what can I do to get my nipples ready for breastfeeding?
Nothing, really. At least nothing you can do in advance. Have some nipple cream and maybe some gel pads for the pain those first few weeks, though.
This is correct. You can start using it before, if you notice you're getting dry before, but it's wonderful to use after you start. Be sure to use after every nusing session to keep your nipples from cracking and such.
Also, please DO NOT SCRUB YOUR NIPPLES. Ouch! It hurts even thinking about it. The only thing you need to do is to leave them alone. Try not to wash them with any soap in your last month or so as this can dry them out. Nipples can not callus, so you scrubbing them will only make them extra tender for when baby arrives.
Quoting paramore-marie:
The cream is for AFTER you start.. My sister and mom said to put some on after each feeding to help prevent cracking.
Quoting tori_day07:
Do u start to put that on before u start breastfeeding or after u start?
Quoting Duquesne:
Don't cut them off. That's it.
And good Lord, don't torture them by scrubbing them.
Quoting butterflycircle:With my first I didn't do anything and I had cracking and stuff. Looking back I think she was not latching on right.I had a ton of trouble with her and stopped in the hospital. With my son I didn't do anything and I didn't have any trouble at all, never bled at all. My grandma didn't even try breastfeeding b/c her mom told her horror stories about it and about scrubbing your nipples and stuff before the baby came. I didn't do that and I was terrified of it hurting. Once baby is here make sure you have the number of a lactation consultant so if you need help, if you have pain or bleeding, if you think you need to see a dr about something and don't know what dr to see, that way they can help. I called L&D for the hospitals consultant and they were soooo helpful. I also applied lanolin cream often. It was hard in the begining but never cracker or bled. I think it is about the latch mostly (that is usually the biggest trouble people have) don't be afraid of inserting a finger between you nipple and the babys mouth to pull her or him off and try it again if it doesn't feel right (I had to do this a lot in the begining.
Do NOT put ice on them.
Do NOT put lotion on them.
Do NOT wash them with soap. If it gets on during a shower, its fine. Don't do it intentionally.
If after you start breastfeeding they start to get sore, put lanolin or a similar nipple butter/cream on them after feeding. No need to wipe off before feeding.
To find out if you have flat or inverted nipples, rub your hand over them a couple times. If they perk up, you are fine. If nothing happens and/or they shrink in, you should wear a nipple SHELL (not shield) before breastfeeding and between each nursing session.
Correct latch will help with them not hurting.
Do NOT just pull the baby off at the end of nursing. If you need to get baby off quickly, slide your finger between your breast and the corner of baby's mouth until you hear a pop signalling you broke the suction.
I have breastfed three kids and had to learn some of these the hard way. Looking forward to doing the same again in a few months.
I was also given this advice with all three pregnancies
Quoting eChard:
My doctor just have me this advice today: when in the shower buff your nipple and aureola with a washcloth. Afterwards, put cold water on them or an ice cube and allow to air dry. This helps build up keratin in the nipple and aureola and helps reduce cracking and bleeding when starting to breast feed. He suggested that this be done everyday for a month before delivery. Someone on a board suggested using lanolin as well...
Quoting Duquesne:
Don't cut them off. That's it.
And good Lord, don't torture them by scrubbing them.
How much weight did you all gain?
- tori_day07
on Jul. 23, 2012 at 9:52 PM