A week today I hope to be BF my LO for the first time!

I have today got some Lansinoh cream as advised by you ladies, but I have a couple of questions. I thought Id ask here as it may help others in the future.

When did you start to use it? Before baby is born, the first time you BF or when your nipples start to get a little sore? Am I right in thinking it does no harm to baby so any excess doesnt need to be wiped off before each feed or is it advised to apply a small amount anyway?

Any other tips would be great if you think Ive missed something important out. Thankyou!

Hiya,

I didn't know how amazing it was until my LO was a few days old and my boots own brand nipple cream had been extremely disappointing. I don't think you'd need to use it in advance as it's just like a mega protector and moisuriser, just stick it on after a feed and most of it gets absorbed anyway.

Good luck with your breastfeeding journey :-D

I used it when I got a bit sore. If you put it on before a feed you don't have to worry about wiping it off. That's why my mw suggested lansinoh over kamillosan x

I'd start using it as soon as you bf, and apply after every feed. Your nipples will hurt, but this will help them heal. They will get better in time, but I found the best thing to help the nipples heal was to squeeze a little milk out rub that on the nipple and let them air dry. Also beware of breast pads with plastic backing because they can keep you damp which does you no favours. The johnsons ones are good. I hope it goes well for you! I'm 8 weeks in now and love bf my LO, but around 3 weeks I hated it and nearly gave up. I'm not pretending to know it all by any means but my tips would be: don't panic about how much LO is getting, they feed ALOT in the first few weeks to establish your supply (which happens around 6 weeks) so just prepare to be stuck on the sofa/bed feeding. Don't panic an give them formula because this can be the slippery slope to decreasing your supply. Read about cluster feeding. And as I said be prepared for it to hurt, all the midwifes kept telling me it would only hurt if LOs latch was wrong but I don't think this is true, your nipples need time to adjust, but it is worth getting your latch checked. There's plenty of support out there so don't be afraid to ask your midwife, health visitor or children's centre. Just want to reiterate, im not claiming to be an expert but if you want to ask me anything just send me a pm xx

Sorry for the essay, lol!

No, its SO helpful, I really am grateful!

I'm hoping I'm going to be ok with it all and not give in. I have no formula in the house so I'm not tempted to give up. I have read a little on cluster feeding and am prepared for the fact I'm going to feel like a milking machine for the first few weeks. I'm just hoping things will go well and Ill be able to feed her for the 6 month time slot I've been allocated. (I'm on medication that doesn't work with BF but have been given 6 months 'off' as I REALLY want to feed myself)

I'd start using it when you start feeding. Just remember it leaves grease stains on clothing!

Best tip: put it on before you shower

No i didnt have any formula in the house either - but i was also silly and didnt do any reading about bf beforehand! The first time she had a major cluster feeding session i was so worried, i thought i was starving her and if i couldve got some formula i would have given it to her, it just so happened it was a sunday evening - the only time all the shops are closed! I had my OH queing outside tescos monday morning to get some formula, but she was back to normal by then anyway. It was lucky really! I think as long as you make it past the first 3 weeks you'll be fine, and you sound pretty determined so i really hope it works out for you. TBH, one of the major driving factors for me (along with all the health benefits obviously) was i just couldnt face getting up in the middle of the night to make bottles. I love feeding her though, seeing her little face munching away at my boob is awesome Shes just started to smile as well, and sometimes she smiles up at me whilst shes latched on and lets go - its the sweetest thing ever!

yes it does leave grease stains your clothes! You can get the stains out by hand washng with a bit of dishwashing soap!

Extra bit to that warning it leaves grease stains on clothing that can transfer onto other items in the wash so be careful to bear that in mind. A cup of soda crystals in with your washing powder/liquid will get rid of any greasy stains- and it's safe for all fabrics even wool and silk xx