I am sometimes asked by older family members whether or not I am preparing for nursing. Some of the things that they say to do are horrific! Yet my OB hasn't told me to do anything.

Did you do anything to prepare?

OK now I'm curious. What did they say? There is no preparation needed for nursing. Your body knows how to do it's job. I mean, reading up on everything is good, so you can learn what's normal. That way when a "helpful" family member or doctor tries to say you can't, don't have enough, have the wrong size breasts.....etc, you can disregard the "advice".
But no, nothing needs to be done beforehand.

There is nothing you need to do to get ready for nursing, however, there is one thing I do recommend. If you know an experienced nursing mom, ask her if she can show you how she gets baby positioned and such. Good positioning of the baby will reduce sore nipples and other problems of breastfeeding. It is much easier to do it yourself if you have seen someone else do it first!

I had heard a few old wives things before I gave birth-toughening the nipples would be the best one. It's all nuts, and no it's not recommended now.

The biggest thing is to make sure you nurse within the first hour after your child is born. As soon as she is born in theory you should be able to have her placed naked onto your naked chest. That way the instant she is born you can nurse, and there in be set up for a good nursing relationship.