Preparing to BreastfeedBy Liz Pevytoe, RN, IBCLC Published 12/2009Preparing to BreastfeedI remember like it was yesterday the day my mom told me to take a washcloth to my nipples and “roughen them up”. She explained that they needed to bleed, then heal in order to get tough for breastfeeding. Well, let’s just say that did not sound appealing to me. I did what most pregnant mothers do. I did nothing. And as it turns out, it is the right thing to do for most women.Proper latch and position eliminates the risk of most nipple injury. Sure, there are times when you do everything right and nipple injury does occur but that is a very small percentage of the time. In those situations, there is an underlying cause like mouth or nipple deformity or suck problems. And even with those situations, with the help of a lactation consultant, they can be overcome. This leads us to the question, “How do you prepare for breastfeeding?”. Simply, follow these steps: 
2. Find Support. Contact the hospital or birthing center where you will deliver and ask to speak with the lactation consultant. Express your concerns with them. Ask for contact information should you need assistance. Join your local La Leche League: peer support can prove to be very beneficial.3. Talk with your partner about your decision. Communication and support are vital to your success. 4. Buy at least one nursing bra before the baby arrives. If you are not sure on sizing, most maternity stores will fit you for free. Not something you want to run out and buy with a newborn in tow. Buy some nursing pads too. That is it. Really. Complete those 4 simple steps and you are ready for the day for your baby to arrive.Oh and just in case I did not make my point clear, please don’t do the washcloth thing. OUCH. Want to learn more about breastfeeding in an easy to watch DVD? Here is a great one by a board certified lactation consultant.
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