Read the following from one of the sites:

PRENATAL CARE:
What can be done to ensure proper breast feeding:

Inverted or cracked nipples will hinder your baby's breast feeding.Have your doctor check them and treat appropriately. Preparation of nipples begins few months prior to the birth of the baby.During pregnancy a well fitting,supporting bra with broad shoulder straps should be worn.



The general instructions are:

1. Use warm waterwhen bathing breast.Do not use soap on nipples during the last 2 months of pregnancy.Soap removes the protective film which prevents the nipples from drying.

2. Allow the nipples to air dry,or rub gently with a soft towel.

3. Expose nipples to the air as often as possible.

4. Breast massage:Cup the breast from below with the palm of the hand and with a soft wash cloth rub the nipples 4-5 times.This can be done once or twice daily.

5. Apply mild cream or baby oil to areola-the brown part around the nipples and to the sides of the nipples.

Whether anyone's doctor recommended this - applying cream or baby oil or massage the nipples?
shazia replied. Hi Meghana,

I breastfed my 1st baby for two years. I was told to massage with vaseline but before bath everyday. U wont feel the soreness when u feed ur baby after delivery.and the only way i was told to massage was to apply oil or vaseline on the nipples alone and no air thingi and cupping was involved in this . just apply oil or vaseline on the nipple and try to massage as if ur pulling the nipple out the same way as u find the nipple in the feeding bottles. this will help the nipple come out and the baby will get a grip of the nipple and will help him/her to get enough milk. if u dont massage everyday it might hurt u when u feed the baby the first time. And it will take time for the baby to learn to get the grip of the nipple to suck the milk out.and by the time they get to learn they will make us tensed with their crying and restlesness if they dont get enough milk. vidya replied. Yup,
iam planning to breast beed by baby,and the information u sent will be very helpfull.
thanks.