How Breasts Change After Breastfeeding and What You Can Do?
The truth is that women's bellies aren’t the only thing that expands in pregnancy.
During these 40 weeks, your breasts will also swell to new sizes—though nothing comparable to the fullness and perky shape you’ll experience once you start nursing your little one.
So what actually triggers a woman's breasts after breastfeeding?
Naturally, how breasts change before and after breastfeeding varies from person to person, as each woman has a different body.
Read on to know the reason behind these changes and how you can take care of yourself in this transition.
1. Will my breasts sag after breastfeeding?
It’s a common concern but breastfeeding and pregnancy doesn’t cause sagging.
Studies have shown that factors like body mass index (BMI), the number of pregnancies, larger pre-pregnancy breast size, age and history of smoking are more likely to have an impact on the firmness.
Pregnancy causes breasts to stretch and grow because of hormonal changes and active milk ducts. It's natural, and there is nothing to be concerned about.
However, many women notice their breasts grow faster during pregnancy, and this change is even more pronounced while breastfeeding. Once the skin and tissues adapt to accommodate milk production, they get slightly stretched, giving a more relaxed look.
To overcome it, you can strengthen chest muscles with exercises, which can sometimes help improve the appearance. Wearing a supportive bra and maintain a good posture can help you to feel more confident.
2. Will my breasts leak?
Breastfeeding often leads to milk leaks.
Your breasts can leak from hearing a baby cry, being too full, missing a feeding, or even during intimate moments. The leaking might continue for about 42 days after weaning as breast duct tissue shrinks.
To reduce leaks, try out wearing a well-fitting sports bra that prevents accidental nipple stimulation.
3. Will my breasts shrink?
Breasts enlarge during breastfeeding, but once you stop and your milk dries up, they may shrink a bit. This doesn’t mean you'll end up with permanently smaller breasts.
The skin and tissue might have stretched and shifted during pregnancy and breastfeeding, but most women find their breasts return to a size similar to their pre-pregnancy state.
4. Will the veins fade away?
The veins that become more visible during pregnancy due to increased blood volume usually return to normal after breastfeeding.
Similarly, your nipples and areolas should return to their pre-nursing appearance.
5. Will the stretch marks fade away?
As your breasts expand, stretch marks can appear. A study found that 33% of women get stretch marks during pregnancy. However, these marks often lighten within a year and may be less noticeable after breastfeeding. A regular massage on your stretch marks with cream or oil can lower itchiness.
6. Will I have uneven breasts after breastfeeding?
It's common for breasts to be uneven, and this can become more noticeable during breastfeeding due to different milk production capacities in both breasts.
If you notice notable asymmetry, it’s worth waiting about 12 weeks post-weaning to see if things even out.
If you still notice those changes, visit a physician to inspect for any other issues.
7. Will my breasts recover shape after breastfeeding?
Normally, breasts take about 3 months after weaning to settle into their new shape.
Once you surpass that period, consider getting a professional bra fitting to fit the changes. Don’t be tempted to use old bras—your body has evolved, and you need to make changes as well.
Appreciate your breasts for their role in nourishing your baby and embrace the changes with pride.
Steps to Maintain Breast Health
For the sake of your overall wellbeing and physical comfort, it’s important to maintain breast health after breastfeeding.
Here are some basic steps to keep your breasts healthy and in their best shape:
a) Nutrition and Hydration: Eat a balanced diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean proteins that preserve skin elasticity and overall health.
Moreover, stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, and it will keep your skin supple and prevent dryness.
b) Exercise and Strengthening: Try to do exercises that strengthen your chest muscles, such as push-ups and chest presses; they support and tone the breast area. If you do exercises daily, it promotes circulation in your body.
c) Skincare Routines: You can moisturize your breasts with creams and oils that contain ingredients like vitamin E or hyaluronic acid. It keeps your skin around your breasts soft and hydrated. Moreover, if you gently exfoliate it, you can experience improved skin texture.
d) Regular Check-ups: You can also schedule a constant breast examination with your doctor to monitor any sudden changes, and they can assure that your breasts stay in good health.
e) Wear Supportive Nursing Bras: Start wearing supportive nursing bras to maintain the breast shape, for example, Holiday Triangle Bra. Its strong under-bust band provide optimal uplift while allowing you to criss-cross them for added coverage.
Medical and Cosmetic Options
We want to assure you that you are not alone if you are worried about the way your breast changes as a result of breastfeeding. Some women seek medical and cosmetic options to deal with their problems and restore their confidence. There are different treatments available, but you have to opt for the right one for yourself.
Here are some options to consider:
Consult a Specialist: When you contact a plastic surgeon or a professional, they bring more clarity to the situation. They examine your condition, discuss your intention, and prescribe tailored recommendations. This step ensures that all the decisions are well-informed and appropriate for your body.
Cosmetic Procedures: If you're thinking about cosmetic changes, weigh your options carefully. Each option has its benefits and considerations. It’s crucial to have discussions with a specialist to choose the best approach for your needs.
Final Thoughts
As you witness the changes in your breasts after breastfeeding, remember that these changes are a testament to your journey as a mother.
It’s normal to have mixed feelings about it, but to focus on the positive and appreciate your body’s resilience can help you feel more confident and at peace.
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