Using nipple stimulation to improve labor induction outcomes

STIM: Stimulation Therapy to induce Mothers: a Multicenter Trial

NIH-funded research Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ · NIH-10907723

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 typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionWeill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project IDNIH-10907723 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant women who are at term and require labor induction.

Not a fit: Patients who are not pregnant or those who have contraindications for labor induction will not benefit from this research.

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 performed: Preliminary studies have shown promising results with similar approaches, indicating that nipple stimulation can effectively enhance labor induction outcomes.

Where this research is happening

New York, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.