Breastfeeding? ? FTM

[jessijlb1229]

So my mother-in-law tells me that I need to toughen up my nipples before the baby gets here by rubbing them raw with a wash cloth like twice a week. I'm guessing to help keep them from cracking etc. When I start to breastfeed.  Is this an old wives tale?? I'm not sure what to think of it.

[sarahlc]

I breast fed my 3 previous children and will this one also. My obgyn has me prepare by putting warm moist tea bags on my nipples in the weeks before birth,the tannic acid helps toughen the nipples and reduce the initial irritation of beginning to breastfeed.

[b4b]

My midwife said this is advice often given by older women, but your nipples would actually become acclimated with moisturizer and wearing a t shirt with no bra.

[jessijlb1229]

Thanks everyone! I figured it wasn't the best thing to do since they are already sore as it is. I definitely plan on talking to a consultant when I get further along.

[lousie_1986]

I heard the opposite, that getting them into good condition by rubbing on vitamin e oil daily would improve the skin quality and make them more durable for baby... sounded good to me but I never checked the source out properly so don't take thst as fact!

[alid32]

I laughed a little at this to be honest (not at you asking, just pictured myself scrubbing my nipples and it made me chuckle). You definitely don't need to toughen up your nipples. Get in touch with your local La Leche clinic or Wic office that have breastfeeding conselors, they can help you. Also take a breastfeeding class. It will help tons. Good luck mama:)

[libellula]

The lactation specialist at my hospital said to NOT do this. That it will only made breastfeeding harder and more painful. Your nipples do not need to be tough to breastfeed!

[RedRose28]

I just had a WIC appt and they didnt tell me anything like this. You just have to make sure you arent gorged with milk or the baby wont get a good latch and can cause cracking. They have safe nipple balm that you put on your nipples after each feeding and its like chap stick for your nipples. It doesnt have to be wiped off before feeding the baby and is safe for them to ingest. Idk about you but my boobs hurt enough as it is and (i know tmi) but i dont need to turn myself on anymore then my body already does on its own right now lol!!!

[nannewmom]

I dont think you should do that. I took a breastfeeding class and its real helpful. They never mentioned to do that. You got to watch out with thoes old wives tales:) good luck to you:)

[Alliestyl]

Please take a breastfeeding class!! Look up LA Leche League in your area or your local hospital,  they're probably free! No, you do NOT need to do this.

[nini1022]

I don't know how accurate that is but I have been doing regular nipple and breast massages for myself. In the beginning my nipples were extremely sore and so I started taking a little olive and coconut oil (premixed from African Pride) and applied it to my nipple and areola with slight rubbing. There is less skin irritability and the soreness has become more tolerable and I the oil smells great! Hope that helps.

[Newmummy657]

I think that's just an old wives tale to be honest.. If they are going to crack they will crack no matter what you do!! My obstetrician recommended I twist my nipples a few times each day so they are a bit more "erect" for the baby to latch.. But he said if i didn't do it, the baby would latch anyway... People's opinions are soooo annoying!! My family know not to give me theirs unless asked first!!

[mummainoz]

I'm thinking old wives tale. Never did that with mu first and never had trouble with cracking. Get a lactation consultant or midwife to show you proper attachment and you wont have as many problems.

[toriajane2]

Hmmm not sure.  I personally wouldn't do that and be in pain for a maybe lol. I have heard lanolin oil rubbed on will help for preparation.  Mine were sore last pregnancy and it got all overwhelming so im looking for ideas to make this time better for me.