A woman who is about to become a mother for the first time has many fears. Breastfeeding seems to be something difficult for many, expectant mothers believe that it is imperative to prepare for this. But there is no more natural process than breastfeeding. Almost any woman can feed her baby. But you still need to figure out how to prepare the breast for feeding even during pregnancy, and whether it is worth doing.

How it looked before

In Soviet times, the generally accepted recommendation was to prepare the nipples for lactation by rubbing them with a hard towel or sewing on a coarse cloth to the bra. And now you can still hear such advice from old-school gynecologists, as well as from mothers and, especially, from grandmothers, who were once recommended by doctors. This chest workout is now considered obsolete. After all, tough tissue can injure the skin, and microscopic scratches will become the entrance gate for infection.

The previously used soaking of nipples in alcohol is also not recommended. To reduce their sensitivity, you can use compresses from black tea or infusion of oak bark. During pregnancy, a protective lubricant develops on the breast skin. Rough cloth and especially alcohol will wash it off. The nipples remain unprotected. In addition, too much breast stimulation can in some cases lead to premature birth. If the pregnant woman has an increased tone of the uterus, then it is better to touch the nipples as little as possible.

The prevention of cracks during lactation is not coarsening of the nipples, but correct attachment to the breast, starting from the very first feeding. The technique must be learned during pregnancy, because the first feeding of the baby, ideally, should take place as soon as he is born.

Breast care

It is quite enough to wash your breasts with clean water while taking a shower. It is better not to use soap or use it very rarely. It removes the protective lubricant and dries the nipple skin. If you have any skin diseases, you should consult with your doctor. He may prescribe ointments to prevent dry skin. But there is no need to lubricate the nipples unnecessarily and on your own initiative.

During pregnancy, it is a good idea to do breast hardening as well. Air baths are best done first. Then you can go on to douche. It is most correct, of course, to pour over not only the chest, but the whole body. Only this should be done carefully so as not to catch cold. Hardening should be gradual. A contrast shower is ideal. It is very beneficial for the skin and minimizes the possibility of chills.

It is important to choose the correct bra during pregnancy and nursing. The chest should not be compressed. You need to change your bra on time. The breast changes for each future mother individually.

Massage

It's a good idea to learn how to do it during pregnancy. First of all, this is useful for mothers who will have to express themselves during lactation. All massage movements should be very gentle and gentle.

Massage techniques:

• circular stroking of the breast with two hands at the same time, bypassing the areola;
• massage of both breasts at the same time, from above to the nipple, from the side, and finally from below;
• slight chest compression. The right hand slightly raises the right chest, and the left gently presses from above.

Each movement is performed 5 times.

Flat nipples. What to do?

In some women, the nipples are flat or inverted. This is quite common, and even in the same mother, one nipple may be normal, and the other inverted. This form does not interfere with the feeding of the baby, but it still requires special attention, since it is more difficult for a child to take such a breast normally.

A nipple is called flat if it:

• does not protrude forward when the areola is squeezed;
• does not respond to cold;
• does not harden upon stimulation.

During pregnancy, you can try to correct the shape of the nipple. But not all HW consultants recommend doing this.

There are special plastic pads to correct the shape of the nipples. They can be worn during pregnancy, and after the birth of the baby in between feedings. But do not use nipple pads for feeding your baby. They only make the problem worse. A child accustomed to a long silicone nipple may refuse to take a mother's real nipple.

There is also a special Hoffman technique for stretching the nipples. But he has quite a few opponents.

You can also use a regular breast pump to stretch the nipples. You must first express a little, and then give the baby a breast. It will be much easier for the baby to take the breast correctly.

It should always be remembered that with the correct grip, not only the nipple, but also the areola is in the baby's mouth, so the shape of the nipple does not greatly affect feeding.

Chest gymnastics

Of course, every mother wants to feed her baby and at the same time maintain a beautiful breast shape. Exercises on the pectoral muscles can help in this. They support the breast and are responsible for its shape.

