Using nipple stimulation to improve labor induction outcomes
Official title: STIM: Stimulation Therapy to induce Mothers: a Multicenter Trial
Funded at Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ · NIH-10907723 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a natural way to help women start labor using nipple stimulation, which could make contractions happen more effectively and might also help with breastfeeding, and it's for expectant moms who are close to giving birth.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $616,594 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HD111633-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10907723 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant women who are at term and require labor induction.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or those who have contraindications for labor induction will not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a new method for inducing labor in women by using nipple stimulation, which can enhance the natural release of oxytocin, a hormone that helps with contractions. Instead of relying solely on synthetic oxytocin, which is commonly used but has drawbacks, this approach aims to mimic the body's natural processes. The study will involve women who are about to give birth, assessing the effectiveness of this method in reducing labor duration and improving breastfeeding success. Participants will be monitored to evaluate the safety and efficacy of nipple stimulation therapy compared to traditional methods.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to safer and more effective labor induction methods, improving outcomes for mothers and their newborns.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary studies have shown promising results with similar approaches, indicating that nipple stimulation can effectively enhance labor induction outcomes.
Where this research is happening
-
Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Son, Moeun — Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
- Study coordinator: Son, Moeun
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.