Anything I can do? - to help prepare myself for breastfeeding

ilovemybaby wrote: Last time around I was told by a pharmacist that a good way to harden the nipples is to lie in the sun with no top or bra on. But I couldn't do that... I could never do that even at home LOL

Anything else I can do to help toughen up my nipples?

ZandersMama replied: All I did with mine was everytime i nursed i would put a little milk on my nipples and let it air dry. There is really no reason to toughen them up, all you will be doing is giving yourself sore nipples. Tis is what they were made for, and if you have enough support and a good lactation consultant, you shouldnt have a hard time with it. Hope that help

luvmykids replied: I never heard of anything to do before hand but I swore by Lansinoh, an ointment type concoction, I don't know if you'd have it in NZ.

supermom replied: I had read somewhere to take a washcloth in the shower and rub as much as you could stand it. I did it with my first, never had a sore nipple one! Didn't do it with my second and boy did I regret it!

holley79 replied: I didn't do anything to "toughen" up my nipples. They were a little sore but your body quickly adjusts. I think the main think is make sure you have a good LC/ MW what knows what they are doing.

Jamison'smama replied: I didn't prepare my breasts---not sure if it would have helped--couldn't hurt to try to desensitize them a bit. I did prepare by really preparing my mind. I made a decision to make it work no matter what! It is at least 50% mindset I believe. I surrounded myself with supportive people, knowledgable people and books galore! I asked for help EVERY time I tried to feed Jamison in the hospital (see other post). I found a lactation consultant before I gave birth, I found a support group and LLL meeting groups and just sunk my heels in and got through it.

kimberley replied: i have heard of using a wash cloth and even hair brush to toughen the nipples but that was not for me lol. the pain really didn't last that long for me tho so i just toughed it out and their dad would pace the floors with them when i needed a break.

EvesMom replied:

I don't know about anything else though. The first week I was pretty sore (used lansinoh). After that initial soarness went away, I couls break cinder blocks with these suckers and not feel a thing All joking aside, I highly recommend reading this book ,The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding. It can pretty much answer any questions you can think of.

ilovemybaby replied: Thanks all
I'm pretty sure we do have Lanisoh here. I will make sure I get that before Sophie is due.
I am cringing at the thought of rubbing my nipples with a washcloth or brush I think I'll just forget the idea of toughening them up

I am determined to breastfeed this time. I know I will have to ask for help. Because they sure don't just offer it.

Lynda836 replied: I agree with the others, don't worry about toughening them up. The only time I had sore nipples was when DS wasn't latched on properly...I ended up with a blister. Getting help initially to make sure you have a good latch is a "nipple saver"

NEWMOM05 replied: I would air dry as much as possible and when I nursed I would rub some milk on the nipples.

Bamamom replied:
Lansinoh Lansinoh Lansinoh Lansinoh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This stuff is awesome!! I started using it around 8 months and then put it on EVERY time after I nursed for the first week or so and never had a problem. It just conditions your nipples. It is da bomb