1. Starting position, standing straight. Put your hands in front of you, fingers look up. Press firmly with the lower parts of the palms against each other. Linger in this position for about 15 seconds. To relax.
2. Put your hands over your head, fingers up. Press your palms against each other again and relax.

Each exercise must be repeated 10-30 times.

The most important aspect of preparation

Even if the expectant mother did not prepare her breasts for feeding the baby in any way, but she really wants to feed the baby herself and is sure that she will succeed if her family supports her, everything will be fine with milk. And mom and baby will enjoy the closeness that will arise between them while the baby is eating.

And it may be the other way around, if a woman is not psychologically ready for breastfeeding a child, and relatives believe that "children grow up well on a formula." No matter how she prepares her breasts, the likelihood of problems is high.

Both difficulties and their solutions come from the head. And it is necessary to prepare her for feeding the child first, and then the breast.

Mom needs to be like good courses, talk to nursing women. It would be ideal to watch the feeding process. It's a good idea to find a breastfeeding consultant's phone number ahead of time so you don't lose milk due to late help.

When choosing a maternity hospital, it is important to find out how they relate to hepatitis B. It is advisable to agree with the doctor about the most natural, as far as medical indications will allow, the management of labor.

At first, the mother will only be busy with the baby. This means that she will need help around the house. Relatives, especially my husband, need to explain this in advance.

During breastfeeding, mom and baby experience the most wonderful moments that will never happen again. And we must make sure that they are not overshadowed by anything. Perhaps the mother wants to have another child. But it will be a different baby, and a different story.

While still in position, a woman must psychologically prepare herself for the fact that she will breastfeed her newborn. A pregnant woman should be fully aware of the importance of breast milk for the baby and in advance create a mindset for breastfeeding.

Relatives and friends of the expectant mother can also help her in this, instilling confidence in both a successful outcome of childbirth and the appearance of good lactation.

Starting breastfeeding

To prepare her breasts for feeding a baby, a woman needs to start following some recommendations in advance:

How much does a newborn eat

In the first couple of days after birth, the baby will only need 10-15 grams of colostrum. Any mother can give such an amount to a baby. Don't worry about a lack of milk or flat nipples. On days 4-6, colostrum is replaced by milk. The volume for one feeding gradually increases to 50 - 80 ml. A day by 1 week, the baby already eats about 400 ml of milk. By the second week of life, the baby eats 80-110 ml of milk for feeding.

How much should a child eat under one year old, read.

So that there are no problems with lactation, it is important not to be nervous, eat well, put the baby to the breast more often, then you will be able to keep and continue breastfeeding. For the first two weeks, you may feel soreness in your breasts while breastfeeding. This is the norm, since the skin is still very delicate and unaccustomed to constant absorption. The first seconds after latching on to the breast is normal to experience pain, but if it is constant throughout the entire feeding, then you still need to work on correct attachment. Monitor the condition of the nipples to prevent the appearance and development of cracks.

After 2 to 3 weeks, most mums begin to enjoy breastfeeding and being close to their baby. The main thing is to be persistent and not pay attention to the difficulties that may arise. Good lactation depends precisely on the frequency of attachments, especially at night, and the correct breastfeeding by the baby.

Every mother knows very well how important the period of breastfeeding is for her baby. This is not surprising, since breast milk contains all the necessary vitamins, minerals, antibodies and immune complexes that are responsible for the full growth and development of the baby.

However, before starting dairy procedures, it is worth figuring out how to prepare the breast for feeding the baby. If the glands are not properly cared for, this can lead to serious problems with lactation, which, in turn, affects the baby and the mother herself. Recommendations from specialists will help to avoid such difficulties. Let's take a closer look at how to properly prepare the breast for feeding the baby.

Shower

Even in the process of carrying a baby, the mother's body undergoes global changes. First of all, her hormonal background changes, and the mammary glands begin the process of adaptation to future lactation processes. Therefore, a woman should know how to prepare her breasts for childbirth and feeding, long before the long-awaited baby is born.

