Do I Need to "Get Ready" to Nurse?

Clearly I'm no expert.

However, you may want to start looking for a lactation consultant now. Find a few, interview them, and find one that is a good fit (and knowledgeable). I don't see the harm in doing a little homework to find a support person prior to delivery.

Don't rely on a hospital-sponsored program or hospital-based LCs, unless you've heard wonderful things about them and have gotten great references. I delivered at Rush, and their breastfeeding class and their LCs were absolutely atrocious.

no you don't need to condition yourself to breastfeed. I think that is a old fashion idea. I agree with the other. get a good LC. They are a life saver!

I also had a VERY difficult time nursing my son but managed to make it through 13 months. The first few months were really hard and painful, so I know what you went through. I would recommend two things: first make sure you have a lactation consultant either through your pediatrician or outside agency that you can either go to or that can come to your house. Second I would take a class, even if you already did. It may be a good refresher and build up your confidence that you can do it. Also know that there will be pain and that it is difficult but once you get through that it is so wonderful and EASY!! But the key to get help the moment you have pain and don't let it linger or think that it will go away. Good luck!!!!

A month is probably unnecessarily long for that kind of pain. For both my first and second, it was about 7 or 8 days, and then it got much better, and then within a couple weeks after that absolutely no pain at all. I think, with proper training (you and the baby!) you can have even less pain than that! At the hospital, insist on seeing their lactation consultant twice if you can before you leave, and make sure to get the phone number of a lactation consultant who you can see after being discharged (most hospital lc's can't see patients privately). I know it seems like a lot of money (both of mine ran about $100 for a one hour appt and phone/email follow-ups), but it is WORTH IT. Make sure to get a good nursing bra that is easy to use, and stay hydrated and rested yourself. (Also, if this is number 2, consider "training" your oldest to sit quietly reading or watching a little video so you don't have to worry about him/her as you adjust to nursing again)

a little about me: SAHM of 2.5 yr old son and 8 month old daughter. I nursed ds for 15 months and am still nursing dd.

I also wondered if the "conditioning" was an urban myth. Be careful not to stimulate your nipples while pregnant since it can bring on labor. Do you think the pain was due to poor latching or sensitive nipples? The best thing I did was have a lactation consultant come to my home when I struggled with my daughter. It was my last hope and it worked. Yes, I had lactation consultants visit me each day in the hospital but I had a follow up with an in-home visit. We were trying to reintroduce nursing after she had given it up for the bottle, and it hurt for one week. In the big scheme, one week of pain was worth it. The pain was due to sensitivity, not a bad latch since my daughter and I learned some new tricks from the lactation consultant. She taught me what a good latch felt like so I could compare it to what a bad latch felt like. You've got a lot on your plate, so just focus on a healthy delivery and the rest will follow. I wonder if breastfeeding is like riding a bike: once you do it it'll all come back to you.

You do not need to "get ready" to nurse other than taking good care of yourself while you are pregnant. Be sure to have a lactation consultant check your baby's latch to make sure he/she is latching properly. I believe an improper latch is one of the biggest reasons for pain/sore nipples. Congrats on your upcoming birth!

In addition to all the advice about lactation consultants, use Lanolin cream constantly!! Apply generously after every nursing and after you shower. After a few weeks, you shouldn't have to use any cream at all and won't have any pain.

Sounds like maybe your first baby had some latching issues? Painful nipples for the first week or so is normal just because the skin needs to toughen up, but it should never be excruciating, and it should very quickly get better. In that regard I guess you could work on toughening the skin ahead of time, but I'm not sure it's worth it - your baby will do a much better job than you ever could. Like other posters said, get someone to check your baby's latch. Put lanolin or olive oil on BEFORE your nipples get dried out. Good luck with your birth!

E.:

Breastfeeding should not be painful..

I can only add to what you already have heard... find a board certified lactation consultant.

P., IBCLC, RLC, CST
Breastfeeding and Parenting Solutions
www.breastfeedingandparentingsolutions.com