Is this really helpful?

[FarrenSquare]

Hey all you knowledgeable mommas! I'm due in November with my first and plan to breastfeed exclusively. I'm prepared that it might be a little tough in the beginning and I'm ready to persevere through the tough times to make it to our goal.

But women everywhere keep telling me to "rough up" my nipples with towels and cloths over the next few month to "get ready for it." I've given it a shot and do find it to be... well, not something I want to do unless there are real benefits!

Did you "rough up" your nipples before breastfeeding? Is this something that really could prepare that sensitive area for later roughenings, or is this just an old wives tale?

[Mosaic]

Don't bother!! It definitely doesn't prep you for nursing, plus nipple stimulation can bring on labor.

[sarahn4639]

completely unnecessary, it's one of those old wives tales sort of things. the only thing that may be of benefit before the baby comes is if you have inverted nipples, it can be helpful to start drawing them out. other than that, no prep needed, the body is amazing and works very well the overwhelming vast majority of the time.

[4Blessings]

Not necessary.

[PatioGardener]

OMG no! it will just make your nipples sore before baby arrives. better prep = go to a lll meeting or find a good lc. and stop by here with any questions good luck

nak

[boobs4milk]

the best thing you can do to prepare for breastfeeding is to get educated and forget the misinformation. the best places to start:

www.kellymom.com
www.drjacknewman.com
www.askdrsears.com

[akind1]

No prepping necessary! read up on some good stuff, like the above sites, or if you like books, check out your library, I am sure they have the LLL book, and some other good resources.

Wouldn't hurt to get some Lanolin or other nipple cream for after though. Soothie gel nursing pads were also a big help for me.

[maddymama]

Please don't hurt your nipples like that. In the vast majority of cases nipple pain is caused by an improper latch. Go to a LLL meeting, read books, go to the websites listed above, get your IBCLC nurse to help after delivery, etc.
Take your time teaching your LO to latch on properly in the first few feedings. It might take awhile to latch on and off, but it is worth it in the end!
Good luck!
~maddymama

[staceychev]

Old wives' tale.

But, my first midwife did tell me to stop washing my nipples, even with the sensitive-skin, unscented soap that I used. I don't know if it helped or not, but I never had much in the way of nipple pain.

[FarrenSquare]

Thanks everyone! I really was sure that was an old wives tale, but too many women were telling me it was true not to ask.

My doctor is really great, she is pro-extended breastfeeding and has connected me to a LaLecheLeague in my area, so I'll definitely be going to meetings before & after baby comes. I've already registered in a breastfeeding class as well but they didn't want me to start until the fall.

I will definitely check out those links, thanks! I already know and love Dr. Sears

[blessedwithboys]

i would say that there might be some benefit to stopping soap in the last few weeks so that your natural lubrication can do its job. there are gland that secrete a natural cleansing moisturizer for condition your nipples and areolas (areoli? LOL)

you might also wish to use a little lansinoh prenatally. what is your skin tone? there is a difference between skin with more pigment (say an AA mother) and skin with less (redhead, blue or green eyes, tendency to freckle). and then theres me: half italian, but i burn after 5 mins in the sun! consider your situation and go from there.

most importantly, remember that the number one reason for pain is poor latch, so if you are having tow curling pain after the initital newborn period, seek help ASAP! GL!

[ChinaDoll]

Originally Posted by boobs4milk

the best thing you can do to prepare for breastfeeding is to get educated and forget the misinformation. the best places to start:

www.kellymom.com
www.drjacknewman.com
www.askdrsears.com

NO!!! Definitely bookmark the sites above, and perhaps buy a tube of lansinoh, and that's really all you need to get started!