First of all, great attention should be paid to the hygiene of the mammary glands. During pregnancy, the body of the expectant mother is prone to a wide variety of infections, so you should not allow even the minimum probability of its appearance.

To do this, you need to take a shower more often. In addition, do not forget that almost all pregnant women suffer from increased sweating. This is a fertile ground for the growth of pathogenic bacteria on the skin of the expectant mother. While taking a shower, you should pay more attention to the armpits and intimate areas. Excessive sweating can lead to the appearance of a fungus, which is unacceptable during the period of bearing a baby.

Detergents and clothing

During the gestation period and after birth, it is worth giving up aggressive chemical gels. It is also not recommended to use products with flavors and all kinds of fragrances. Your best bet is to buy regular baby soap, which can be found at any store or drug store.

If, nevertheless, it was decided to use gels, then you need to make sure that they contain 0% acids. This will help avoid flaking and dryness of the skin, not only on the chest, but also on other parts of the body.

Also, speaking about how to prepare the breast before feeding, it is worth paying attention to the clothes worn by the expectant mother. It is best to give preference to natural fabrics, especially when it comes to lingerie. You also need to ensure that the bra does not squeeze, but only supports the woman's breasts.

How to prepare your breasts for your first feed

These procedures are performed even before delivery. To prepare the breasts, you need to start walking with your chest open for 15-20 minutes a day. However, care must be taken that the room is not too cold, the woman must avoid drafts.

In the next step, you can start pouring over the breasts with a little cool, and then with colder water. In this case, you should also not overdo it. It is enough to direct the shower with cool water for a few seconds on the chest during daily hygiene procedures.

Checking the shape of the nipples

Speaking about how to prepare the breast for feeding a baby, it is worth mentioning that each woman has her own physiological characteristics. This primarily concerns the nipples. For some women they are too flat, for others they are not elastic enough. All this complicates the feeding process.

Owners of convex mammary glands have nothing to worry about, since the baby will easily orientate and find the source of food necessary for him. The same applies to those whom nature has endowed with elastic nipples. But ladies with the so-called depressed mammary glands may have some difficulties. The same applies to the owners. To correct the situation and figure out how to prepare the breasts for feeding in this case, you should pay attention to several manipulations that will help solve the problem.

Correction of the shape of the nipples

Of course, in this case, there is no question of surgical intervention. To figure out how to prepare the breast for breastfeeding, massage should be put first. Thanks to such manipulations, you can not only stimulate the mammary glands, but also slightly change the shape of the nipples. All manipulations can be done at home.

To perform the massage, gently pull the nipples forward with your thumb and forefinger. In this case, you need to ensure that the skin on the areolas is not damaged. Also, with stretching movements, you need to move your fingers in all directions. In order to develop nipples, 2-4 minutes of such exercises once a day are enough.

Also, for those who want to get as much information as possible on how to prepare breasts for breastfeeding, it will be useful to know that specialized bras with special inserts are on sale today. Such products work on the principle of vacuum pumps, pulling a woman's nipples. However, it should be borne in mind that such accessories are not harmless, so you should not use them for a long time. It is enough to start wearing such a bra about a month before giving birth. At the same time, 5 minutes of wearing an accessory per day is enough.

You can also use breast pumps for these purposes. They also slightly reshape the nipples, further softening the skin. However, do not use these products before delivery. It is best to use them when a sufficient amount of milk will accumulate in the breast.

However, before preparing the breasts for feeding a newborn in this way, it is worth visiting a gynecologist. The fact is that such stimulation of the nipples can provoke uterine contractions, which is not very good in some situations. Therefore, it is better to get a doctor's approval first.

Sensitive nipples

This is another common problem that many women suffer from. If we talk about how to prepare nipples for breastfeeding if they are too sensitive, then there are some useful recommendations.

