Pregnancy affects your breasts whether or not you choose to breastfeed. Some women can express (start the flow of) fluid from their breasts as early as the fourth month of pregnancy, simply by squeezing the area around their nipples (known as the areola). Because your body prepares itself naturally for the process of breastfeeding, there is very little that you need to do. However, there are a few breast care and feeding tips that can help to prevent or correct minor problems.

For nursing mothers
When you put your infant to your breast, compress the areola between 2 fingers so it will be easier for baby to grasp. If your baby still has trouble getting a good grip on the breast (a process known as "latching on"), consult your delivery nurse or physician for guidance.

Your milk will flow more freely if you are relaxed and confident. The right attitude can be encouraged by nursing in a quiet spot, sitting in a comfortable chair with good back support, positioning baby so he or she faces you squarely and can suck properly, and listening to peaceful music.

Start to nurse your baby as soon after birth as he or she is hungry. This helps prevent breast engorgement—excessive fullness that can lead to discomfort. Some engorgement is perfectly normal, but the best treatment is prevention.

If engorgement is a problem, you can reduce it through gentle manual stimulation to express a small amount of milk. The presence of milk on the nipple will also encourage baby to nurse. Warm soaks prior to feeding also aid in manual expression.

To manually express milk, place your thumb and forefinger on either side of the areola. Press in toward the chest and then bring your fingers together in a rhythmic pattern that mimics the movement of an infant's jaw.

If your nipples are inverted, you will need to prepare them for breastfeeding. You'll recognize an inverted nipple if it does not protrude and become erect when you press the areola with 2 fingers. Use of a special breast shell, worn a few months prior to delivery, can help correct this problem.

For both nursing and nonnursing mothers

• Wear a supportive bra that is not too tight.
  
  
• If you experience breast discomfort, alternate between hot and cold packs—depending on what gives the best relief.
  
  
• If your nipples become cracked or sore, do everything possible to keep them dry and warm. Application of warm, dry heat may relieve soreness. Avoid plastic nursing pads (which hold in moisture) and expose your breasts to air when possible. You may also express a bit of milk and let it dry on your nipples. It will form a protective coating that may help in the healing process.
  
  
• Change your bra as soon as it becomes wet. Use, and frequently replace, breast pads if you have a problem with leakage.