Beauty of the BREAST

Bigger breasts and less firmness are some of the eventualities a woman must psychologically prepare herself for once she is pregnant. For most new mothers this is a new experience and there is uncertainty about just how big or slack ones breasts will become. New issues emerge as well: ‘What will I look like and will I still be attractive to my partner? While some women will get worried about their breasts becoming ‘too big’, others will be glad that their tiny breasts will grow bigger and now have the semblance of‘ normal’ ones.

Breasts are among a woman’s most outstanding features. For the opposite sex, female breasts are of erotic significance and over the centuries some women have used them rightly or wrongly as a tool for personal and career advancement, sometimes subconsciously. Both the pregnant woman and her partner therefore view breast changes during pregnancy with keen interest. Some changes may not be pleasant but this should not provide a woman with reason to neglect her breasts as regular care can vastly improve their appearance.

What are the big worries?

Leaking breasts are perhaps one of the most dreaded outcomes of pregnancy. Whereas a woman can get used to her breasts growing bigger during pregnancy, a leak is not so pleasant. It might mean carrying an extra bra and top to the office, or if it happens unexpectedly, going back home to change or going straight into a shop to buy a new top and bra. For some women, so much milk is produced after delivery that the milk flows freely.

Another worry is whether the breasts will go back to their original size after the baby is weaned. Breasts are made up of ligaments and have no muscles and therefore tend to sag due to the increased weight. Unlike muscles, ligaments never return to their original size once stretched. After delivery and breastfeeding, breasts never get back to their exact pre-pregnancy state. The trick therefore is to limit the extent of sagging, hence it is important to wear a firm bra during and after pregnancy.

Breast changes that cause a scare and how to face them

What breast changes are expected during pregnancy?

• Increased size
• Itchiness
• Stretch marks
• Leaking of a yellowish thick substance called colostrum
• Darkened and larger areolas
• Sagging

Accepting these changes

Sagging breast

As your breasts become heavier, you should take care of them by giving maximum support with a good bra. Preferably wearing one during the day and at night. Most of the support from a bra should come from beneath and not from the straps.

What to avoid: Underwire bras should be avoided because they tend to chafe a bit more and may contribute to clogging of the milk duct. Such bras may also make one uncomfortable.

Increased breast size

As breasts enlarge, it helps to buy a firm and larger bra. A good bra has the following characteristics.

• A deep band beneath the cups
• A wide shoulder strap
• An adjustable closure

What to avoid: Avoid buying bras on impulse. Whenever you buy one ask yourself what the purpose is and whether the specifications of the bra fit that need. For example, wearing a supportive pregnancy sleep bra made of cotton is advisable for comfort and to hold your breasts firmly in place.

Breast leaking

There is no need to be alarmed when breasts leak. Wearing disposable or washable breast pads will prevent the leak soiling your clothes. You should allow your breasts to air-dry a few times each day especially after taking a shower.

What to avoid: While bathing avoid washing your areolas and nipples with soap because this dries out the skin. Use plain water, applying some breast milk on the nipples and areolas and allowing them to air-dry.

Itching and stretch marks

Itching of the breasts is primarily caused by stretching of the skin. Ultimately the tension on the skin leads to stretch marks. Moisturizing your breasts at least thrice daily helps prevent stretch marks.

Wetness is another cause of itching. Cleanliness is very important during this time, therefore put on clean and dry clothes to avoid skin irritation.

What to avoid: Whenever you buy lotions and oils make sure you check the label for ingredients to ensure what you are applying on your breasts is free of chemicals. Use oils made from natural products.

Changes that should not worry you

Some breast changes are inevitable and of little consequence and you need not worry about them. These include:

• Darkened veins along your breasts. These result from the increased supply of blood to your breasts, which is expected and healthy.
• Darkening of the nipples and the areolas (the skin around your nipples). This is due to an increase in hormones which affect pigmentation and therefore the colour of the skin.
• Small glands on the surface of the areolas called Montgomery’s tubercles become raised bumps. This is natural and expected.
• Sensitivity and tenderness of the breasts. This is the result of hormones in the body preparing the breasts for lactation. That is the time milk ducts grow and therefore stretch as they fill with milk in early pregnancy.

What to report

Report any extreme itching to your doctor to rule out the possibility of any disease.

Buy the right bra not just a bigger bra

All expectant mothers soon find they have to buy new bras as their pregnancy progresses. The inclination is to simply shop for a bigger bra. It is important to understand that during pregnancy one must look for specific characteristics in a bra. The bra does not have to be special and expensive, but it must be the right one in terms of design, size and material. Due to changes in your breasts, you will most likely need to gradually adjust your bra sizes. Whatever your bra size, you are likely to increase the size by at least one cup during your pregnancy. When buying bras, remember that in a few weeks you will be breast-feeding, therefore make sure you buy some nursing or feeding bras that flip open to expose the nipple for baby feeding. The ideal time to begin wearing such bras is at 36 weeks. At this time, your rib cage is expected to have reached its maximum pregnancy-related expansion. Remember it is important to get your correct size. Squashing your breasts in small bras may lead to clogged milk ducts and discomfort, whereas oversize bras may lead to excessive breast sagging.

A good bra

• Covers, encloses and supports your entire breast and prevents sagging
• Gives you allowance to adjust it when the milk starts flowing, and therefore enables your breasts to relax
• Has horizontal and close-fitting back strap which keeps the bra in place
• Enables your flat hand to slip in over the breast
• Is easy to unstrap and has cups that are easy to open during breastfeeding
• Is preferably padded on the inside for extra comfort
• Preferably has removable insert pads which absorb any leaks
• Has straps wide enough to support weight of the breast.

END: PG 2/16-17