Do you get sagging breasts from breastfeeding?

Also read: Should You Burp Your Baby After Every Meal?

Breasts grow during pregnancy

During pregnancy, your breasts grow under the influence of hormones, which changes the connective tissue. The skin can therefore effectively be slacker after pregnancy than before. Those who breastfeed will initially notice little of this, because the breasts are full of milk glands, but as soon as milk production stops, the glandular tissue will shrink. Incidentally, the same thing happens to those who do not breastfeed, because your body has already prepared itself for breastfeeding. Whether you actually breastfeed and for how long does not matter. In addition, some fatty tissue in your breasts can also disappear due to pregnancy, which makes them feel softer and slacker and hang a little more than before. In some mothers, the change in shape is more pronounced than in others, but it is known that smoking, a large cup size and a high BMI contribute to this. And women who have had several pregnancies are also more likely to lose elasticity in their breasts.

Breasts bigger or smaller after pregnancy?

Unfortunately, you can't prevent the change in the shape of your breasts. After giving birth, the firmness of your breasts will increase again and because new fatty tissue is formed after a few menstrual cycles, the breasts will also become somewhat fuller. For most women, the 'twin' will then look approximately the same as before the pregnancy after some time, although others will unfortunately have to make do with a cup size smaller. Also, don't forget that many women's entire body is different after giving birth, slightly thicker or thinner, which of course also has an impact on your breasts.

Nipples after pregnancy

Your nipples also look different during pregnancy and afterwards. They become larger and darker, and you also get bubbles on the areola. These Montgomery glands secrete a substance that makes it easier for your baby to find your breast, and the increased pigmentation also helps your baby to find the nipple quickly. If you do not breastfeed (anymore), it is possible that the nipples become lighter and smaller again, but that is not the case for everyone.

Also read: Breast or bottle: how many feeds does your baby need per day?

Sources:
https://www.lalecheleague.nl
https://www.healthline.com
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com
https://www.kindengezin.be
https://www.whattoexpect.com