It is quite true that pregnancy and breastfeeding bring a lot of changes in your life. Yes, that’s right. It’s your breasts that receive most changes after pregnancy in terms of shape, size, and tenderness. But you should not feel insecure about them. Why? Because these are the primary source of food for your baby. Some mothers would also witness that their post-pregnancy breasts look different from what they used to look before becoming pregnant. However, this happens to every new mother, and there is nothing to worry about it. In this guide, you will have all the information regarding breast changes after breastfeeding.
Some common symptoms that many mothers will witness after giving birth include engorged breasts that mean fullness in the breast area, sore breasts as well as leakage in the nipples. However, your breasts would naturally change after giving birth. You will find some sudden changes but if you find some unusual changes in your breasts, it is better to consult your doctor. They will guide you through to understand the reason behind such sudden and uncommon changes like lumps in the breasts and fever.
In This Article
- Does Breastfeeding Cause Change in the Breast?
- Can Breastfeeding Affect Breast Size?
- Can Breastfeeding Affect Breast Shape and Appearance?
- Top 5 Tips to Help You Take Care of Your Breasts
- When Should You Consider Seeing Your Doctor?
- FAQ’s
Does Breastfeeding Cause Change in the Breast?
Yes, it is true that the breasts of a mother undergo many changes after breastfeeding. Pregnancy itself is a huge change for a mother which may continue through breastfeeding and beyond. The reasons behind this can be
- During pregnancy, there are changes in the levels of progesterone, estrogen and prolactin which causes physiological changes in the breasts.
- Furthermore, the milk ducts expand and the blood flow enhances.
This is why there is a possibility that your cup size may increase. This would also make the veins in your breasts appear more prominent.
Can Breastfeeding Affect Breast Size?
The answer is yes. Probably, many women witness that their original breast size returns after they’ve stopped breastfeeding. Also, they can even go smaller than they used to be. As per studies, it is found that many others witness an all-new breast after their breastfeeding phase is over.
The chances of breast sagging may also increase in every woman with each pregnancy. As per some experts, age, weight gain (during pregnancy), and gravity are the factors which cause changes in the breast size of women. You can reverse these effects by following three vital habits like,
- Eating a healthy and proper diet.
- Exercising regularly.
- Maintaining a healthy weight.
All these can reverse the effects and give you good-looking breasts. Also, quit smoking if you are into smoking as cigarette smoking slowly declines the skin’s elasticity.
[Read : Sagging Breasts After Pregnancy]
Can Breastfeeding Affect Breast Shape and Appearance?
The size and shape of a women’s breasts keep changing through out their lives and the change can be prominent during pregnancy and breastfeeding stages. This is common and sometimes your breasts may or may not return to their previous appearance. Many women witness huge breasts after pregnancy while others witness a shrink in their breasts. However, sagged breasts and fuller breasts can be because of the genetics and the amount of weight you gained during pregnancy.
Furthermore, breast changes after breastfeeding may also be due to the skin stretching. When the baby starts to suck the mild, the skin stretches to support it’s flow leading the breasts to sag. Women who breastfeed their babies may also notice uneven breasts.
Top 5 Tips to Help You Take Care of Your Breasts
Maintaining breast health is the duty of every woman. This duty doubles up after becoming a mother and hence you need to adopt the below-mentioned habits. Here are some tips to help you take good care of your breasts:
1. Keep Them Moisturized
It would not take much of your time to apply some moisturizer to your breasts during the day or at night. Your breasts also need to be kept happy as the skin around your breasts is quite sensitive, mainly the nipple area. So, this requires some extra care from your side. A safe made, and fragrance free moisturizer can add up to this. This would not just help you prevent any kind of dullness or dryness in your breasts but can also prevent sore breasts.
2. Increase Your Intake of Vitamins
Vitamins play a vital role in keeping up the health of your breasts. Especially Vitamin D. With a deficiency of Vitamin D in women’s bodies, the risk of breast cancer increases, and hence women must never let this deficiency arise in them. So, undoubtedly make it a regular habit to intake vitamins, which aids in your breast health. You can either use vitamin-rich lotions or consume a good diet that contain vitamin D.
3. Say Hello to Apt Bra
When it comes to the appearance of your breasts, your bra matters the most. It is always recommended by experts to surrender the bra which has gone old or is of no use. They would do nothing but make your breasts tender instead of keeping it tight. Wearing the wrong size bra would also increase your cup size and that is why it is crucial to first measure your cup size before buying a bra for yourself.
[Read : Is It Safe To Wear A Bra During Breastfeeding?]
4. Include Some Exercises
Exercises are proven good for almost everything in life. Similarly, it brings so much good to your breasts too. Working out can shrink the size of the fat cells present in your body. This way your body will pump out less estrogen which will protect your breasts from troubles.
5. Black Grapes Work Wonders
Some foods have good properties, and can help in reducing the chance of bad or sagging breasts after pregnancy. One of those foods is black grapes. The skin of black grapes contains anti-cancer properties that not just protect your breasts from being damaged but also adds good amount of folic acid in your diet.
When Should You Consider Seeing Your Doctor?
Although it is not necessary to call your doctor if you are witnessing mild symptoms. But if the symptoms are troubling and unbearable, then you should consider calling your doctor right away.
Here are a few breast changes after breastfeeding that may need an immediate attention,
- A lump in your breast
- A lump that is sore and painful
- Rash on your breasts
- Extreme discomfort (if you feel that it is not related to breastfeeding)
- Nipple going inward (Retraction)
- Sore or are have burning sensations while breastfeeding
- If you see your nipples be shinier, itchy, or crusty
It is very common to experience a complete change in the shape and size of your breasts during pregnancy and after breastfeeding. They may or may not go back to their original size. However, if you want to maintain or regain the shape and size that you have lost, you may need to take a very good care of your breasts. Ensure to get an appointment with your doctor if you feel any discomfort or feel too concerned about the breast changes after breastfeeding.
[Read : What Causes Itchy Breasts While Breastfeeding]
FAQ’s
1. Do Breasts Go Back to Their Original Size After Breastfeeding?
Your breasts typically don’t go back to their original shape and size after breastfeeding. This is because after breastfeeding, both the connective tissue as well as fatty tissue in your breasts shifts. For this reason, there will be a noticeable change in breasts after pregnancy and breastfeeding.
2. How Can I Reshape My Breast After Breastfeeding?
There are certain ways through which you can regain that lost breast shape after breastfeeding. It is better to massage your breasts regularly so that blood circulation can help you retrieve your lost shape.
3. How Can I Prevent My Breasts From Sagging After Breastfeeding?
If you want to prevent your breasts from sagging, follow a few tips like regular moisturization, following good posture, quitting smoking and consuming healthy diet.
Read Also: Restoring breasts after Pregnancy