First of all, during pregnancy, it is worth starting to wear bras made of coarser fabric. It is better if the products do not contain seams. In this case, the tissue will act on the areola, reducing its sensitivity threshold, but the nipples will not receive serious damage. If it is difficult to choose such a bra, then you can use familiar products, having previously placed waffle napkins in the cups.

It is also worth taking 10-15 air baths a day. This will also help to reduce the increased. In addition, it is recommended to massage the mammary glands. This will be useful not only for hypersensitivity, but also for prevention and preparation for feeding.

Correct massage

Any detail will be important when preparing for such an important event as the birth of a baby. Doctors recommend not to disregard the question of how to properly prepare the breast for feeding. To do this, you need to perform a number of simple techniques.

To do the massage correctly, you should start with a circular stroking of the chest. In this case, both hands are involved at once. At this stage, do not touch the nipples and areolas, as the mammary glands must first be "warmed up".

The next step is to start stroking the breast first from the nipple up, then to the sides and down. Both mammary glands are massaged simultaneously.

For the next exercise, you need to take the right chest from below in your right hand and slightly raise it. At the same time, with your left hand, you need to press on the mammary gland from above. However, you cannot press too hard. After that, a similar manipulation is performed with the left breast.

It is enough to perform such exercises 5 times. This will be very useful for those mothers who will need to express milk in the future.

Gymnastics for strengthening

Many women are concerned not only with how to prepare their breasts for feeding, but also how not to lose the shape of the mammary glands after the birth of a baby. In order not to face sagging breasts in the future, it is recommended to start performing special exercises during pregnancy to help maintain elasticity. It is best to perform procedures during morning exercises.

The exercise "prayer" is best suited for this purpose. To perform it, you need to sit directly on a stool or chair, put your palms together and point them up at chest level. The elbows should be at right angles to the sides. After that, you need to start pressing hard with the lower parts of the palms towards each other. In this case, the muscles that are located directly under the breasts will tighten, which will help support the breasts.

Psychological preparation

It is equally important to prepare mentally for feeding your baby. Many women fear that after the birth of a child, their breasts will cease to be a sexual object and will be perceived by both the child and those around them exclusively as a vessel for milk. However, these problems usually fade into the background when a mother holds her baby in her arms. To realize this, it is recommended to communicate more often with those women who are already feeding babies. As a rule, almost all of them share extremely positive impressions.

You need to prepare yourself for the fact that breastfeeding is completely normal. This is useful not only for the baby, but also for the woman herself, since milk should not be allowed to accumulate. Do not worry that the husband will stop loving or desiring his wife. For any man, having a child is an equally exciting moment.

What not to do

Speaking about how to prepare the breast for feeding, it is worth saying a few words about the activities that are contraindicated for women. For example, in order to reduce the sensitivity of the nipples, in no case should they be rubbed with coarse or terry cloth. This can damage the skin and cause infection. The same goes for rubbing alcohol or colognes. All this will only lead to damage.

It is also worth refraining from too intense massage. All movements should be smooth.

Some women start putting ice on their nipples to make them a little harder. Such manipulations should not be performed, since too much hypothermia will not lead to anything good.

It's important to know

A woman's milk is not released immediately, at first it is the so-called colostrum. However, this liquid is very valuable and useful for a child in the first days of his life. Thanks to colostrum, the baby's fragile body resists infectious diseases, and his intestines begin to function in a new environment for him.

Starting from the second day, milk begins to appear in the mother's breast. If this did not happen on the 3rd or 4th day, then in this case it is imperative to consult a doctor. Supplementation may be required. However, it is better not to rush to teach the baby to artificial feeding, it will be much more useful for him to eat colostrum.

In order to quickly establish the work of the mammary glands, it is worth starting to drink clean water on the second day after the birth of the baby (preferably in the afternoon). In this case, you need to drink often, but in very small sips. Women drink hot water to stimulate lactation, but this often produces much more milk than the baby needs.

So that the baby and his mother do not feel discomfort during feeding, it is recommended to massage the breast with light movements 15-20 minutes before the procedure. If the mammary glands are too swollen and painful, you can express some milk. However, it is by no means possible to squeeze out every last drop.

