If you’re nearing your due date—or maybe even past it—you might be wondering what your options are for starting labor. For many years, Pitocin (a synthetic version of oxytocin) has been the go-to medication for inducing labor in hospitals. While Pitocin is safe and effective, it can also lead to stronger, more intense contractions and a more medicalized experience overall.
But here’s some exciting news: many hospitals are now exploring gentler, more natural ways to help labor begin, especially for women who prefer a less medicated approach. One method gaining attention? Breast pumping. And yes—it’s being formally studied in a growing number of hospitals.
Why Are Hospitals Exploring Alternatives to Pitocin?
Pitocin certainly has its place, especially when labor needs to be medically managed for the health of mom or baby. But it also has some potential downsides:
- Stronger, more frequent contractions that may be harder to manage
- The need for continuous monitoring, which can limit mobility
- A higher chance of requiring other interventions
Because of this, more providers are interested in starting with lower-intervention methods, especially when there’s no immediate medical urgency.
Breast Pumping: A Natural Way to Kickstart Labor
Nipple stimulation through breast pumping can trigger your body’s own release of oxytocin, the same hormone that causes natural contractions. In fact, some hospitals are not only using this approach—they’re studying it.
The STIM Study: A Closer Look
A major research effort called the STIM Study (Stimulation To Induce Mothers) is currently underway at institutions like Yale School of Medicine. The goal? To explore whether using a hospital-grade electric breast pump can be an effective and safe way to induce labor without medication.
Here’s how it works: Women use a hospital breast pump, such as the Medela Symphony, under guidance. Pumping is done on each breast for up to 30 minutes, alternating sides, and continuing until contractions begin (ideally every 3 minutes). The stimulation mimics the body’s natural hormone release, potentially starting labor on its own. If effective, this method could reduce or delay the need for Pitocin.
This approach is being studied for its impact not just on labor progress but also on outcomes like vaginal birth rates, maternal satisfaction, and early breastfeeding success. So far, it’s showing promise as a gentle, hormone-free way to nudge labor along.
Other Gentle Techniques Hospitals Are Exploring
Breast pumping isn’t the only option. Hospitals are also supporting labor with other low-intervention strategies, such as:
Movement and walking to help baby descend and potentially trigger contractions
Birth balls and peanut balls to encourage better pelvic positioning and baby engagement
Aromatherapy and relaxation techniques to calm the nervous system and support natural labor
Mechanical dilation methods (like Foley balloons) to help the cervix soften and open
A “wait and see” approach if mom and baby are both doing well, allowing more time for spontaneous labor
Why This Matters
Natural induction methods give women the chance to experience labor with less intervention and may support a more empowering birth. Plus, they can reduce the cascade of additional interventions that sometimes come with Pitocin.
Hospitals exploring these techniques—especially through clinical research like the STIM Study—are helping make evidence-based, low-intervention birth options more widely available.
The Takeaway
Labor doesn’t always need to begin with Pitocin. With methods like breast pumping, walking, and cervical ripening, hospitals are offering more ways to encourage labor gently and safely. Studies like the STIM Study are helping us better understand which of these options are most effective—and for which moms.
If you’re hoping for a low-intervention birth or are simply curious about your options, talk to your provider about what’s available at your hospital. You might be surprised by how many ways your body can be encouraged to do the work—naturally and on your own terms.
