8 Ways To Take Care Of Your Breasts Health Post-Childbirth

You’re very likely to notice some incredible changes in your body after childbirth. Yes, post-pregnancy, your body may never go back to your earlier self. But that doesn’t mean you can’t care for yourself and maintain your health. The changes in the body during pregnancy and post-childbirth are nature’s way of preparing the mother for nursing and child care.

The breasts undergo changes to accommodate milk for the infant. It’s important for new mothers to provide care so that their breasts don’t hurt or cause problems during feeding. Ignoring your breast health can pose significant risks in the long run, in some cases even breast cancer. The chances of breast cancer are lower among women in their thirties and increase steeply as they age (1). If your breast changes are causing you some stress and maintaining good breast health is your priority, here are things you need to be aware of to mitigate the chances of complications later:

In This Article

How Do Your Breasts Change After Having A Baby?

How Do Your Breasts Change After Having A Baby
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A woman’s body will go through a significant amount of alterations during pregnancy and even after childbirth. However, not everyone experiences these changes at the same frequency. It is also possible that your breast changes may not be as drastic as those of others. That said, here are some common issues women complain of after having a baby:

  • Increase In Breast Size: As a mother starts a nutritious diet to support the child’s growth and development, weight gain is possible. Weight gain is associated with increased fat and connective tissue, which triggers growth in breast size (2).
  • Areolas May Darken: You may also notice a more prominent nipple shape and size, along with some tiny pores around the surface (3).
  • Stretch Marks Appear On The Breasts: Stretch marks can be caused due to several reasons like hormonal changes, genetics, medications, and weight fluctuations. This becomes more prominent if you gain excessive weight or have the tendency to develop stretch marks even before childbirth.
  • Asymmetrical Breasts: Breast asymmetry may not be stark before pregnancy. But one of your breasts may look slightly bigger than the other after you deliver the baby due to growth or enlargement of breasts (4).
  • Breasts Appear Saggy: This is also common among new mothers. During pregnancy, breast supporting ligaments might become heavier and, therefore, stretch. So, whether or not you breastfeed, sagging may happen
  • Engorged Breasts: Breast pain is common in lactating women. As a result of engorgement, you may also experience some pain or itch as you begin lactating (5).

How Can You Take Care Of Your Breasts?

How Can You Take Care Of Your Breasts
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In addition to changes in breast appearance, breast cancer is a threat one should be wary of. Breast cancer is growing at an alarming rate. You must take care of your breasts to prevent the associated risks. Any alteration in your breast shape and appearance needs to be closely examined and monitored. Consult your doctor as soon as you notice any abnormalities in your breasts and follow the advised care routine. Here are a few ways in which you can avoid breast cancer and also maintain them in good condition (6):

  • Breastfeed Your Baby: Breastfeeding has been shown to reduce the risk of breast cancer. The shedding of breast tissue during breastfeeding can do away with cells with potential DNA damage (7). So, breastfeeding is not just beneficial for your baby but for you too. Take this moment to bond with your baby at the same time.
  • Achieve A Healthy Body Weight: Engage in regular physical activity to maintain a healthy weight goal. Just thirty minutes of daily physical activity can keep you fit. An active lifestyle can positively impact your breast health in the long run. Mixing different forms of exercises like cardio, yoga, and weight training can be very effective at getting back in shape for women who went through childbirth.
  • Stay Away From Harmful Habits: Drinking alcohol and smoking tobacco can pose dangerous risks to your health. These substances have been strongly linked to the formation of cancerous cells in the body (8). So, quit them at the earliest.
  • Minimize Radiation Exposure: Keep your radiation exposure to a minimum as high radiation exposure is an established risk factor for breast cancer in women (9). Steer clear of areas that are prone to maximum radioactivity like airlines and industrial areas.
  • Have A Balanced Diet: A healthy diet can reduce the development of breast cancer cells. A varied diet with a selection of foods such as green leafy vegetables, fruits, legumes, probiotics, milk, eggs, tofu, lean meats can be beneficial in protecting you against breast cancer risk (10).
    Self-Examine Your Breasts Carefully Every Month: Look out for any unusual formations around your breasts, armpits, and up to the collarbone. Never miss out on routine screenings. Inform your doctor if you notice lumps, thickening, or abnormal discharge from your nipples (11).
  • Give Your Breasts Some Good Support: To prevent sagging post-childbirth, wear supportive and comfortable maternity bras. Look for soft and wide strapped sleep bras for large breasts (12). Many maternity bras come with slits that open in the middle enabling you to feed the baby without needing to take off the entire thing.
  • Hydrate Your Breast Skin: You can moisturize your breasts to hydrate and improve collagen in your skin. The topical application of coconut oil and cocoa butter can help counter the appearance of stretch marks and improve elasticity. Products like nipple butter or nipple oil can be very effective at treating the dryness and soreness of the nipples.

Changes in the breasts may affect your self-esteem as it impacts overall body image. It may also cause you some worry. As you age, go through childbirth, and reach menopause, breast changes are expected, but unusual formations or discomfort need to be immediately brought to your doctor’s notice. Early intervention can prevent complications later. How do you take care of your breast health? Do share your tips with us in the comments section below!

References

MomJunction's articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in our editorial policy.
  1. Radiation and breast cancer: a review of current evidence
    https://breast-cancer-research.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/bcr970
  2. Breast size increment during pregnancy and breastfeeding in mothers with polycystic ovary syndrome: a follow-up study of a randomised controlled trial on metformin versus placebo
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22827167/
  3. Factors influencing breast changes after pregnancy
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23022745/
  4. Breast Changes During Pregnancy
    https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/pregnancy-health-wellness/breast-changes-during-pregnancy/
  5. Breast pain in lactating women–mastitis or something else?
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12666351/
  6. Breast cancer
    https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/breast-cancer
  7. Breastfeeding lowers your breast cancer risk
    https://www.mdanderson.org/publications/focused-on-health/breastfeeding-breast-cancer-prevention.h19-1589046.html
  8. Alcohol
    tobacco and breast cancer: should alcohol be condemned and tobacco acquitted?
  9. Low-dose medical radiation exposure and breast cancer risk in women under age 50 years overall and by estrogen and progesterone receptor status: results from a case-control and a case-case comparison
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17616809/
  10. Nutrition and Breast Cancer Risk.
    https://cdn.breastcanceruk.org.uk/uploads/2020/01/BCUK_Diet_Brief_130120_2-Web.pdf
  11. How should I check my breasts?
    https://www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/womens-health/how-should-i-check-my-breasts/
  12. Breast Changes During Pregnancy
    https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/pregnancy-health-wellness/breast-changes-during-pregnancy/
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