At one time it was recommended to prepare your nipples during pregnancy in order to avoid sore nipples during breastfeeding (rubbing them with a towel or squeezing out colostrum).
This has not been proven helpful.
It is now recognized that poor positioning and latch-on of the baby is the most common cause of nipple soreness in the early weeks of breastfeeding and careful attention needs to be paid to these aspects. (see section HOW TO POSITION THE BABY)
Nipple preparation is no longer recommended.

It is best to avoid using soap, alcohol or antiseptics on your nipples since they can dry the skin.
Rinsing with plain water when you take your shower is enough.
If your skin feels dry you can put some modified lanolin.

It is a good idea to check for flat or inverted nipples during the last months of pregnancy.
This can be done as follows: place a thumb and forefinger near the base of the nipple and press gently together. If your nipple does not come out far enough for you to grasp it, you may have flat or inverted nipples (See section FLAT/INVERTED NIPPLES for more information) and you may want to start wearing breast shells during the last
months of your pregnancy.

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