To toughen or not to toughen?

[kayzisexpecting]

I want to BF DS2 who is due in 3 weeks. Failed with DS so I'm a BF newbie.

Most books say to toughen your nipples by not wearing your bra for a while, rubbing them with a flannel etc but the 'Bestfeeding' book loads of people have recommended says not to do this as BF wont hurt unless the latch is wrong so there is no need to toughen them.

Slightly confused now.

Also TMI(I'm so embarassed) I heard a MW say to another pg lady that you need normal nipples to BF. Mine are flat but if you so much as look at them they become erect. So will I be able to BF?

Sorry as I'm sure you are all sick of my million questions a week

The toughening nipples is an old wives tale. Buy some lanisoh and smother your nipples in it once you start breastfeeding. It is great stuff.

you don;t need to prepare your nipples.

make sure you have the numbers of breastfeeding advisors before you have your baby. NCT is usually a good place to start, contact your local branch.

what are normal nipples? also have a google of biological nurturing and breast crawl

'normal nipples'

Agree get some nipple cream for the first few weeks!

Thanks everyone.

I'm starting to panic about it now. Just scared that no one will bother to help me like last time. But I do have a new MW who seems very keen on helping with BF.

kayz it might be worth your while looking up the local breastfeeding counsellors in your area.
also finding out if htere is a breastfeeding cafe nearby. they generally are very welcomeing of xpectant mums as well as people who are already breastfeeding.

things are much easier when you have the right support in place already and you don't have to go searching for it.

there is no need to toughen nipples. but it isn't true that it won't hurt unless the latch is wrong. for example, some people find the letdown very painful to start with, other people have quite sensitive nipples and can experience the physical sucking as quite painful.
this generally subsides though.

you shouldn't have DAMAGED nipples though, if the latch is good.

There are no breastfeeding counsellors in my area or a bf cafe. There is talk of setting up a BF group but no idea when. The only one we did have has been closed as the maternity ward where I am having this one is closing next year so the hospital/NHS stopped allowing them to use the room at the hospital as they thought it was pointless having it as its closing.

Bloody NHS!!

hi Kayz

You should be able to get hold of a BFC on the phone, even if you don;t have one locally to you. Numbers here: good diea to write them down on a bit of card and stick it in your hospital bag.

Thanks Effie, I will add those to my phone and get them written down.

Also, I wouldn't think of it as 'failing' with your DS, you didn't end up bfing him for a variety of reasons and you want to give it a go with this one . No-one graded or judged you first time round and they won't do so this time either.

I think because my MIL really did judge me really badly when I didn't BF DS. She has said infront of plenty of people that I wont bother was this one and has made up so much stuff it has made me feel like I have failed and DS's life is doomed.

Thanks Effie. I think I'd go mad without MN.