Preparing Nipples for Breastfeeding

[CageBird]

Hello everyone!

I'm looking for some advice, please. I've had 2 previous unsuccessful attempts at breastfeeding. The first lasted 6 awful weeks and the second just 2 weeks. I'm expecting DC3 in 5 weeks and am lining up lots of support and am going to give it my best shot.

One of my main problems (I could hi-jack this whole post with my BF woes) was badly cracked and bleeding nipples.

ANYWAY: MIL came charging in today with a tube of Lansinoh which her friend's daughter put on her nipples for months before the birth of her baby to toughen them up. Never heard of this, do you think it would work? I'm sceptical.

However, Lansinoh can be used for other ailments, and one thing the leaflet says is: "for protection against blisters on your feet (apply it 2 hours before going on long walks) and on heavily stressed skin.

Opinions please?

I would have thought that badly cracked and bleeding nipples were probably as a result of a poor latch, so putting cream on now wouldn't be of any benefit.

I think the best thing is to get lots of expert hands-on support as soon as your baby is born; get someone to watch you feeding and try and arrange to see a breastfeeding counselor.

Good luck!

I second sidge, when my DS was born, I asked the midwife to watch me latch him on, we are still going 3.5 months later, also I got the midwife to check my latch at every home visit. Keep the Lasinoh handy though because it is wonder stuff after a feed, even if nipples are ok, keeps them nice and moisterised.

Good luck