As you prepare to breast-feed your baby after birth, you may wonder if you need to prepare your nipples and, if so, how to prepare them. The majority of women do not need to take special steps to prepare their nipples for breast-feeding. However, if you have flat nipples, you may wish to use certain techniques to improve your chances of breast-feeding successfully and with minimal complications.
Everted and Inverted Nipples
Step 1
Bring your baby toward your breast.
Step 2
Compress your nipple and areola slightly to allow the baby to take most of the areola into his mouth.
Step 3
Latch your baby on to your breast.
Flat Nipples
Step 1
Squeeze your nipple gently between your thumb and forefinger to allow the nipple to become erect.
Step 2
Bring your baby toward your breast.
Step 3
Compress your nipple and areola slightly to allow the baby to take most of the areola into his mouth.
Step 4
Latch your baby on to your breast.
Tips and Warnings
- Breast shells do not assist with inverted nipples. Most babies can latch onto nipples, whether they are everted, flat or inverted. Keep your nipples dry and wear bras and nursing pads made of natural fabrics. Apply lanolin or express milk onto the skin to soothe sore nipples. Seek help from a lactation consultant as needed.
- Do not rub your nipples with a washcloth to try to toughen them during the pregnancy.
