Toughening up nipples?

MamaPiers · February 2014

I've heard from a few women that I should "toughen up" my nipples to get ready for BF by scrubbing them with a washcloth in the shower... Is this true? Does it help? They're already sore as it is and I'm wondering if doing this to them is only going to make them feel worse?

VitaLuna · February 2014

My mom told me to do this and I said something to my MW. She laughed. There's no need to do it and I really don't think it will help that much, if at all.

greeneyed_bride · February 2014

Nope. No need to toughen up your nipples. I had heard the same thing and then read on several reputable sites (including KellyMom) that it's not necessary.

vvvvvfee · February 2014

ouch, don't do it! just make sure you have some kind of nipple cream on hand- i liked the earth mama angel baby nipple cream (or you can use coconut oil), and apply it after each feeding.

BootsOrHearts · February 2014

Ha! No. No need. Not everyone gets sore nipples anyway.

mommatotwo2 · February 2014

Definitely not! This is a way out of date and very bad piece of advice!

MamaPiers · February 2014

Mine are sore already ... I'm due in 2 mos... Is that weird?!

GingerBear1128 · February 2014

I was seriously told to put the scratchy side of velcro in my bra. No. Why prolong the nipple torture? I agree ... get some good nipple cream and research what a good latch looks like. I watched a ton of youtube videos on breastfeeding (ignore the pervvy comments on the videos!).

MomIn2013 · February 2014

Nope - this is outdated advice! Getting the latch and technique correct is more important. You can read up on it/go to classes, etc. now, but for the most part you'll figure it out once you actually start nursing. Be sure to have numbers for lactation consultants, infant helplines, etc. ready, so you can call if you need to.

vulpini · February 2014

I'm guessing those women were middle aged or older

This is outdated (and bad) advice. Be nice to your nipples, they will get enough rough treatment from baby or pump as it is. Get some nipple cream. If nursing or pumping is painful, you most likely have a latch problem or poor fitting flanges.

isinglouder · February 2014

Lanolin cream and Comfort Gels can really help. Do not try to artificially toughen them up!

Mrs_D_in_KY · February 2014

If you are still pregnant do not stimulate your nipples to "toughen" them up. It could trigger premature labor.

MamaPiers · February 2014

Thanks ladies! Toughening them up when I'm still preggo and sore did not sound like a fun idea and after reading your responses I will definitely pass on doing so! And yes, the ladies who gave me this advice are middle aged!!

ns1 · February 2014

Agreeing with don't do it! I did use lansinoh a little before DD came though since it said I could on the tube! So that's an option for before baby comes if you want.

Chichigo · February 2014

A friend's mom told mr to cut holes in old bras and wear a flannel or denim shirt to toughen them up. It seems to be common advice from that generation.

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