In addition to water, doctors recommend drinking teas, compotes, natural juices and fruit drinks. Also, while feeding the baby, it is worth eating more boiled and baked food. Steamed dishes will be helpful. You can also eat foods that the mother ate during pregnancy. The baby's body is accustomed to such a diet, so his digestive system will respond to it normally. This will help prevent gassing.

If you want to try something new, you should be careful. New foods need to be introduced into your diet gradually and always observe the baby's reaction. Perhaps he suffers from intolerance to certain components that will flow to him through his mother's milk.

Finally

How do I prepare my breasts for breastfeeding? Massage, hygiene, proper nutrition, a healthy lifestyle - all this will help to prepare for the most important period in life. In addition, you need to remember to pamper yourself and avoid stressful situations. You should also consult your doctor if you have any doubts.

The importance of breastfeeding is invaluable to any infant. Mother's milk is a natural food that contains all the necessary vitamins, trace elements, nutrients, moisture vital for a baby up to six months of age.

Now let's dwell on this in more detail.

For a newborn to begin to receive an optimal balance of proteins, fats and carbohydrates from food, it is not enough for a young mother to simply eat right.

There are certain rules to help prepare your breasts for breastfeeding. Only then will the milk arrive on time and will be fully produced in the required quantities.

How to prepare your breasts for breastfeeding

The mammary glands by nature are designed so that a woman can feed offspring. Special manipulations are not required when preparing the breast. However, medical recommendations apply to the following spectrum of actions:

• preparing the breast for lactation while waiting for the baby;
• preparatory activities after childbirth;
• hygiene procedures;
• massage;
• exercises.

Breast work during pregnancy

Among obstetricians, there is a quite justified opinion that it is impossible to prepare the mammary glands for lactation during pregnancy. If a woman is in a state of readiness for childbirth, any manipulation of the nipples can provoke the premature birth of the baby.

During pregnancy, it is impossible to prepare the mammary glands for lactation.

This is due to the production of a hormone that is released in response to stimulation of the nipples. In the absence of readiness for childbirth and a mature cervix, this is not scary, however, the uterus can tone up, which is also dangerous with the risk of miscarriage.

It is recommended to prepare nipples for feeding only for those women who have an irregular nipple shape. Flat or elongated nipples can cause problems with full lactation.

If the extreme shape of the elongated nipple is formed by very short connective fibers that lie at its base, it is pointless to massage and exercise, but this feature is rare.

A more common problem is the paradoxical reaction of the nipple in response to irritation. If it is drawn in upon exposure, special exercises can be carried out that will remove such manifestations. In other cases, during pregnancy, you will only need good linen and recommended breast care.

Exercises for flat nipples

1. Easy pulling... The nipple is gripped between the toes and gently pulled outward.
2. Rolling between your toes... Nipples without effort, squeezing gently roll between the fingers
3. Pinch massage... With simple pinching movements, all mammary glands are massaged with the exception of the areola and nipple to prevent stimulation of the cervix.

All manipulations should not last more than a minute. You can not exercise when you are ready for childbirth and the threat of miscarriage.

Psychologist's advice - be confident!
Preparing the breasts for feeding is not difficult, breastfeeding experts believe that it is not the breast that should be prepared, but the head. Because the breast is ready from the beginning - it was created for breastfeeding, and all problems arise from fear, unwillingness to feed, or simply lack of confidence in their abilities.

1. In the second trimester, it is recommended to perform a contrast shower, massaging the breast with a terry towel, without touching the nipple for 2-3 minutes. All movements are exceptionally light, stroking, in the direction from the areola to the base of the gland. After that, you can make circular movements.
2. When the manipulations with the towel are completed, you can press the chest against the chest wall with moderate forceful pressure 2-3 times.

