Preparing your nipples for breast feeding

[Sarah13]

Anyone doing this, got any methods that work, and when should I start? I did nothing to prepare with my daughter and so they got very very sore and cracked to the point I was dreading feeding her and would make me cry. I just muddled through until they toughened up but I want to be more prepared this time round. I've heard about putting lanolin on them or roughing them up with a towel! But no idea if this works or when you start to prepare.

 

[i.love]

my mum keeps telling me I should do this! Just rubbing them should help. Or you can put some rough material inside of your bra, so it rubs the nipples all the time... Doesn't sound too pleasant though does it?..

 

[nik106]

You're supposed to prepare them?????

I've been using my breast pump on them, occasionally but eek!

 

[Binzy]

I didn't know about this! Can anyone shed any more light please!

 

[Sarah13]

ilove - eek that does sound horrible putting something in your bra!
Binzy & Nik- I've heard it mentioned a few times to prepare your nipples but not sure when or what method is best. Maybe putting a cream like lanolin on every day sounds better than roughing them up but dont know if it works!
Hopefully someone has some answers for us!

 

[ft90]

I never thought you had to prepare them! I really don't fancy the idea of putting something rough in my bra!

xx

 

[Binzy]

I can just imagine us walking round with salt or gravel in our already uncomfortable maternity bras!

 

[nik106]

The thought of roughing them up makes me want to cry! They're already sensitive!

 

[Sarah13]

I can just imagine us walking round with salt or gravel in our already uncomfortable maternity bras!

ouch! I was imagining a sandpaper shaped bra!

 

[ft90]

ouch! I was imagining a sandpaper shaped bra!

HAHAHA me too! xx

 

[Binzy]

Cone-shaped like madonna's (Is that showing my age) that way you could 'rough up' anyone who came too close too!!

 

[nik106]

Phew, i found this:

Do I need to toughen my nipples?

"No," says Kathleen Huggins, author of The Nursing Mother's Companion. The hormonal changes pregnancy brings to your breasts are sufficient preparation for most women. Don't rub or scrub your nipples — this will only hurt you and make breastfeeding difficult. Teaching your baby the right way to latch on to your breast from the beginning is the most effective way to prevent soreness.

http://www.babycenter.com/0_preparing-to-breastfeed_754.bc

 

[nik106]

Phew, i found this:

Do I need to toughen my nipples?

"No," says Kathleen Huggins, author of The Nursing Mother's Companion. The hormonal changes pregnancy brings to your breasts are sufficient preparation for most women. Don't rub or scrub your nipples — this will only hurt you and make breastfeeding difficult. Teaching your baby the right way to latch on to your breast from the beginning is the most effective way to prevent soreness.

http://www.babycenter.com/0_preparing-to-breastfeed_754.bc

 

[ft90]

haha binzy that would keep the random bump feelers at bay! xx

 

[Binzy]

Nik106 It certainly would!
ft90: Phew !

 

[Sarah13]

Thanks Nik, maybe my problem was latching on last time then. Def don't like the thought of 'toughening up' my nipples just now, the fabric on my bra is enough already!

 

[Esoames]

I'm pretty sure you don't have to prepare your nipples. I went to a breastfeeding class before I had Isla and they never mentioned it. Neither did the breastfeeding midwife who came round after I had her.

I think the cracking was a poor latch. I had it too but Isla is a pro now, and once she was 2 weeks old I didn't have any problems. My nipples are pretty much numb now! I can barely feel anything, not sure if that's normal but it certainly makes feeding her less painful.

Emma x

 

[i.love]

well I know a few girls who were saying "I wish I did listen, and did make my nipples tougher"! They ended up with really sore and cracked nipples (ouch!). I think I am going to rub mine with a towel occasionally (that sounds like a good way to do it, thanks Sarah!). I don't think it would do any harm anyway.

 

[Esoames]

Honestly it would have been down to a poor latch as to why you get cracked nipples. Mine bled! If the nipple comes out looking like lipstick then the latch is wrong. This was my problem. Once Isla learnt she has never hurt me since (apart from biting!) I really don't think roughing your nipples up will help. They are sensitive enough in pregnancy!

 

[MrsHakaxjdx]

i didnt prepare mine last time. i just invested in alot of cream x