Washing before bf?

[thatwhichwecallarose]

I am hoping to bf dd2, although I never managed to do it with dd1. It suddenly occurred to me though that we were so strict with sterilising bottles so should I be cleaning my breasts before a feed? It wouldn't be so much of an issues I guess but they have been incredibly sweaty in this heat (sorry for tmi!)

No you don't need to wash your boobs!
After having a baby sometimes I didn't even manage to shower every day.

One of the great things about bfing is not having to faff about with sterilising stuff.

Definitely not! Could infant make them sore if you wash away the natural oils that keep the nipples moist. I have used no soap no scrubbing no creams, just water in the shower. They have been fine for almost 2 years of breastfeeding 2 babies. Good luck!

No! The main reason you need to sterilise bottles is that all sorts of nasties can breed in traces of old milk. It's not so much the bottle, etc itself (and actually, some people are of the view that very hot water and a good wash is just as good).

Breastmilk is slightly antibacterial, and traces don't hang around on bodily surfaces in the same way as teats, etc. A bit of sweat will do no harm at all either.

Thank you! Sorry if it seemed an odd question, but unfortunately have no experience. I thought that nature would've sorted it given that bf had been happening way before humans!