Washing Your Nipples Before Breastfeeding is not Ideal -UNICEF

It is generally recommended that breastfeeding mothers maintain good personal hygiene to protect their babies from infection.  However, washing your nipples before breastfeeding isn’t recommended. Here is why.

According to UNICEF washing your nipples before breastfeeding isn’t recommended The nipples produce a smell that helps the baby to locate the breasts and attach to breastfeed. This means that washing your nipples before breastfeeding will reduce your baby’s ability to find your breast.  This means you must always hold the baby’s head against the breast for them to feed.

The nipples also provide good bacteria for the development of the immune system of the baby.  Well, bacteria isn’t always an enemy. The soldiers that fight against diseases in the baby need training. This less dangerous group of bacteria provides the necessary training by stimulating the baby’s immune system. A baby with a normal immune system would not fall sick from these bacteria.  Washing your nipples right before breastfeeding means that these bacteria are washed away. The baby’s immune system does not get the necessary training so the baby easily falls sick from the slightest infection.

Washing your nipples before breastfeeding can also result in cracking of your breast. The nipples have a fatty lining that protects the area against the sucking pressure of the baby.  Washing this area right before breastfeeding exposes the area to a significant risk of cracking and irritation.

DOES IT MEAN YOU SHOULDN’T WASH THE BREAST AT ALL?

The answer is no. You are expected to bathe regularly and keep your breasts clean.  The only thing is that you should not wash your nipples right before breastfeeding.   Do not wash your nipples when you are to feed your baby

It is recommended that you keep a clean bra by changing it regularly.  Breastfeeding mothers are not expected to apply oils, creams, or lotions around the nipple area.

 IMPORTANCE OF EXCLUSIVE BREASFEEDING

Exclusive breastfeeding means giving the baby only breastmilk for the first six months of life and supplementing it with light foods afterward.  The benefits of exclusive  feeding  the baby only on breastmilk include the following

Breastmilk provides the necessary nutrients for the growth and development of the baby.

It also provides antibodies from the mother that help the baby fight against diseases.

Breastmilk makes babies  smarter

Breastfeeding helps the mother to lose weight

Breasfeeding releases hormones that prevent menstruation. It, therefore, acts as a natural birth control.