My mom's piece of advice..

CantWaitforBaby · April 2009

I was talking to my mom on the phone yesterday and she told me she's talked to two women who've recently had babies and they both said that I need to start "roughing up" my nipples if I plan on BFing...as in rubbing them with something to callous them?? Has anyone heard of this? They said it would make BFing a lot easier and less painful....sorry but I just don't see myself sitting there rubbing my boobs with something rough....that's just me Confused

hula_lula · April 2009

It is NOT TRUE. I hate that OWT. You don't need to rough up or toughen your nipples. You'll just end up with roughed up nippes- and it can cause them to bleed more

D-lightful · April 2009

I have heard there is prep you can/should do, but I don't think it involves sand paper.

Smellygirl · April 2009

I've heard that's an OWT and not to needlessly subject your nipples to pain!! I couldn't imagine doing it either - I'll hold off on painful nipples until it's absolutely necessary

IU_baby · April 2009

I read that it's an OWT.

toospooky · April 2009

I've heard that too. Something like when you're in the shower, use a washcloth and rub gently.

However, I've also heard that I shouldn't do that, so I've no idea what to do regarding that. Oh well, breastfeeding is going to be uncomfortable anyway the first little while.

katypresson · April 2009

I've been told...by our pediatrician...that BFing is not supposed to HURT...it might be uncomfortable for the first couple weeks, since it's new and your boobs will hurt due to the milk coming in and all that...but if the baby is latching on properly, there should be no pain. I will not be roughing up my boobs....that's for sure.

RichInLove · April 2009

That's terrible and antiquated advice. DON'T DO IT!

DSteed-to-be · April 2009

hula_lula:
It is NOT TRUE. I hate that OWT. You don't need to rough up or toughen your nipples. You'll just end up with roughed up nippes- and it can cause them to bleed more

This. This was an OLD trick they used to advised and now do NOT recommend. Nothing will prepare your nipples for BFing (except some products will help correct flat/inverted nipples without pain).

momsthree · April 2009

When I had my oldest one (he is almost 18) I was told the same thing...all I got was sore nipples. By the time my second was born in 1996 the midwife told me NOT to do this as it can cause contractions AND sore nipples. My OB this time around agrees with most of the medical community in advising against it. I did not see any benefit in it at all....Talk to your doc and see what his/her opinion is on the subject....

toospooky · April 2009

katypresson:
I've been told...by our pediatrician...that BFing is not supposed to HURT...it might be uncomfortable for the first couple weeks, since it's new and your boobs will hurt due to the milk coming in and all that...but if the baby is latching on properly, there should be no pain. I will not be roughing up my boobs....that's for sure.

Also, the La Leche League is great for breastfeeding support, so if a mom is experiencing alot of pain they can help figure out what the problem is.

somethingchangd · April 2009

The 2 BFing books I've read (one by the AAP) specifically said NOT to do this. It doesn't help you prepare, just causes unnecessary pain.

MeghanF13 · April 2009

hula_lula:
It is NOT TRUE. I hate that OWT. You don't need to rough up or toughen your nipples. You'll just end up with roughed up nippes- and it can cause them to bleed more

MeghanF13 · April 2009

hula_lula:
It is NOT TRUE. I hate that OWT. You don't need to rough up or toughen your nipples. You'll just end up with roughed up nippes- and it can cause them to bleed more

THIS. They used to tell women to do this, but you are actually stripping the protective oils on your nipples. You do not need to toughen your nipples. You will be able to breastfeed just fine with your nipples as is. Toughening your nipples can actually do damage.

boo98lu · April 2009

My OB/GYN recommended putting warm washclothes on my nipples for 5 to 10 minutes a day.. to "prepare" them. So far I haven't taken her advice but I think I should start soon.

liongish119 · April 2009

My Mom advised me to toughen my nipples by letting the shower run full power on them. I couldn't really see how that would be the same as the action of breastfeeding, so I ignored the advice. I'm glad to read these posts and realize that I'm right!

Talena Johnson · April 2009

Speaking as someone who BF for 11 mo. with DD . . . I'd say DON'T EVEN THINK ABOUT IT!

The best thing I did to help was to actually soften them up (provide more oils to keep things supple) was to start using Lanolin before she was born. I also used it EVERY time I fed her for the first few weeks. After a while, my nipples got used to feeding and I didn't need the Lanolin anymore. But for a while there - it was my BEST FRIEND.

Lanisnoh makes great, pure, lanolin in a tube that's cheap and works wonders.

Caution: Keep the Lanolin off your clothes. It will NEVER come out.

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