Preparing To Breastfeed Part 2
Preparing To Breastfeed Part 1
During one of your prenatal exams, your obstetrician or midwife may check your breasts to see if you have inverted nipples or any other abnormalities. If she doesn’t bring it up, ask her. You can also do this test yourself. Place your thumb above and your index finger below your nipple and gently squeeze. If your nipple retracts, it may be inverted. (Breast size has little to do with the results, or with your ability to nurse.) Women with inverted nipples can have more difficulty in getting the baby to latch on correctly. If you have this problem, you can wear breast shells during the last few weeks of pregnancy to draw the nipples out.
Breast Shells are hard plastic “domes” (also available in soft silicone) with an insert that fits against the outside of the nipple. They’re also used while nursing to protect sore nipples from further irritation. Breast shells are often available in stores that sell baby supplies (I found mine in a discount department store). Be sure to ask your caregiver before using breast shells, especially if there is a risk of pre-term labor.
There are some supplies you might want to have on hand to make breastfeeding easier. A nursing pillow will often help tremendously in the first several weeks of nursing. You’ll want some support under the baby in your lap, and ordinary bed pillows tend to slip out of place. Be sure to have a pure lanolin cream or ointment available to soothe sore nipples (Lansinoh or Pure Lan) Breast pads, either washable or disposable, are quite helpful for absorbing leakage that may occur during the first few months. Avoid pads that have a plastic backing, as they inhibit air circulation.
Also, invest in a few good nursing bras (three should be enough). Experiment with the style that feels most comfortable for you, as they come in different varieties. Nursing bras may be a bit more expensive than conventional styles, but they’re well worth it considering the heavy use and convenience! Many nursing mothers need to, or simply want to, express milk for bottle feeding. You may be returning to work, want a supply for a babysitter, want an “insurance” supply, or would like to let daddy take a turn with those 2 a.m. feedings now and then.
Continue to Preparing To Breastfeed Part 3
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