Preparing your breasts for breastfeeding!!

You do not need to prepare your nipples.

I suggest you see a lactation consultant before you have your baby so that you understand that you are breastfeeding and not nipple feeding. If your baby latches or you latch your baby correctly, there is no need to have sore nipples. If your baby struggles consult a consultant immediately and get help to prevent cracked and bleeding nipples. As in the same day not a week later!

Breastfeeding should not hurt. If it hurts unlatch and relatch the baby until it is comfortable. Thrush will cause severe discomfort and needs to be treated but a nursing sister will advise you.

When my son was 3weeks old, I went to get some bf help, cause my nipples was bleeding. I was in so much pain. The sister looked, and said that he was latching perfectly. And then she went on about how you should prepare your nipples, and that she can't understand why we are tought otherwise. And no, she is not old! She gave me nipple shields, and told me to use the nipple creams after every feed, and also sit in the sun with them.

anyways, after a couple of days I realised that we have thrush. And after treating that, my nipples are so much better. One still hurts, but not as bad.

Please dont prepare your nipples:(

If breastfeeding hurts there is a problem and you should see someone to get it sorted. Yes you may be a little sensitive because youre not used to the sucking, but if it hurts and you are bleeding then baby is not latching properly!!!!

The following are good resources to look:

www.kellymomcom
www.analyticalarmadillo.com
www.bestforbabesfoundation.com

Also leleche league international.

dont introduce a bottle or dummy in the first few weeks when you are still learning as it can (although not always) cause issues.

I totally agree with the having no formula around, I would even go as far as to say, have no bottles in the house. The bottles in the shop are not going to sell out soon, so IF things don't work out, THEN go buy bottles etc.

Jaiden, yes breastfeeding is natural, but so is birth... so I do feel that we should be prepared for breastfeeding. My first born latched wonderfully, according to the sisters in hospital. But my nipples cracked and bled and had no skin on for weeks. While I was pregnant with my second baby, I watched a BF video and it was like WOW is THAT how the baby is supposed to latch????? And then when she was born, I put her on my breast immediately and made SURE that she was latching correctly, and never had a sore nipple!!

Prepare your nipples with knowledge, and a la leche league phone number!!

I agree, absolutely no need to prepare your nipples. Key key key to successful and unpainful BFing is the correct latch and position, so be sure you get loads of qualified support!

Exposing your nipples to sunlight can't do any harm (as long as you don't burn them lol). For sore nipples in the early days, you can also dust some icing sugar on your nipples or place cooled black tea bags on them (tips from my sister's friend who's a mid wife). Just wipe your nipples of before you feed baby.

Babies can actually initiate BFing themselves - just google "breast crawl" and watch one of the videos that pop up. We did it with my daughter immediately after birth and it was one of the most amazing experiences ever!

You can use nipple creme before, during and after BFing as long as you use stuff like Lansinoh, Medela nipple creme (both pure Lanolin) or Bepanthen.

I got the following advise from a breastfeeding consultant:

Sunbathe your naked breasts at least three times for approximately 15 minutes each time before baby arrives.
Immediately stop washing the areola (nipple area) with soap as this removes the natural oils which makes your skin more supple.
Try to let your breasts air-dry after bathing (walking without cloting for about 5 minutes).
Use nipple cream twice a day.
Do NOT massage your breasts or press them to see if there is milk, there will be.
You are allowed to "pull" and "stretch" the nipples, but not too much.

I did follow this advise, but am not really able to tell if it made a difference. Using nipple cream and no soap does make some sense when you think about it.
The sunbathing really felt nice and relaxing.

Good luck with the breastfeeding! Just hang in there, you and baby will get the hang of it! And ask for help if you struggle!

Sjo, the thought of DH even just touching my breasts right now is scary! It feels like someone punched me on my left breast! "lammie"... haha!

Thanks for all the advice. I feel a lot better now. Do I need to use nipple cream while bf'ing too?

Libra and Memo - I will definitely keep in mind about the Formula! I sure don't want baby to prefer anything other than my milk. How important is it to have a breastpump?