During your pregnancy, you may be thinking about how you are going to feed your baby. Many things may affect your choice: your family situation, your partner and your feelings about yourself and your body.

Most mothers are choosing to breastfeed. Breast milk is the most nutritious food you can give your baby.

Thinking about and talking to others about breastfeeding is the best preparation. There are some people who can help you in this important decision:

• women who have enjoyed breastfeeding
• prenatal class instructors
• La Leche league leaders
• lactation consultants
• the nurse or nutritionist at your local public health office.

Most women need to spend little or no time preparing their nipples for breastfeeding. Regular showering or bathing with clean water is all you need to do. Do not use soap directly on your nipples. There is not need to use any special creams or lotions.

Nipples can be normal, flat or inverted (pushed-in). It can be more difficult for a baby to latch-on to a flat or inverted nipple. To find out if your nipples will be easy for the baby to grasp, there is a simple test you can do. The Pinch (Press) Test will help you find out what kind of nipples you have.

Use your thumb and forefinger to gently pinch or press the areola or dark area of skin around the nipple. This pinching is similar to the action of the baby's jaw while feeding.

Nipple Types
A normal nipple extends outward in the Pinch Test. A flat nipple barely comes out from your breast. An inverted nipple shrinks or folds into your breast when pinched or pressed. Flat or inverted nipples can be corrected by wearing breast shells in the last few months of your pregnancy.