How to Prepare the Breast for Breast-Feeding

During your pregnancy, your body will naturally prepare itself for breast-feeding - you don't need to do very much to prepare your breasts. But if you have very sensitive skin, inverted nipples, or flat nipples, there are a few things you can do to make the transition into new motherhood easier.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Nursing Bras
• Lanolin Cream

1. Gently massage a few drops of colostrum into your nipples every couple of days, starting a few weeks before your baby is born.

2. Apply pure lanolin cream to your nipples several times a day to soothe sore, tender skin after you begin nursing.

3. Keep the flaps of your nursing bra open whenever possible so that your breasts are exposed to air.

4. Ask your doctor, local La Leche League leader or local lactation consultant about the various methods you can use to draw out inverted nipples.

5. Attend a La Leche League or other breast-feeding support group during your pregnancy to get answers to any questions you might have before your baby arrives.

6. Get a good book about breast-feeding and read it during your pregnancy so that you'll have the information you need by the time your baby arrives.

Tips & Warnings

• Breast-feeding can be challenging in the beginning. Treat your breasts gently.
• Call your local La Leche League or hospital breast-feeding clinic for support.
• If your nipples are inverted, ask your doctor about breast shields that will draw them out.
• If you notice a lump, cut or blister on or around your nipple, you might have a breast infection called mastitis, or inflammation of the breast. Symptoms include soreness, hardness, heat, redness, swelling of the breast duct, fever, fatigue and chills. Antibiotics, lots of nursing on the affected breast, bed rest, ice or heat treatments and pain relievers can all provide relief.
• If you purchase nursing bras before your baby is born, remember that your breasts will get larger when your milk comes in. If possible, hold off on buying nursing bras until the last few weeks before your due date.

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[ecm1980]

on 5/1/2009 Great advice for new moms.

[esperd]

on 1/31/2009 you will never believe what a nurse told me when I was pregnant. she said to use CLOTHESPINS on my nipples to get them "ready". HA!

Good reccommendations you gave. I didn't need to do any of that, thankfully, it was pretty easy for me. But useful tips for many.

[ridoodles]

on 1/18/2009 breast sheilds should be worn nlong before bab is due to arrive. In order for them to work, time is neede to work the nippple out from the inverted position.