BY LUCY EZELIORA
IT’S no secret that pregnancy and breastfeeding can change a woman’s body. One area that can be particularly affected is the breast. Everyone’s breasts are different, and how they react to pregnancy is unique. During pregnancy and breastfeeding, go with the flow and cherish this precious time. After pregnancy, if you are not happy with the changes to your breasts, we can advise you on the steps you can take to regain your pre-pregnancy shape.
We have many years of experience performing breast surgery to increase the size and improve the shape, firmness and lift of the breasts after pregnancy. We also have a long list of satisfied customers you can talk to about the process and their results.
Here, we discuss some common concerns of new mothers after giving birth. That includes how you can maintain breast size after pregnancy, whether breastfeeding makes your breasts sag and the solutions that are available to help you address these concerns.
How do your breasts change during and after pregnancy?
During pregnancy, the body goes through major changes, which isn’t surprising given that it’s supporting and growing another life. This is no mean feat, and while it is an incredible journey for any woman to go on, it can have a noticeable impact on your body’s appearance.
The breasts become fuller and heavier during pregnancy, which causes the ligaments supporting the breasts, known as Cooper’s ligaments, to stretch. This can lead to sagging post-pregnancy as the ligaments and breast tissue lose some of their elasticity.
As well as sagging, you can also expect changes to the size and firmness of your breasts. t become large as they fill with milk. However, when you stop producing milk, they empty, and the milk-producing glands are replaced by breast tissue. The breast tissue that replaces the milk glands may not create the same size or shape of breasts, and the distribution of the fat may change, potentially leading to a loss of volume.
What affects how much your breasts change during and after pregnancy?
Several factors determine the extent to which the size, shape and firmness of the breasts can change during and after pregnancy, including:
Genetics – Your breast size and their composition are influenced by genetics. Genetics also plays a part in the extent of the changes during and after pregnancy.
Breastfeeding duration – Breastfeeding for longer can increase the likelihood and extent of sagging. Your heavy breasts cause the ligaments to stretch, which can affect their ability to support the breasts after pregnancy.
Weight changes – Significant weight gain and loss during and after pregnancy can impact breast size and cause the breast tissue to stretch and lose elasticity, leading to sagging.
Age – As we age, the skin loses elasticity and the breast tissue becomes less dense. This can affect the shape of the breasts and contribute to sagging, particularly after pregnancy.
Smoking – Smoking reduces the skin’s elasticity and can contribute to sagging breasts.
Of these factors, genetics is arguably the most important. For example, if you take two 30-year-old women who both have a C-cup before pregnancy and all else is equal, it’s very possible for one to still have a C-cup and very little sagging after pregnancy, while the other may lose more breast volume and firmness.
Before pregnancy and all else is equal, it’s very possible for one to still have a C-cup and very little sagging after pregnancy, while the other may lose more breast volume and firmness.
One of the main concerns for some women is how they can maintain their breast size. If you research how to maintain your breast size after pregnancy online, you are likely to find advice about exercise, moisturising, diet and weight loss. While this advice can help to support breast health and your overall wellbeing, the reality is that the only way to achieve guaranteed results is with cosmetic surgery.
Moisturise and stay hydrated
Staying hydrated, exfoliating, and moisturising the breasts can promote overall skin health and help with breast support. Regular massaging with a quality moisturiser can also increase blood flow to the breast tissue to counter stretch marks and improve skin tone around the breast area.
Maintain a healthy weight
Some women want to lose their extra pregnancy weight as quickly as possible, but losing weight too quickly can have a detrimental impact on breast volume and breast sagging.
To avoid losing significant weight from your breasts, aim to shed no more than half a kilogram a week. You should also eat a balanced diet containing the nutrients and calories to support you and your baby’s overall health. Most women need around 2,000 calories a day, but you can add an extra 500 calories when breastfeeding.
Wear a support bra
Wearing a proper support bra during and after pregnancy will not enhance your breast size or volume but may reduce the impact of sagging. A professionally-fitted bra can also boost the appearance of your breasts and increase your confidence.
Do regular exercise
Regular exercise promotes good physical and mental health, which can be particularly after pregnancy. Strength training and yoga can strengthen the chest muscles and arms which help to support and maintain the breasts. However, it won’t increase the volume of the breast tissue itself. When exercising, wear a supportive bra to reduce the impact of sagging.
