Nipple Preparation for Breastfeeding

Introduction

Breastfeeding is a process that benefits both the mother and the child in many ways. Before the child's birth, the nipples of the mother should be prepared for breastfeeding. The third trimester is the proper time for the mother to get ready for nursing. If the mother plans to breastfeed the child, they should follow certain procedures to make the process much easier. Read the article to learn how breastfeeding can be done easier.

How a New Mother Can Prepare for Breastfeeding?

• Initially, the new mother should research breastfeeding and the challenges faced during this process. Knowing the challenges and the benefits of breastfeeding can help the mother prepare for the initial days of breastfeeding.

• Many support groups can help the mother know the benefits and help them to get prepared for breastfeeding the newborn. Many hospitals and paediatricians provide these support groups. These groups support new moms as they go through many ups and downs in the process of breastfeeding.

• Many lactation consultants also help the new mom to handle the process of breastfeeding. A lactation consultant can be connected through the hospitals where the mother gives birth. Lactation consultants can help the new mother in various ways as they help to monitor the weight and latch issues and can help with various challenges that both the mother and the child may face.

• A few times, the mother tends to pump the breast milk, whereas some mothers tend to do it frequently. So, a good breast pump should be used, and the new mother should be guided to pump the breast milk correctly.

• The partner should be very supportive during the breastfeeding phase as the mother and the newborn will be in skin-to-skin contact most of the time, so the partner can help the mother with other household work, taking care of the older child, etc.

Is It Necessary to Prepare the Nipples Before Breastfeeding?

Usually, during pregnancy, various hormones in an act tend to prepare the woman’s body for breastfeeding the newborn. Breast milk starts to secrete at the end of the second trimester. There is usually no need to prepare the nipple for breastfeeding; no rubbing or scrubbing is required as it can hurt only the nipples and can make breastfeeding more difficult. Breastfeeding can be successful only when the mother teaches the newborn to latch properly to the breast during feeding. This can also prevent the nipple from cracking, sore, and bleeding nipples.

Small pimples or bumps can be seen present around the areola. This region is called Montgomery’s gland, which secretes oils that:

• Fight against bacteria.

• Lubricates and makes the skin soft.

• Changes the pH balance.

Washing the nipple with soap should be avoided as it can eliminate essential oils and result in tissue dryness.

How Does the Latch of the Baby Affect Breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding can be a difficult and painful process. The key to painless breastfeeding is the proper latch of the baby. During latching, the nipple should be played at the roof of the baby’s mouth. This helps the baby to have a proper latch over the nipple and over some regions of the areola below it. The areola is the darker region around the nipple. Having the nipples and some of the tissue in the mouth during breastfeeding will help the newborn to breastfeed more easily. In the initial days, the baby's latch should be checked with the help of a lactation consultant or a breastfeeding specialist. A lactation consultant or breastfeeding specialist helps to provide guidance and will also suggest different breastfeeding positions where the mother can breastfeed without any pain or difficulty.

How Can Nipples Be Cared During Breastfeeding?

• The nipples should only be washed using water, and other products such as soaps or body washes should be avoided as these products can eliminate the oil produced by the glands, can irritate the nipples, and can result in painful breastfeeding.

• The nipples should be air-dried or dabbed with a towel to remove the excess water. Nipples should not be rubbed or scrubbed, resulting in irritated nipples.

• It is not necessary to clean the nipples before each breastfeeding as the bacteria present on the surface of the nipples are good for the development of the baby’s gut microbiome.

• Fresh breast milk can be used to heal nipples that are damaged. So it is a good way to massage the nipple with fresh breast milk before and after each feed to avoid painful breastfeeding.

• The nursing pad should be changed regularly, as damp pads can cause bacterial and fungal growth, resulting in infections like thrush.

• The gap between breastfeeds to resting the nipple should be reduced as the baby needs to be fed on demand as it is required for proper growth of the baby. Regular and frequent feeding can help to increase the supply, so frequent feeding is recommended.

What Products Can Be Used to Take Care of the Nipples During Breastfeeding?

• Nipple cream which is made out of sheep’s wool and contains lanolin. This is a natural product that can help with the healing process of the nipple. It also helps to retain the moisture of the nipple. Lanolin is harmless for the baby, so it is not required to wash away the nipple cream before breastfeeding.

• Hydrogel pads can be placed over painful and sore nipples, which helps to relieve pain instantly. It also helps in the healing process of the nipple. This product can also be stored in the fridge for cooling comfort.

• Breastsheel can be used to avoid clothes rubbing any sore breasts. These contain holes in them, which can also allow air through them and help in the healing process.

• Nursing bras can be used that are made of breathable cotton material or those materials that dry very quickly and eliminate excess moisture to prevent the nipple from getting damaged.

• Nipple shields are placed over the breast and contain small holes that allow the breast milk to flow. This protects the skin and the tissues around it and helps babies with poor latch to get a firm attachment.

Conclusion

Breastfeeding is a process that benefits both the mother and the child, but the mother should be prepared before starting the process of breastfeeding. Breastfeeding becomes much easier when the baby latches properly. Various methods exist to maintain the nipple properly without any soreness or pain during breastfeeding. The new mother can get help from a lactation consultant or breastfeeding specialist if they have difficulty during breastfeeding.