Iam having my third baby in october and i need halp. I want to know if there is anything i can do before the baby is born to prepare my nipples for whats ahead. With my first two my nipples turned into this hamburger like mess.(sorry if that was to much info) I really want to breast feed and i need advice someone please help.
2007-03-03 15:30:25 · 10 answers · asked by rosiemadisen 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
start preparing your breast by using a breast pump about 2weeks before birth.. just dont forget the nipple cream. good luck
2007-03-03 15:37:28 · answer #1 · answered by Confused0320 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hi, sorry to hear of previous probs. Have you got an organisation near you called the breast feeding initiative? Im unsure as to what part of the world you are in but here in Scotland, and I imagine the rest of the UK, it is available through the NHS or your midwife could give some info? They will probably be able to guide you. They are a volunteer org adn would be happy to help. I hope things go well!
2007-03-04 04:57:19 · answer #2 · answered by brunelscooby 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The hormonal changes pregnancy brings to the breasts are sufficient preparation for most women. You don't need to use creams to soften your skin beforehand or express colostrum either. In particular, don't rub or scrub your nipples - this will only hurt you and make breastfeeding difficult
What are sore nipples?
Sore nipples are so common to new breastfeeding mothers that many think they are part and parcel of breastfeeding. Not true. You may feel some tenderness at the beginning of a feed during the first few days, but severe or prolonged pain associated with breastfeeding is neither necessary nor normal. If the pain is intense or lasts longer than a few days, it is a sign that you may need to make some changes. Breastfeeding can and should be a pleasurable experience for both you and your baby.
What causes them?
Frequent feeding does not cause sore nipples. A baby who doesn't latch on well or is attached incorrectly at the breast is more likely to be the cause. If she has to suck or pull your nipple into her mouth it can cause soreness and pain. Latching on incorrectly may also develop poor sucking techniques in your baby that could be hard to change later.
If your baby is older and you develop sore nipples, it may be because she is teething. A baby with mouth pain may alter the way she feeds to be more comfortable. She may even bite down, which can mean pain for you. Weaning foods in your child's mouth may also cause soreness if they are come in contact with your skin when feeding.
Creams, lotions or soaps may also cause dermatitis which can make your nipples sore.
Your nipples may become tender if you become pregnant again while breastfeeding.
A badly-fitting bra can also possibly cause nipple soreness by putting pressure on your nipples. You can easily remedy this by buying a bigger or more comfortable one. Breast pads and plastic linings in bras may also be the culprits if they do not allow the skin to "breathe," aggravating the problem by trapping moisture.
What can I do?
First, ask yourself the following questions:
Is your baby taking the breast right back into her mouth? Your baby needs to take a large mouthful of breast - not just the nipple - into her mouth before she begins to suck. If the baby is just sucking on the tip of the nipple, it will probably hurt. It is important for you to get expert help from a breastfeeding counsellor or infant feeding specialist to sort out your baby's latching on technique.
Is your baby's mouth opening wide enough? If your baby latches on without opening her mouth, break the suction by putting your finger into the corner of her mouth, take her from the breast and start again. Don't pull your nipple out - that can cause pain, too.
Are your baby's lips positioned correctly? Some babies suck in their lower lip along with the nipple and areola and this can cause pain when feeding.
Some experts say the best treatment for sore nipples is expressing a little colostrum or breast milk and rubbing it gently on your nipples. However the most important thing to do is to improve and rectify your baby's latch on technique, which is the cause of sore nipples in the first place.
There is no evidence to suggest that using cling film or lanolin cream is helpful for sore nipples. However, for cracked nipples, many midwives and breastfeeding counsellors do recommend using a purified lanolin cream formulated especially for breastfeeding women to encourage 'moist wound healing'. It forms a semi-permeable layer, which allows the skin to breathe. Petroleum jelly is a widely used alternative.
Will they affect my baby?
If your nipples are sore your baby is unlikely to be latched on well at the breast. This will affect the qualities of your milk and may mean that your baby doesn't get enough of the calorie-rich hindmilk at the end of a feed.
2007-03-04 02:27:34 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had the same problem and I used advent brand (like the bottles)nipple shields so that I could protect my nipples and breast feed.....You just stick them on right before you attach baby and I used them every other feed and it worked really well....if you can't find them at the store they are available online. Good Luck!
2007-03-03 23:40:05 · answer #4 · answered by Elesha B 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I took my sisters advise and used a tooth brush to clean them one or twice a week in the shower but when I took a birthing class and the instructor said we should not do anything because you will start making the colostrum too soon, which the baby needs. I would say talk to a lactation consultant.
2007-03-04 00:38:34 · answer #5 · answered by Carmen M 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When I fed my little boy now almost 2 I used to use a cream with papaya in it. (it came in a red tube) It was a god send. Can't for the life of me remember the name but maybe if you went to a chemist or health shop and asked for it they could help! Lanosil is also a great cream. I'm not sure if there is anything you can do in the lead up though.
2007-03-03 23:39:13 · answer #6 · answered by Mitsy77 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My lactation consultant told me I didn't have to do anything to prepare my nipples. I wish you the best!
I wanted to add do not use a pump to prepare. Nipple stimulation can cause contractions which may lead to preterm labor.
2007-03-03 23:38:33 · answer #7 · answered by aprildc82 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
You can use lanolin to condition your nipples and prepare them for breastfeeding. I used Lansinoh Lanolin and it worked great. It can be purchased anywhere breastfeeding supplies are sold. Good luck!
2007-03-03 23:40:07 · answer #8 · answered by Ashley H 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Listen kid use the pleasurable technique get your man to savour the flavour and prepare your nips with some regular tongue flicking exercises.
2007-03-03 23:57:16 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
use a pump
2007-03-03 23:34:43 · answer #10 · answered by dan m 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