How to Prepare the Breast for Breast-Feeding

During your pregnancy, your body will naturally prepare itself for breast-feeding - you don't need to do very much to prepare your breasts. But if you have very sensitive skin, inverted nipples, or flat nipples, there are a few things you can do to make the transition into new motherhood easier.

Instructions

1

Gently massage a few drops of colostrum into your nipples every couple of days, starting a few weeks before your baby is born.

2

Apply pure lanolin cream to your nipples several times a day to soothe sore, tender skin after you begin nursing.

3

Keep the flaps of your nursing bra open whenever possible so that your breasts are exposed to air.

4

Ask your doctor, local La Leche League leader or local lactation consultant about the various methods you can use to draw out inverted nipples.

5

Attend a La Leche League or other breast-feeding support group during your pregnancy to get answers to any questions you might have before your baby arrives.

6

Get a good book about breast-feeding and read it during your pregnancy so that you'll have the information you need by the time your baby arrives.