Too good to be true: rough up your nipples to prevent cracking and bleeding?

arcook0307 · October 2011

Is it okay to rough up your nipples before the baby comes so they don't get sore as when you breastfeed or is this a bunch of crap? lol I heard from one girl her midwife told her to use a soft toothbrush in the 8th month to the end. My MIL said use a dry washcloth (and said she never had issues). Too good to be true???

MeganKay · October 2011

IMO this is BS! From my experience if baby is latching properly your nipples don't get cracked or too sore. Yes they are more sensitive in the beginning. For me pumping was more uncomfortable than nursing. I was blessed with a baby who latched correctly from the birth.

Annabelle81 · October 2011

Crap! That sounds like it would hurt worse than any nipple pain I've had from both of my bf experiences.

manda26 · October 2011

I never had an issue with cracking, pain, or anything.

OUKap · October 2011

I didn't have any issues and didn't do anything to them before.

Use the cream from the beginning and work on establishing a good latch.

katcarls · October 2011

Do not listen to your MIL, that is just an OWT. You shouldn't do anything to try to prepare your nipples for breastfeeding. I breastfed for 13 months and I never had a single problem with cracking and bleeding. Establish a good latch right away and use lanolin cream after every feeding.

blu-eyedwife · October 2011

We were specifically told NOT to do that. OWT that can actually do more harm than good. I never did that and never had any cracks, bleeding, or nipple soreness - even without any cream

teatsareme · October 2011

I did! I used a circular sander to rough 'em up!

Jessimurph · October 2011

I disagree with her advice, but Unlike the pp's I was in terrible pain for two weeks. I had a LC and she assured me that I wasn't doing anything wrong. I used a nipple shield for a while and that really helped. if you are worried, get a LC now.

Tb2331 · October 2011

I wouldnt do it! ouch!

and your gonna be sore possibly cracked and bleeding for a little while after you start, people who don't have this are lucky!

arcook0307 · October 2011

Thanks ladies. I'm actually glad to hear I don't need to mess with them and it seems like luck of the draw on whether you have trouble with cracking/bleeding or not. I will be using the Lanolin!

Mrs.Handy · October 2011

I have a theory that people crack and bleed more in the winter months than the summer months.

I'm curious if it is true.

I delivered in mid-July and experienced some pain, but no cracking or bleeding.

Megan.10.06 · October 2011

No way! If anything, start using Lanolin early to keep them moisturized.

I had some issues with Owen, but honestly, it was because he had such a strong need to suck and I was against a pacifier in the beginning. He nursed for over 2 hours straight in the hospital, and they were so sore I asked for one. That's when the issues began. Even then, the pain was only in the first 2 minutes of latching - I wanted to scream, but then it would magically disappear. The pain was entirely gone by 4 weeks.

vanfox · October 2011

Buncha crap. If baby is latched right, you won't need it, and if baby has trouble, messing up your nipples beforehand will only exacerbate the damage. Think about it -- if you punched yourself in the leg and gave yourself a bruise, wouldn't it hurt more if someone punched you in the same spot before it healed?

DiademChi · October 2011

According to the "Motherly Art of Breastfeeding" by the La Leche League, this is a myth. It's all about the baby's latch, and you can actually do more harm than good trying to "toughen up" your nipples.

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Too good to be true: rough up your nipples to prevent cracking and bleeding?

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