There's no need to clean the breast or nipples before breastfeeding. In fact, bacteria from the surface of your breast can help develop your baby's gut microbiome. Fresh breast milk can help heal damaged nipples,8 so try massaging a few drops into them before and after feeds.
rolling your nipple between your thumb and forefinger to encourage it to stick out. compressing your breast just behind your areola with your fingers in a 'V' or 'C' shape to push your nipple outwards. touching your nipple briefly with a cold compress or ice cube to make it erect.
“Toughen up your nipples by rubbing them with a washcloth to make those first few days hurt less.” “Pinch your nipples to make them tougher, less sensitive, and easier for your baby to latch on to.” “Wear breast shells to help draw out your flat or inverted nipples.”
However, if you are breastfeeding, it is not suggested to shave your breast hair. This is because shaving roughens the surface which is not very comfortable for the baby to suck on. If your hair growth is not because of the gestation period and is permanent, the best way to get rid of it is by laser.
C-section.
If you might be scheduled for a C-section, your nurse might shave off your pubic hair on a selected area.
products like Vaseline or lanolin can help with dry or cracked nipples (although there's little evidence to show what really works well) after each feed, let your nipples dry before getting dressed, and change your breast pads after every feed. avoid using soap, as this can dry out your skin.
But good hygiene is still important. Wash your hands before breastfeeding your baby, especially after nappy changes. You do not need to wash your breasts. You can use water to clean your nipples when you have a shower.
Sore, cracked or bleeding nipples are common. Some mothers have such trouble with them that they stop breastfeeding early. As a new mother, you may find it could take a few days or weeks to adapt to the strong suck of a healthy baby on your breasts.
In the first three to five days after birth, if you experience nipple soreness beyond a slight tenderness when your baby latches on, it may be a sign that something isn't right with the baby's latch, position, or suck. An adjustment to the latch or positioning can help you and your baby to be more comfortable.
Preparing to breastfeed. Your third trimester is the perfect time to get ready for nursing your baby. Start by learning about breastfeeding and finding a support group for nursing moms. After your baby is born, place them skin-to-skin on your chest right away and start breastfeeding within the first hour or two.
Nipple Shape and Size
Most babies can breastfeed no matter what mom's nipple is like. Some women have nipples that turn inward instead of pointing outward or that are flat and do not stick out. Generally, a woman who has flat or inverted nipples is able to breastfeed if her nipples can point outward.
Sometimes sore nipples develop when the baby begins to suck harder because he or she is not getting milk quickly. This often is caused by: Improper positioning. Problems with latching on.
Your body will eventually build up a callous (not as thick as your foot callous) in about 2 weeks. Then breastfeeding gets significantly less painful (most of the time).
Self-help tips for sore nipples
wear a cotton bra so air can circulate. keep feeding your baby for as long as they want – keeping breastfeeds short to "rest" your nipples will not ease nipple pain and could affect your milk supply.
With a shallow latch, your baby's chin and mouth are closed tighter than if her mouth and jaw were wide open. To help her develop a deep latch, pull her chin down to encourage her to open her mouth. Slip your finger between her chin and your breast and gently pull her chin down.
Do I need to switch breasts during the feeding? If your baby is nursing and seems content, there's no need to stop and switch breasts. A baby that is content at the breast seems relaxed. But if it appears that they are still hungry after eating from one breast, offer your second breast until they are full.
In pregnancy, the breasts may start to produce milk weeks or months before you are due to have your baby. If your nipples are leaking, the substance is usually colostrum, which is the first milk your breasts make in preparation for feeding your baby. Leaking is normal and nothing to worry about.
Breast compressions are a way of helping your baby to get a stronger flow of milk by gently squeezing and compressing your breast. Breast compressions can keep your baby actively sucking so they can remove more milk from your breasts. This helps to increase your milk supply.
Stop Breastfeeding: Using Bandaids to wean your baby
On the day you want to wean, cover both of your nipples with a bandaid. Whenever your baby wants to feed, show them the bandaids and say owie. Be dramatic enough so your child knows and believes you have owies!
Your nipples are adjusting.
It's not unusual for you to have nipple soreness during the first few weeks of breastfeeding as your breasts and nipples become accustomed to the process of nursing. However, the discomfort should subside once you and your baby have established a good feeding routine.
To find out if your baby is sucking only on your nipple, check what your nipple looks like when it comes out of your baby's mouth. Your nipple should not look flat or compressed. It should look round and long or the same shape as it was before the feeding. Get answers to common questions about breastfeeding and pain.