Nipples
Printed From: OHbaby!
Category: Pregnant
Forum Name: Pregnancy
Forum Description: Pregnant! Wanting to chat to other mums-to-be (or dads-to-be)? Share your thoughts, experiences, and ideas... This is that place!
URL: https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=17104
Printed Date: 21 August 2025 at 5:40pm
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Topic: Nipples
Posted By: Heili
Subject: Nipples
Date Posted: 10 May 2008 at 9:21pm
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Hi everyone..
I am new to this forum and I'm 8 weeks pregnant with my first baby!! I am asking advise about the whole sore nipple/breastfeeding issue. My mum (bless her!) suggested I start, at 12 weeks, hardning my nipples with spirits and a toothbrush every night! has anyone heard of this or tried it? Any other ideas on preparing the poor nipples for some serious work?? 
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Replies:
Posted By: caraMel
Date Posted: 10 May 2008 at 9:28pm
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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! ------------- Mel, Mummy to E: 6, B: 4 and: 
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Posted By: VannesaD
Date Posted: 10 May 2008 at 9:51pm
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Congratulations Heili!
There are lots of theories as to what you need to do to prepare your nipples for the demands of breastfeeding - my mw also said not to worry about it and that your nipples will adjust just fine when the time comes. I tried a few things but nothing seemed to make much difference and in the end I just waited to start bf'ing. Your nipples will adjust pretty quickly.  -------------  
http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: fattartsrock
Date Posted: 10 May 2008 at 9:54pm
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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! ------------- The Honest Un PC Parent of 2, usually stuck in the naughty corner! :P |
Posted By: Shezamumof3
Date Posted: 11 May 2008 at 9:05am
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Welcome to OhBaby
My mum told me the same thing lol, she said to rough them up with a flannel, but then I got told by other people not to do that. Ive been using Purelan on my nipples for the last few weeks to keep them from going dry etc so when i start breastfeeding they are more supple and Il keep using the cream while breastfeeding. ------------- |
Posted By: Nefertiti
Date Posted: 11 May 2008 at 12:59pm
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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. ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: Maya
Date Posted: 11 May 2008 at 1:10pm
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No prep here either, altho I did use a bit of nipple cream in third tri with the gremlins as my nipples got really dry and sore. -------------  Maya Grace (28/02/03)
 (02/01/06)
The Gremlins:Sienna Marie & Mercedes Kailah (14/10/06)
Lil miss:Chiara Louise Chloe (09/07/08)
Her ladyship:Rosalia Sophie Anais (18/06/12)
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Posted By: Helen21
Date Posted: 11 May 2008 at 5:11pm
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. ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
Chloe 12/7/03 Miya 5/11/05 |
Posted By: kebakat
Date Posted: 11 May 2008 at 5:31pm
| I did no prep. And I had hardly any pain. Maybe for the first week it was a bit ouchies esp when he clamped down on me but purelan/lanisoh is a lifesaver! |
Posted By: cat007
Date Posted: 12 May 2008 at 1:02pm
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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. ------------- http://lilypie.com">  [/url http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: busymum
Date Posted: 13 May 2008 at 8:13pm
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It's a myth. Don't worry about it, they will be sore at first (when first bf) but it passes quick enough if you are latching correctly, and your mw will help with that. ------------- |
Posted By: Heili
Date Posted: 14 May 2008 at 6:35pm
| 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 |