Pregnancy and breastfeeding can increase your breast size by a few cups. Many women find their breasts shrink after breastfeeding. In fact, the actual changes of not being pregnant anymore is what causes them to shrink and change their shape.
A few other reasons for smaller breasts after breastfeeding include:
- Advanced maternal age
- Smoking
- Larger bra size prior to pregnancy
- Higher BMI (Body Mass Index)
- Two or more pregnancies
If you were enjoying a larger breast size, this article will explain the cause of post-pregnancy deflated boobs and a few things you can do to keep them looking shapely.
Why Do Breasts Shrink After Breastfeeding?
What Happens?
If you are only breastfeeding and not using any formula, your breasts will be larger than normal for a few months after your baby is born. They actually go up and down in size according to feedings: being fuller prior to a feeding and shrinking after feedings.
When your baby begins eating cereal and solid foods between four and six months of age, your breasts may become a bit smaller. This is because your baby is not needing as much breastmilk as in the beginning. Still, they remain a bit larger than before you were pregnant. After you wean your baby completely off breastmilk and your milk dries up, your breasts will shrink back to your normal size
Why?
In the beginning of pregnancy, your breasts begin to get ready for breastfeeding your new baby. Hormones prepare the milk glands to start making milk. You will notice a darkening of your nipples and areola (the area around your nipple). As your pregnancy progresses, your breasts start to grow larger.
After your baby is born, you will notice larger and fuller breasts. Your milk comes in about 3 to 4 days after your baby is born. The main reason your breasts shrink after breastfeeding and appear saggy is that the fullness causes the skin and ligaments to stretch. Women experience this whether they breastfeed or not. Not only will you have the appearance of deflated boobs, but they may not stand up and be perky anymore.
There is one positive note. Around the sixth month after you wean your baby, the excess tissue in your breasts will become replaced by fat that is firmer than milk. When this happens, your breasts will perk back up and feel full again.
What to Do About Sagging Breasts After Breastfeeding?
When your breasts shrink after breastfeeding, they may also sag and droop a bit. There are a few things you can do to help firm them back up faster. These include:
1. Exercise
Exercise can help tone muscles and firm up deflated boobs. You will want to do exercises that help tone the pectoral chest muscles and lift up breast tissue. Try doing dumbbell flies, chest presses, push-ups, arm raises, and chest pulls. Here are some exercises recommended for firmer boobs.
2. Fenugreek
Fenugreek is an herbal supplement that can help increase the size of smaller boobs after breastfeeding. It can also tighten sagging skin and make it appear smoother. Take ¼ cup powdered Fenugreek and mix water to make a paste. Rub on to your breasts and allow to sit for up to 10 minutes. Rinse and pat dry. You can use this one to two times weekly.
3. Breast Massage
Give yourself a breast massage with either olive, almond or coconut oil. You can do this up to 3 times weekly and it will improve the tone of your skin. This can also help tone chest muscles. When you massage your skin you improve blood flow that can help repair damaged skin and muscles. This helps to bring renewed tone and lessens the appearance of saggy breasts.
4. Support Bra
You most likely have worn maternity and nursing bras throughout your pregnancy and during breastfeeding. After you wean your baby, it is a good idea to go in for a “bra fitting” at a quality lingerie shop. You need a good bra to keep your breasts lifted up. If you are small to medium size, look for padded bras that give you extra lift. Going in for a fitting will help you find the right bra which will help restore your normal breast appearance.
5. Good Posture
Using good posture will help give your breasts more life. You may not think that posture will help if your breasts shrink after breastfeeding, but think about how you have been sitting to feed your baby the last few months. Those cuddles are nice, but cause you to lean slightly forward and curl your shoulders in. Try lifting your back neck and shoulders up straight and sit in a straight backed chair as often as possible. You can also incorporate yoga as both exercise and posture control.
What Other Moms Have Experienced
“It was really quick and easy to get back to normal after breastfeeding my first baby. I was surprised after my second baby that I lost one whole cup size in my breasts. I found that wearing a “push-up” bra gives me the lift I need and makes them look almost normal again. Still, when I look at myself in the mirror I get really sad. Even though I have lost 21 pounds and I fit into my old clothes, I still don’t understand why breasts shrink after breastfeeding. It is taking a little getting used to.” Ashley – Mom of 2 and 4 year olds
“Before I had my baby, I was a C cup bra. While my size is still a C cup, I have the dreaded deflated boobs. They sag more than they used to and I can’t wear the nice shirts I used to. It seemed to come on after pregnancy, got worse after breastfeeding, and they don’t seem to be getting any perkier. I did find that doing exercises has been helping them a lot.”
Cynthia – Mom of 15 month old
