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Canadian Registered Midwives' Experiences With Nipple Stimulation: An Exploratory Survey in British Columbia and
Zoë G Hodgson1, Patrice Latka2
1Department of Family Practice, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC.
Objective:
The objective of our study was to explore Canadian registered midwives' (RMs') experiences with nipple stimulation.
Methods:
An online survey was distributed to practising RMs in British Columbia and Ontario.
Results:
In total 350 RMs completed the survey. Of these, 154 (44%) practised in British Columbia and 196 (56%) practised in Ontario. This represents a response rate of 53.3% and 20.6% in B.C. and Ontario, respectively. Ninety-six percent of those surveyed (337 RMs) reported having advised clients to use nipple stimulation as a means of releasing oxytocin, and 80% (267 RMs) considered nipple stimulation to be effective. Respondents reported 926 protocols for nipple stimulation. The most common indication for nipple stimulation was for labour augmentation, used by 92% of respondents.
Conclusion:
Nipple stimulation is widely used by RMs practising in British Columbia and Ontario. Survey respondents believed it to be effective and beneficial in mitigating the need for synthetic oxytocin. Survey results showed that the most common indication for nipple stimulation is labour augmentation. Future research should prospectively address the safety and effectiveness of this non-medical method of labour augmentation.
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