Toughening up nipples ready for BFing, can you do this? How? Any other preperation tips?

[EnchantedWithEdwardCullen]

Im 27 weeks and boobs are leaking alot.

I want to toughen up my nips, they got sore so fast last time.

I have laninsol (sp?!?!) creeam, should i start putting this on already will that help?

I just really want to try my best this time

[lilymolly]

Oh I was wanting to know this too

Last time I bf I ended up with bleeding cracked nips which lasinoh cured, so I was wondering if I can "toughen" them up this time
I will watch this thread with interest

[LackaDAISYcal]

I think the whole toughening up your nipples is a bit of an old wives tale tbh

lansinoh will help with wet healing if you do get any trauma on your nipples, but as nipple trauma is caused in the main by poor latch, putting it on ahead of your nipples being traumatised won't really help.

being aware of latch and positioning and knowing that any pain in the early days will pass quickly if your latch is spot on will be much more helpful.

Lots of advice on www.kellymom.com

[lulumama]

agree with DAISY

your nipples don;t need toughening

what makes nipples sore is if there is a problem with the way the baby latches

get the helpline numbers ready and don;t start topping up in the very early days with formula..

latch and positioning is key

[LackaDAISYcal]

from kellymom.....

"One of the most common questions a breastfeeding support person gets asked is "How do I prepare to breastfeed?" In the bad old days, sometimes moms were told to toughen their nipples - descriptions of which were enough to make even the most breastfeeding inclined mom shiver and reach for a bottle. Scientific research has shown, to our relief, that no toughening is needed. But there is still a lot to do in order to prepare"

hth

[pleasechange]

I really don't think there's any need. Like lulumama says, it's more to do with the latch. I have very sensitive skin and haven't had any problems at all with sore nipples

[Slut]

You can't don't torture yourself.

DO what the lovely Lulu says. She is wise.

[EnchantedWithEdwardCullen]

my nipples were awful but every midwife was saying he was latched on perfectly.

It just goes round and round

me - 'its hurts'

them- 'he mustn't be latched properly'

me - 'can you look?'

them ' that looks great'

me 'its hurts'

them 'try this position...hes latched on perfectly, try this way for a few feeds'

me thinking 'it really hurts'



im not a mard arse either, ive had 2 babies without pain relief., lol

[LackaDAISYcal]

ahem.......taps fingers in a mildly peeved fashion

[lilymolly]

Ok so where do i get practical help i,e someone to sit and help me?

Last time I bf dd for 17 weeks and it was agony every time I fed her- I used to scratch my boob whilst she was feeding to take away the pain

The midwife's were shite last time around so was thinking of asking for some other help this time around.

[EnchantedWithEdwardCullen]

why are you peeved?

[lilymolly]

Sounds like we are in the same boat Enchanted

I really want to do it for longer time around

[Slut]

y'know that DAISY she is really clever, you should follow her advice

[AnarchyAunt]

You need a bfc.

If it hurts there is a reason - usually latch, possibly thrush or tongue-tie. A midwife saying the latch looks fine, when you are complaining of pain, is not helping.

[traceybath]

Ok - well i had dreadful bleeding nipples with first and when pregnant with my second S. African friend of my mum's asked if i was putting lanolin on them. She said this was standard advice to her when she was pregnant.

So i did start putting lansinoh on for last couple of weeks. Well DS was 3 weeks early and spent time in NICU so expressed mostly for first week.

Nipples fine - no real soreness at all. BUT i think this was just because i got the latch right this time rather than down to the lansinoh.

Midwifes checked me loads first time round and said latch was right but it clearly wasn't or i wouldn't have been so sore.

So in my convoluted way i'd say save the very expensive lansinoh and just concentrate on getting the latch right and get help if you get too sore. (Although a little tenderness is a bit inevitable)

[lilymolly]

Bit perplexed with Daisys comment too

Where does one get a BF counseller?

[lulumama]

daisy is soooooo mcuh wiser !

Midwives are not always breastfeeding experts.

your hospital might have an infant feeding co-ordinator or in house BFC

you need someone more specialised if the MWs were not able to support you last time

[nickytwotimes]

Anarchy - it is so infuriating when a mw tells you that isn't it? I was in agony from ds's first feed and gave up after a fortnight because the pain was getting worse. I will be seeking out a bf counsellor for next time.

[LackaDAISYcal]

EwEC....unfortunately MWs aren't always the best people to advise on BFing. Sad, but the NHS just doesn't have the resources to train them in anything other than the basics and unless they swot up on it themselves...well you get the idea.

The best thing, as lulu says , is to have the helpline numbers to hand and to speak to a qualified breastfeeding counsellor or lactation consultant and see if you can get someone fully trained to check your positioning and latch.

there are problems that can mean latch isn't optimal, lie tongue-tie, which used to be routinely checked at birth, but unforunately isn't these days.

I gave up at six weeks with my DS due to latching issues and was a bit blase about how I wuld get on with feeding DD. Then I discovered MN and from here kellymom and DD and I never looked back (although we weren't without problems, I had the knowledge to help solve them). I think being forwarned about potential problems is half the battle to solving them.

Good Luck

[Twelvelegs]

Latching on video is always a good thing.... look on youtube. I always said to my babies, more than I love you in the first few weeks, open wide open wide!!

[lulumama]

howbreastfeedingworks.com/tag/breastfeeding/

the above link is to hunkermunker's breastfeeding blog

loads of good advice on it and the 4 free helpline numbers

yor local NCT is a good place to start for breastfeeding support. followed by your HV for info on breastfeeding cafés and peer supporters

and check out local sure start childrens' centres too

[lilymolly]

Sorry going to be pain in arse here but can someone elaborate re the daisy point?

[LackaDAISYcal]

sorry, being flippant on another of your threads EwEC

just lulu agreed with me, followed by two posts saying "as lulu says" like I wasn't here. was trying to be funny (and failing again )

[lilymolly]

Ok so she is resident expert

So check out kellymum, contact all the organisations mentioned- is this something to do ante natally? or shall I wait until baby is born

Feel I bit of a numpty going to these things 2nd time around

[LackaDAISYcal]

if only lilymolly......but I am in training!

[lilymolly]

Oh big applause to Daisy for her wonderful advice

Thanks x