A woman’s greatest blessing can be the ability to nourish new life. As a mother, breastfeeding can improve your physical and emotional lifestyle. Thus, it gives your baby a healthy head start once he or she is born. However, as time passes by, breastfeeding may affect your body especially your breasts. As a woman, we may look for ways on how to support our breast shape while breastfeeding.

The shape and size of a mother’s breasts change before and after breastfeeding. Before nursing, the breast tissue and milk-producing glands enlarge then they go back to their previous size once you are done nursing. Meanwhile, you may also notice that your breasts become softer while you are breastfeeding.

Your nipples after nursing

Your pregnancy can affect your nipples as well. It may increase its size and its areas can darken because of the high levels of progesterone and estrogen. Moreover, continuous breastfeeding can also lead to pain and soreness to your nipples. On the other hand, breastfeeding does not really lead to droopy breasts like what most people believe. Your breasts may sag even if you choose not to breastfeed your baby because the connective tissues of your breasts are stretched.

Ways to support your breast shape while breastfeeding

Even though there are situations that you can’t control like your age and genetics, there are still ways on how to support your breast shape while breastfeeding. Here are some of these ways which can possibly help you.

1. Wear supportive bras

Pick the right bra size for you to ensure that your breasts are still well-supported despite the certain changes in your pregnancy journey. If you are wearing a poorly-fitted bra, it may lead you to pain and injury especially when you are physically active. Also, remove your bra before you sleep for it allows easier blood circulation.

2. Exercise regularly

There are muscles below your breasts called pectorals and toning these muscles can give your breasts a more lifted appearance. Exercising regularly like doing push-ups, chest presses, and free weight routines can help you support your breast shape while breastfeeding.

3. Exfoliate and moisturize your skin

Moisturizing your skin especially your chest area can maintain firmness and hydration. Choose the best beauty products for you that have natural extracts to be safe and also use body scrub and loofah to exfoliate your breasts, it will remove the dead cells of your skin to restore elasticity.

4. Practice good posture

Be mindful of your posture always because poor posture can lead to your breasts’ saggy appearance. Maintain a good posture by keeping your back, shoulders, and spine straight.

5. Lose weight slowly

You should never rush in losing weight after your pregnancy. Allow your body to adjust to its changes while you are nursing until you’re ready to wean your baby. If you rush losing weight, it can produce loose and excess skin. Exercise in moderation and do your routine in a safe manner.

6. Eat a well-balanced diet

One of the best ways on how to support your breast shape while breastfeeding is by eating a well-balanced diet. A well-balanced diet must be rich in whole grains, vegetables, vitamins B and E, and olive oil.

7. Stop smoking

Maintain your breasts’ shape by saying no to smoking. Experts have said that smoking can reduce your skin’s ability to repair any damage on it which also leads to aging, dryness, and wrinkles.

8. Nurse comfortably

When you are nursing your baby, raise them to a comfortable height and try not leaning over or angling your breasts downward. If you do this over a period of time, it will lead your breasts to sagginess.

9. Slowly wean your child

If your baby is ready for weaning, slowly reduce the frequency of your breastfeeding sessions so you can restore your breasts’ shape. It’s a good way to give your breasts’ fatty tissues enough time to restore your breasts’ muscles.

A note

Pregnancy and breastfeeding can be frustrating because of those changes you experience. However, take note of these ways on how to support your breast shape while breastfeeding and don’t rush things. Have happy nursing with your baby!

Read also:

• 8 Tips to Prevent Sagging Breasts After Breastfeeding
• Breastfeeding: 12 Facts That Prove Breastfeeding Is a Real Superpower
• The Best Way to Start: The Importance of the Golden Hour for Successful Breastfeeding
• Breastfeeding and Food Sensitivity: Useful Tips for Moms Nursing the Baby with Dairy Allergy