What are some tips for preparing your breasts for breastfeeding?

Question

Calling all moms! Let's discuss how we can prepare our breasts for breastfeeding. Share your tips and tricks on nipple care, breast massages, or any other techniques you found helpful. Let's empower each other and ensure a smooth breastfeeding journey!

Answer

I don’t have much of anything for pre birth, but make sure baby is thoroughly checked for both lip and tongue ties if they have any issues at all with latching. My first had such a bad lip tie that was missed until we went to the dentist at 11 months old and breastfeeding never went well for us. 
Also, the first 3 hours after baby arrives are the golden hours. Insist that unless there is a medically necessary intervention, that either you or dad should exclusively have baby, the first feed should also be done in this time. Tests and everything else can wait.

Answer

Maybe start getting them less sensitive- while in the shower run a washcloth over your nipples a little bit to rough them up.

Answer

Im not doing anything prenatal except for a course. Years ago ppl would train their nipples daily pre-birth but this is not recommended anymore.

Answer

Honestly the best thing I did for breastfeeding prep was meet with a GOOD recommended lactation consultants in the few days post birth (you can start pre birth too!). I exclusively breastfed my first 2 (and hoping to do the same for my third) for 16-18 months until they weaned themselves. I had SO much trouble with my first, she wouldn’t latch, my nipples were cracked and bleeding, my daughter and I both cried through every feeding session, I was pumping while my daughter cried hungry and waited because I couldn’t get her to latch and it pumping was incredibly painful, the lactation consultants in the hospital were little to no help. I told myself I’ll give it a few more days and switch to formula if it continued. After her first pediatrician appointment, they recommended an incredible lactation consultant and I went the following day. She changed my life after our first 1 on 1 session! She helped me figure out the best latch for my daughter, helped me figure out how to pump and that my flanges were the wrong size, taught me how to heal my nipples, figured out the best bottle to keep my daughters latch a good habit, etc. after the sessions, breastfeeding was enjoyable and gave me an incredible bond with my daughter. My second child was a breeze after knowing all I learned from the first. I was able to advocate for myself in the hospital after my second because of my knowledge, my second ended up being a C-section and lost a lot of weight in the hospital, they kept pushing formula on me but I knew I was making enough milk and that it was a lot of water weight, I requested that instead of the formula after a breastfeeding session that I’d like to pump and give her a bottle, and they apprehensively said I could test it out, well it worked, I made more than enough colostrum to satisfy my baby and they stopped pressuring me, but i know if it was my first in the same position I wouldn’t have known how to push back. She ended up being almost exclusively breastfeed by breast after she gained the weight back. Now I’m able to help my friends advocate for themselves as new moms and they have almost all been able to exclusively breastfeed with the support of good lactation consultants and a close friend that will always answer a new moms phone call with breastfeeding or pumping questions!

Answer

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What are some tips for preparing your breasts for breastfeeding?

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