Roughing up your nipples to prepare for breastfeeding??

[GuavaGirl]

I had never heard of this before but a friend mentioned that I should start toughening my breasts/nipples now by roughing them up with a washcloth?

I did a quick google search and it seems like there's quite a split on whether or not it's a good idea.

I thought you were supposed to just stop using soap on them and put some lansinoh every now and then during late pregnancy.

What's your vote?


If it is a good idea, how is it done?

[fruitfulmomma]

I was told when I was pregnant with my oldest, 10 years ago, that it was a really outdated idea and not to do it. I never have and have never had any issues with them not 'being prepared'.

[listipton]

LOL! NO, I would and did not 'toughen up' my nipples pre-baby. A washcloth and a baby's mouth are two totally different entities.

[MamaMelis]

Don't do it! It will be painful and there is no proven benefit Our bodies know just what to do without hurting them under the guise of "preparation".

[LROM]

When I was expecting my first I only had one momma look at me with horror that no one had told me to do t his - no one else mentioned it. And 13 months into nursing that LO, I'm so glad I didn't listen to her and just left my nipples alone until she was born to see what I needed to do!

Fortunately it went smoothly from the first latch, and I can't imagine having "roughed them up" prior to her nursing. Not saying there may not be times this might have been a good idea in retrospect, but since you don't know until you start, and doing that may not address any challenges that might come up for you, why do that?

[limette]

I had a student midwife tell me this. She was from Europe and was some kind of head midwife at hospital there.

I told her no, I would not be doing that and that it was outdated advice. She tried to explain how it was only logical that the nipples would need prep work done to them.

I nursed fine, no prep required.

[sunshynbaby]

No, nipple stimulation can cause early labor, so I wouldn't try anything like that.

[Youngfrankenstein]

Originally Posted by listipton

LOL! NO, I would and did not 'toughen up' my nipples pre-baby. A washcloth and a baby's mouth are two totally different entities.

Yup...

[1stBabyAt39]

That must be a really outdated concept! Nobody suggested that to me when I was pregnant. All I did was stop using soap on them when I took a shower, and I had no breastfeeding issues at all. Nursing didn't "toughen them up", so I don't understand why anybody would want to do that intentionally. Just let nature take its course.

[CookAMH]

I think it's old school advice. My mom told me the same thing but my nursing book does not recommend it.

[CookAMH]

Originally Posted by sunshynbaby

No, nipple stimulation can cause early labor, so I wouldn't try anything like that.

I wouldn't take it quite that far. If you're in labor, it can enhance contractions or get them going again but you won't go into labor if you're not already ready to go into labor before stimulating your nipples.

[PatioGardener]

ow ow ow!!!

What a great way to stop a mom from enjoying breastfeeding before she has even started!

[MCatLvrMom2A&X]

It is very outdated and goes along with the thinking that before every single nursing you should scrub your nipples with super hot water and soap. Ouchy. Lots of outdated information is still out there about bfing unfortunately.

[AnnieNimIty]

OUCH! The first thought that popped into my head when I read roughing up was sand paper.

[isabchi]

The only preparation that need for breastfeeding is education, support (family, social,etc) and a couple phone number in case that you need help..LLL, Lactation consultant.

[averlee]

No, no roughing up of the nips required.

[GuavaGirl]

Great! Thanks ladies. It sounded odd to me, but hey, I've heard stranger things, so I just thought I'd check.

[delfin]

i didn't scrub my nipples or anything, but i expose them to the sun, and i never had any pain bfing, don't know if it eas because of that or what.

[Carson]

The only thing I considered doing was conditioning them with Lansinoh, but I never did. DS has a great latch and is a lot gentler than any washcloth could be! I'd spend the time reading up on BF instead!

[mntnmom]

uncomfortable and unnecessary. I've BF 3 babes. Never did any prep. Especially after the babe comes, I second letting them "air out" occasionally. I had some scabbing problems, and Lansinoh has been my lifesaver. So the only preparing I'm doing for this baby is buying more Lansinoh, and some good breastpads!