This breast massage for a nursing mother will help stabilize blood circulation, improve the outflow of tissue fluid, lymph. Skillful manipulations create favorable conditions for milk production and the breastfeeding stage itself. Also, the basis is laid for maintaining a beautiful shape after completing breastfeeding.

The massage will keep the beautiful shape of the breast!

To make the nipple more resistant to mechanical damage by the baby's mouth, you can put rough canvas inserts into the bra, but this is at the discretion of the woman. Doctors recommend short ultraviolet irradiation to increase breast resistance to possible infection and pustular lesions, however, under strict medical supervision.

Hygiene rules

Hygiene rules for pregnant and lactating women must be strictly followed:

1. Daily hygienic shower.
2. Gently rubbing the breast with a towel.
3. Treatment with moisturizing and nourishing creams of the nipple and areola in case of excessive dryness.

Video "Proper Breast Care"

Watch the video for tips from breastfeeding experts on how to properly care for and prepare your breasts for breastfeeding during pregnancy:

Hygiene of a nursing mother in questions and answers

Should I wash my breasts every time before feeding?

Doctors-neonatologists and obstetricians-gynecologists urge not to wash the mammary glands with detergent before each feeding of the baby.

To ensure complete safety, it is sufficient to take a daily hygienic shower using a ph-neutral detergent. This will prevent crusting.

After the procedure, it is enough to dip the breast with a clean soft napkin. Do not use a terry towel. This can injure the nipples.

If mommy washes her breasts before any feeding, she will cause excessive dryness of the skin, which will lead to cracking. It is much more beneficial to just wash your hands.

Is it necessary to treat the breast with special compounds?

Additional processing is inappropriate if the nipples are healthy, there are no cracks or abrasions on them. Disinfectant solutions also lead to dryness, change the natural smell of the breast and the taste of the first drops of milk, which is very important for the comfort of the baby.

Does the breast need to be washed after feeding?

There is always milk on the nipples, you do not need to wash it off.

It is quickly absorbed and creates additional protection for the skin against possible cracks.

Take a look. Do it safely and painlessly.

Read what is the dosage for breastfeeding. Instructions for using the drug for hepatitis B.

What exercises and massage can you do

Breast massage for nursing mothers

Gentle manual massage perfectly prepares the breast for feeding the baby and performs a number of other useful functions:

1. Prevention of lactostasis. Even if areas with stagnant milk are present in the mammary glands, they are activated.
2. Improving blood circulation, which strengthens the breasts and increases lactation.
3. Oils that are recommended for massage when feeding, tone the skin and help get rid of stretch marks.

Technique for carrying out massage manipulations

• palms are lubricated with natural oil;
• the left hand is placed under the mammary gland, the right hand is placed above it;
• the chest is massaged in a circular motion;
• then the massage turns into stroking movements towards the nipple, with a gradual coverage of the entire surface of the breast.

The nature of the touch is delicate and light, without causing discomfort. The oil should not touch the nipple and areola. Such care is recommended after each feeding for 3-4 minutes.

Exercises for nursing

Exercises for pregnant women were indicated above, now you can turn to those that are intended for nursing mothers.

Exercise will help improve the quality of feeding, since when moving, an increase in blood flow is realized, this contributes to better milk production.

It is necessary to do it in dosage so that lactic acid does not develop in the muscles, it will make the baby's food bitter in taste.

Exercise number 1

• palms are folded in front of you, elbows are placed at chest level;
• pressure is created between the palms for 10 seconds;
• repeat - 5 times.

Exercise number 2

• straight arms rotate around the shoulder joint in a circular motion;
• manipulations are performed first with one, then with the other hand.

Excessive exercise can ruin your milk!

Exercise number 3

• hands imitate movements as in breaststroke swimming.

Exercise number 4

• palms are placed in the armpits;
• elbows make circular movements forward / backward.

Exercise number 5

• in an inclination parallel to the floor, the arms are swung to the sides.

