Serious question, please don't flame me.

photojunky050209 · November 2010

Everyone is allowed at least one stupid question riiiiight

Here is mine. I plan on breastfeeding but am worried about the sensitivity part, I wont even let DH touch my nips cause they are so sensitive. I had a random thought today and was considering pumping starting now for about ten minutes a day to help decrease/get used to the sensation. Will this affect me in a negative way? Anyone think it would work or is it just plain stupid. Huh?

BabyyMamma · November 2010

well it might not be a good idea at 35 weeks considering ive heard that nipple stimulation can send you into labor.

hollerjeepgirl · November 2010

I read that nipples form this protective layer to prepare you for the breastfeeding. You never know, maybe you won't be as sensitive when it gets to that point

ChelStefani · November 2010

I am not sure, but would pumping now cause all of the colostrum you produce in the beginning to be used up, and consequently unavailable for your baby when it is born?

kg_08 · November 2010

Not a good idea. At this point, you're only 35 weeks and you don't want any contractions from nipple stimulation.

Just to put your mind at ease, I NEVER wanted DH to touch my nipples in pregnancy, and even now still I hate it, but DD doesn't bother me at all. They open their mouth really wide and go around the nipple, so it's kinda sucked back in their mouth pretty far. They're not gumming the nipple. Honestly I don't even hardly feel anything.

columbiamommy · November 2010

Pumping and breastfeeding don't feel the same at all IMO.

qme09 · November 2010

The idea of "toughening up" your nipples for breastfeeding is outdated, and not recommended. ESPECIALLY since you're only 35 weeks, and nipple stimulation can cause contractions. Doing a whole lot of preparation to the nipples can also cause more issues with the actual breastfeeding, from what I've heard.

I'd say its a bad plan, but I'm no lactation consultant or midwife.

kit.kat343 · November 2010

My MIL had read somewhere that you should do exercises to prepare your breasts for breastfeeding. I asked my doctor about this, and she told me to leave my nipples alone since (as the previous posters noted) nipple stimulation can cause contractions.

ChibiMommy · November 2010

My MW told me to pump to induce contractions in an attempt to get thing started. My first question was would it use up my colostrum and she said that you only produce milk after you have the hormone rush of your baby being born.

photojunky050209 · November 2010

Thanks ladies! I didn't know that nipple stimulation caused contractions and I definitely don't want that! I will just put that idea in the heck no pile and deal with it when DD gets here,

ChelStefani · November 2010

ensmith:
My MW told me to pump to induce contractions in an attempt to get thing started. My first question was would it use up my colostrum and she said that you only produce milk after you have the hormone rush of your baby being born.

Makes sense. Thanks.

askewmyers · November 2010

photojunky050209:
Thanks ladies! I didn't know that nipple stimulation caused contractions and I definitely don't want that! I will just put that idea in the heck no pile and deal with it when DD gets here,

I didnt know either, I'm glad you asked your question.

wolverine8 · November 2010

Stupid. Pumping will cause nipple stimulation which could put you into an early labor. There is no way for you to prep your nips for nursing so ignore everything everyone else says. Once you have had your baby, use lanolin cream for the dryness and such and trust me, if you really want to nurse you won't care about how weird and uncomfortable it feels at first. You will get used to it. Good luck!

KeriMac · November 2010

columbiamommy:
Pumping and breastfeeding don't feel the same at all IMO.

This. Also, pumping before delivery is not advised for numerous reasons. If your baby has a good latch, he/she should not even be touching your nipple. I BF/ Pumped for 11 months and my nips are so tough now, nothing would bother them and they were extremely sensitive before - don't worry!

wda519 · November 2010

If after trying you find that your nipples are still very sensitive you can buy nipple sheilds for breastfeeding. They are available almost everywhere.

Winter*Mommy · November 2010

No, do not pump now - it can induce labor. Plus, don't do anything to "rough up" your nipples because you can get tiny tears (fissures) and get an infection. I would just put the lansinoh cream on now (with a nursing pad, since it stains) and get them nice and soft.

But don't pump at all.

kcisthebombdotcom · November 2010

To prepare your nipples, I would use lansinoh (sp?) cream-that's what a lot of women use when nursing and their nipples are uncomfortable and it works great. That would probably help more than pumping.

Angeldcf · November 2010

Colostrum can be produced (and leak) well before baby arrives. Colostrum is the pre-milk & still provides nutrition and antibodies to a newborn. Your milk usually arrives a few days after baby's birth.

Don't pump now nor do anything to "toughen up" your breasts. When BF, the baby's mouth needs to cover the areola so the nipple is close to the ridge/space in the upper palate. Baby's lips do not directly suck on the nipple (ouch, bad latch).

elfgirl11 · November 2010

I've read not to do anything before LO has a chance to try. plus nipple stimulation isn't a good idea if you are not ready to cue labor.(or so I've read...but on the other hand it seems that girls on here overdue have tried and it isn't speeding anything up...but there are many factors....??)

I am ordering nipple shields....just in case I have a hard time. I found some on amazon and diapers.com and I saw some at BRU for $5-8. I will try not to use them, but just knowing they are there will help me not be as scared about chaffed nipples and failure.

I am also using hemp seed butter and oil as a moisturizer...the stuff is great. (I wouldn't use it while breastfeeding without doing some more research but I think lanolin is vile)

Brezzihuts · November 2010

You don't need to do anything now, once you start BFing your nipples will get tough, among other things. I'm reading the Ultimate Breastfeeding book of answers which has been helpful. GL!

Winter*Mommy · November 2010

Also, pumping and nursing are very different sensations... For one, you can have your pump turned up WAY too high and it can turn your nipples purple. I would wait to do anything nipple-related until after baby comes. Yes, it will likely be uncomfortable at first, that's because its new and once you get the hang of it and have a good latch, it will feel natural. The biggest thing to remember is to just relax and keep practicing. Baby can sense when you're tense and it will just make things harder. And when you do end up turning your pump on, start at the lowest level and work your way up.

kg_08 · November 2010

wda519:
If after trying you find that your nipples are still very sensitive you can buy nipple sheilds for breastfeeding. They are available almost everywhere.

I definitely do not advise this. Nipple shields are super awkward to use, and once the baby gets used to the nipple shields, it is almost impossible to get rid of them.

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