inward, which itself
will help her labor move along more efficiently.  Nipple stim is a fine
"tool" to have tucked away, but the more "tools" we use on laboring moms,
the less trust they have in themselves.
Corrine Flatt
Las Vegas NV

> When I gave birth to my eldest daughter (14 years today!), the midwife
> used nipple stimulation to get the labor going because she knew I
> wouldn't go for pitocin.  It worked great!  I understand that this
> practice has fallen out of favor due to an increase in high-tech
> births.  A midwife friend claims she won't use it because it releases
> too much "unregulated" oxytocin (vs. "regulated IV) which can be
> "dangerous."  What do the midwives out there think?
>
> Susan Nachman-Srebrnik, IBCLC
> Ranana, Israel

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