Nursing bra
A special bra is an essential part of preparing your breasts for feeding. In no case should he squeeze the chest, but at the same time, you can not take the size "for growth". The straps of the product should be wide and well regulated and fix the mammary glands.
It is advisable to choose a model made from natural fabrics that will provide oxygen access. A properly selected bra is also essential to maintain the shape and elasticity of the bust.

Additional physiotherapy treatments to improve lactation

• baths for the breast with warm water;
• a shared bath exclusively with warm water for relaxation;
• warming up arms and legs in hot water before feeding;
• acupuncture or special applicators for the back;
• massage of the collar zone, the area of \u200b\u200bthe back between the shoulder blades.

How to restore breasts after breastfeeding

Correct diet

For a more productive recovery of the mammary glands after lactation, the following products will help, which need to enrich the diet:

• meat of any low-fat varieties;
• milk, at least two glasses a day;

Physical exercise

Exercises to restore firmness and height of the breasts are as follows:

1. Push-ups with arms wide apart - 10 times for 3-4 sets.
2. The starting position is lying on your back with bent knees. Hands with dumbbells are spread apart and lowered to the body. The exercises are repeated 10-15 times in turn.

People's Council - Black Tea.
Apply tea soaked napkins to the nipples several times a day. It's even better if you have oak bark.
Brew it as directed on the package, let it cool, and bathe your papillae, or make compresses in the same way as for tea.

Massage

The massage effect helps to restore skin tone and elasticity. The technique consists in the following manipulations:

• stroking circular movements along the mammary glands;
• intense kneading of the chest;
• fingertip massage;
• patting on the chest with the ribs of the palms.

Cold and hot shower

Procedures with alternating hot and cold effects strengthen the walls of blood vessels, increase tissue elasticity, and improve blood circulation. It is enough to act on the chest with a shower jet alternately with hot and cold water for 10 seconds.

The success of lactation largely depends on how well a woman prepares the mammary glands for future feeding. You should not treat this issue with disdain, despite the fact that nature has thought a lot for us. Simple manipulations will help preserve not only health, but also the beauty of the breast.

Feeding is an intimate moment in communication between mother and baby. But unfortunately, this contact does not always bring joy to a nursing mother. In order for breastfeeding to bring only positive emotions, it is necessary to prepare the mammary glands for lactation even before the baby is born.

Do breasts need to be prepared for breastfeeding

Nature has made sure that even before the baby is born, the mammary glands are ready to feed. The process of preparing the breast for lactation begins from conception and continues throughout pregnancy. But the natural preparation of the body is not always enough for breastfeeding to bring only pleasure. A woman should also make an effort and take care of the readiness of the mammary glands for lactation.

When breastfeeding, the number of milk ducts in the gland increases, therefore, as milk flows in, it increases in size and swells. In order for this process to deliver less discomfort, it is necessary to increase the elasticity of the soft tissues of the breast both before and after childbirth. The main figures in the sucking of the baby's breast are the nipples, as well as the area around them. It is on the nipples and halos that the entire blow falls at the moment the baby is applied to the breast. Therefore, they also need special training and "hardening".

Every woman's body is different. And while one young mother needs special breast preparation, the other will feed her baby perfectly without any effort.

With the right approach, lactation will only bring pleasure.

Without special training, she breastfed her daughter for up to a year. During this time, no problems arose. Only after the first tooth erupted at 9 months, the baby began to bite a little on the nipple. But no cracks or wounds appeared. Perhaps this was influenced by the fact that the first month after giving birth they had to use a breast pump, which adapted the nipple to feeding, making it more elongated and firm.

How to properly prepare your breasts for lactation

Breast preparation for lactation involves taking special care of the breast, nipples and areola.

Care and preparation of nipples for breastfeeding

When it comes to preparing the nipples for lactation, it is necessary to take into account the fact that excessive irritation of them can lead to additional stimulation and the production of the hormone oxytocin. This is a "grasping" hormone that tones the uterus and, as a result, premature labor can begin.

The main purpose of nipple and areola preparation is to moisturize and make them less sensitive.

