For many women, pregnancy and breastfeeding have a significant and lasting impact on the size and position of their breasts. As pregnancy progresses, the body undergoes definitive changes, impacting the breasts in particular. After pregnancy, breastfeeding can further affect breast enlargement and cause changes in the breasts’ positioning. Understanding how pregnancy and breastfeeding can impact a women’s breasts is essential for mothers-to-be in their pre-natal and post-natal care.
Effects of Pregnancy on Breast Volume and Position
During pregnancy, the breasts undergo a variety of changes to prepare for the nurturing and nourishment of an infant. The initial stages of pregnancy bring on a surge in hormones that trigger the mammary glands to start increasing in both number and size. As the breasts grow to meet the needs of a breastfeeding infant, the skin supporting the breast enlarges, resulting in a stretched and loosened appearance. Around the late second and early third trimester, the natural pregnancy hormones continue to trigger changes within the body. These hormones serve to soften the ligaments that hold the breasts entirely in place, giving the breasts a higher flabby and elongated appearance. Furthermore, the increase in alkaline migration of fluids in-between skin tissues during pregnancy can lead to the appearance of dimpling or cellulite.
How Breastfeeding Affects Size and Position
Once a baby is born, many women will choose to breastfeed. Breastfeeding initiates hormonal changes that help fully develop and engorge the mammary glands. Consequently, the breasts will enlarge to accommodate the increased milk production. However, when a woman chooses to stop breastfeeding, her hormonal levels will return to their pre-pregnancy state, then the mammary glands will begin to naturally shrink back to their previous size. When the mammary glands reduce in size, the overall size of the breasts will also be affected. Smaller breasts could potentially result in an increase in sag, or otherwise known as ptosis, as the mammary glands diminish, and the skin previously tightened to accommodate the enlarged glands goes back to a more loose state. This can result in the unwanted loss in the upper pole fullness and projection.
How to Care for and Re-Position Breasts Post-Pregnancy
Even after pregnancy and breastfeeding, women do have some options to positively affect their breast volume and positioning. A proper diet and consistent exercise can help a woman to maintain an ideal body weight, as fluctuations in weight, especially from weight gain, can have a detrimental effect on the skin’s ability to tighten over time. A consistent exercise routine, which works to both tone and strengthen the chest muscles, will help to support breast tissues and prevent unwanted sag and droopiness. Properly fitted and supportive bras can also be beneficial to prevent gravity from pulling the breast’s unsupported skin downwards. Lastly, for those who wish to explore a permanent solution, surgical intervention, also known as a mastopexy, or breast lift, can reverse ptosis and overly stretched breast skin. During a breast lift, the scarring and overly stretched skin is tightened, while the nipple is repositioned in an effort to create a more flattering and youthful appearance.
Conclusion
The effects of pregnancy and breastfeeding on breast volume and positioning can be significant and long lasting. For many women, this can lead to unsatisfactory alterations in the appearance of their breasts. Understanding the full impact of pregnancy and breastfeeding on the breasts, as well as the available options for maintaining or improving breast volume and position, is an essential element of pre-natal and post-natal care for mothers-to-be. By making informed decisions and understanding the various options, women are better able to achieve a look that makes them feel more comfortable and confident.
