Whether you are planning to breastfeed or you are breastfeeding already, you may already know what to do for your newborn, but today we are talking about what you can do for yourself to take care of your own breasts before or during feeding. For those of you who are not feeding yet, we have some tips how you can already start preparing for breastfeeding.

Tips for before you start breastfeeding

While you are still pregnant, you can already start preparing for breastfeeding. Some of the things you can do with your breasts are:

* Stop using soap. When you clean your breasts make sure you stop using soap on your nipples. Soap can dry out your (nipple) skin which can cause more discomfort once you start feeding.

* Stop using lotion or body cream on your nipples. You can still put it on your breasts but start getting used to not putting it on your nipples.

* Massage your breasts. When you are in the shower or just before bed you can start massaging your breasts. We advise this because your breasts will start to play a different role in your life for the coming months and by massaging them you can connect with your breasts in a different way.

* Leave your bra off. Every now and then and just wear a shirt without a bra. You want to toughen up your nipples a bit before you start breastfeeding. By wearing just a shirt (try to avoid synthetic), your nipples get used to friction which will prepare them for feeds.

* Wear the correct bra. When you are pregnant your whole body is changing and so are your breasts. Your breast can enlarge during your pregnancy and you'll need to adjust your bra size. The best bra to buy during your pregnancy is a maternity bra because they will provide more support.

When you are pregnant you tend to focus more on your baby than on yourself. It is important to realise that you and the way you take care for yourself are important too. When you start looking after yourself during your pregnancy, you will get used to not to forget yourself. Examples of taking care of yourself are; making sure you are wearing comfortable clothes during your pregnancy, make sure you drink enough water and eat healthy food not just for your baby but also for you, treat yourself to a massage (this can also be done by your partner) and let people do things for you while you rest. This last example may sound easy but for some women it is harder than it seems to be. Once you start looking after yourself during your pregnancy you can continue this after you have given birth.

Being pregnant and becoming a mother is a wonderful and unique journey that doesn't happen very often. Make sure you make this the best journey and experience you can have by taking care of yourself just as much as you will take care of your child. You matter too!