Nipples

I was told that by a helpful stranger when I was expecting my first baby and asked my midwife about it. She said that it wasn't really helpful or necessary and that it was better just to let them adapt once bubs starts feeding.
I guess its like everything to do with pregnancy and babies though, you'll find differing opinions on everything! In the end its easier just to do what feels right for you
Congratulations on your pregnancy and welcome to OhBaby!

Edited by caraMel

NO!!!! Don't do it!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You can't harden them up!
Heres the deal. Get some Lanisoh. The first 6 weeks will be painful and sore and you will have to make little deals with yourself to get through each day. By around week 3 or 4 it will be heaps and heaps better and by the time you get to week six, you won't even remember! Lanisoh is a saviour in a tube for cracked nips. breast milk is also good. Ask for help from your midwife and a lactation consultant if you need to. Don't be scared to ask, don't feel like you can't ask! see a lactation consultant before baby arrives if you need to and put your mind at ease. Ask lots of questions, no question is stupid! I help with a breastfeeding support group and am hoping to get a job as a peer counseller in our region, so have seen and heard it all. The hardening up thing is a real fallacy!
Good luck and congratulations!

I have never heard that one!
And wouldnt you want your nipples to be nice and supple? When they harden, they crack.
I've had 3 babies, did no 'prep' while pregnant and successfully breastfed then all with no cracked nipples or any other other breast problems.

I haven't heard that either and I would just think it would hurt more than breastfeeding!!

With my first I did no prep and had really sore nipples but that also had to do with not latching her on properly. With my second my midwife suggested exposing them to sunlight and air. I just lay on my bed and read a book in the sun(the windows were high enough so I couldn't be seen) a few days a week near the end. I didn't get any cracked nipple that time round however they did still get a bit sore to start with.

I don't think any prep is needed I won't to any this time but when bubs is born having a good nipple cream on hand is a good idea.

DONT harden them up - its damn painful especially when they are so sensitive in your first trimester. Regardless of how much you try to harden them up - it will only depend on your baby's sucking reflex when its born as to whether you will get sore nipples starting breastfeeding.

My first had an extremely strong sucking reflex and was starving hungry until my milk arrived that he nearly sucked my nipples off. It was the worst ever. I suggest investing in a pair of nipple shields and then if they get painful at least you can still try to breastfeed until they heal. I really wish I had bought a pair while I was pregnant but I didnt know any better and when I needed them - it was the last thing I could manage to go buy them. Two good brands are Tommy Tippee and Medela.

THANK you everyone!! I will put the spirits away at once then (phew!) Hopefully babs will be a good latcher...do fancy the idea of a bit of sun on then towards the end...will try that xxxx