Concern about breastfeeding...

[Apiana]

Hi!
I am planning on BFing my baby, but I have a concern that may seem stupid. My nipples are EXTREMELY sensitive. I can hardly stand to have them touch/rub anything. In fact, the only time they like to be touched is when I'm highly sexually aroused.
Has anyone had this & been able to BF? Are there 'toughening' exercises I can do?
Any suggestions?
TIA!

[MA mommy]

A lot of women have extremely sensitive nipples, including myself. I was nervous about it when I was pregnant with my first. The baby did the toughening up. I found that they are not nearly as sensitive during nursing because the latch is so deep (not just the nipple but the areola also).

[Ravin]

I was so sensitive I didn't even like them being touched during sex play. But like the PP said, the baby toughened them up. You will go through hormonal changes, and the way a baby nurses is nothing like the things usually done to nipples in foreplay. It really doesn't involve the nipple much, the baby's mouth is on the areola and the nipple just sits back there and squirts, not subject to a lot of friction.

Go armed with lansinoh, mind your latch, and even if you have a rough start, you'll toughen up and be fine.

In the mean time, one of the more constructive things you could do would be to go braless or even topless around the house, to let your nipples get lots of air. Also, don't put soap on them, it disrupts the natural cleansing process of the nipple and the conditioning oils in the skin. Just rinse with water.

[Apiana]

Thank you ladies so much for your answers! It was a big concern, but you've put my mind at ease & given me a few things to work on.
Thanks Again!!

[orangebird]

Looks like you've gotten the answers you needed but I wanted to say that I too have very sensitive nipples, never even enjoy them being touched sexually, they're too sensitive. But nursing has been fine through three kids The latch, like others have said, is deep. I have had times with each kid that I felt touched out and wanted them to get off my nipple! But I think every mom has gone through that