Even Soviet gynecologists recommended rubbing the nipples with a hard cloth to make them rougher. But this is an extremely wrong approach. Friction can damage the nipple, resulting in cracks, which are an excellent breeding ground for infections.

Herbal and tea lotions can be used to moisturize the nipples before childbirth. For this, the herb of a string, chamomile, oak bark and ordinary black tea, which are brewed with boiling water, are suitable. After the infusion has cooled, a cotton swab is moistened with it and applied to the nipples for about five minutes. You can repeat the procedure three times a day.

Should I sound the alarm for women with flat and inverted nipples?

There are three types of nipples: convex, flat and inverted.

The shape of the nipple does not affect the quality of lactation

Breastfeeding is possible in all three forms. The main thing is to correctly attach the child and make sure that his mouth captures not only the nipple, but also the areola. It is the pressure of the tongue on the area around the nipple that stimulates milk flow.

Additional stimulation to stretch and reshape the nipple during pregnancy is extremely dangerous.

You can try to stretch the nipple after childbirth using your hands, a breast pump or special silicone pads - breast correctors:

1. With your hands. The woman grasps the nipple with her index and thumb, pulls it out with a gentle movement and slightly rolls it.
2. With a breast pump. The breast pump, if necessary, not only makes it easier to express milk, but also significantly stretches the nipples.
3. With the help of such pads are on sale in the pharmacy. Put them on 15 minutes before feeding. They can also be used during feeding as an imitation of a teat.

Nipple pads are used to facilitate lactation with flat or inverted nipples

For a whole month after giving birth, I had to lie in the department of pathology for premature babies. Naturally, she did not breastfeed the child, but was expressed with the help of a breast pump. The nipples became very elongated, so at the first attachment to the breast, the baby took it without much effort.

Using a breast pump helps pull the nipples

How to improve the elasticity and blood circulation of the mammary glands before and after childbirth

General rules for breast care before and after childbirth:

1. Air baths of the chest for 10 - 15 minutes daily.
2. Light massage.
3. Cold and hot shower. Water the breast with cool, then cold water. But lower the temperature gradually so as not to freeze the mammary gland. Avoid direct spray of water on the nipples.
4. Correctly fitted bra. We must be prepared for the fact that the breasts will increase significantly and during pregnancy a woman will have to change more than one size. It is necessary to choose underwear made from natural fabrics, without pits, with wide straps. Ideal if you wear a bra with detachable cup pockets when breastfeeding.

Nursing bra can also be worn during pregnancy

Breast massage

Breast massage can be done both during pregnancy and lactation to provide better blood circulation and stimulate lactation. All movements should be light, not causing pain and discomfort.

1. Light circular strokes. The nipple area should be avoided.
2. Alternate stroking of the upper part of the gland, lateral and lower.
3. Raising the left breast with the left hand and light pressure from above with the right. And vice versa.

Repeat each exercise five times every day.

Video: how to prepare breasts for feeding

Hygiene of the mammary glands before childbirth and during breastfeeding

No special products are required to keep the area of \u200b\u200bthe mammary glands clean. The fewer gels, shampoos, soaps, etc., the more likely it is to maintain the integrity of the nipples and areolas around them.

Hygiene of the mammary glands:

• take a daily shower with plain water without using soap or gels;
• use a soft cotton towel to lightly rub your nipples;
• use breast pads with excess milk production so as not to stain your underwear and outerwear;
• if necessary, wipe the breast with ph-neutral wet wipes;
• if cracks appear on the nipples, lubricate them with moisturizers containing vitamins A, E after breastfeeding. When the cream is absorbed, wash it off with hot water.

Soft breast pads will not damage the nipple and keep your underwear clean

Do not wipe off milk residues on the nipple after the next feed. Breast milk is bactericidal and promotes crack healing.

The main part of the work to prepare the mammary glands for lactation is performed by the woman's body itself. Any action on the part of the expectant mother, aimed at preparing the breasts for feeding, should be coordinated with a gynecologist or mammologist.