Your body experiences a lot of changes and transformation during the nine months of pregnancy. Some changes may even carry on, or only come after childbirth. One of the most common concerns new moms have is sagging breasts.
Causes of sagging breasts
Most women, whether they breastfeed or not, also experience sagging breasts after pregnancy. That’s because breasts grow in size during pregnancy.
Breast tissues and milk-producing glands enlarge in preparation for nursing the baby. Then, they shrink back down just as the nursing phase comes to an end and the baby has been weaned off of breastmilk. You may notice that your breasts are more droopy or sagging, compared to pre pregnancy.
Will your breasts return to the way they were before you got pregnant?
There is no guarantee that they will return to their former size and shape. There are a lot of things that can contribute to sagging breasts, including:
- Age
- Gravity
- High body mass index
- Hormones
- Sudden weight loss followed by weight gain (or vice versa)
- Smoking
- Larger breast size
- Genetics
Dealing with sagging breasts
Some of the factors listed above are beyond your control, such as age and genetics. However, there are certain things that can help slow down the sagging.
Invest in supportive bras
Bras can’t change your breasts. But they can keep your breasts well-supported as you go through pregnancy and the lactation phase.
Choose bras that are comfortable and are your size. You may also want to invest in sports bras that give great support if you plan to work out after pregnancy.
Exercise regularly
Doing exercises that strengthen the chest muscles, as well as your shoulders, upper arms, and back won’t increase or decrease the amount of breast tissue. However, working out these muscles (especially the chest) can help make your breasts seem slightly higher and perkier than before.
You’re not obliged to lose weight after childbirth. What’s more important than your changing appearance is taking the time to take care of you and your baby, and adjusting your life as a mom.
Stop smoking
Tobacco can make skin sag and prevent it from repairing and regenerating. That’s because smoking triggers the breakdown of collagen and elastin, which are responsible for keeping the skin supple.
Mind your diet
There’s no diet that can magically prevent skin from aging or reverse the effects of gravity. But foods rich in antioxidants such as berries, beans, and spinach are good for the skin and entire body.
Drinking plenty of water as well. Staying hydrated may also make your skin look better, so that it won’t look dry and saggy.
Sources:
Lifestyle Desk. (August 3, 2021). It Isn’t Breastfeeding but Pregnancy That Causes Sagging! Five Ways to Get Back Your Breast Shape After Childbirth. News18. https://www.news18.com/news/lifestyle/it-isnt-breastfeeding-but-pregnancy-that-causes-sagging-five-ways-to-get-back-your-breast-shape-after-childbirth-4039328.html
WebMD Editorial Contributors. (May 25, 2021). What to Know About Sagging Breasts. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/women/what-to-know-about-sagging-breasts
Targonskaya, A. (May 10, 2019). Breasts After Breastfeeding: 10 Tips on How to Bounce Back. Flo. https://flo.health/being-a-mom/recovering-from-birth/breasts-after-breastfeeding
Brown, M. (March 28, 2023). What to Know About Sagging Breasts After Pregnancy. Parents. https://www.parents.com/pregnancy/my-body/postpartum/how-to-prevent-sagging-breasts-after-pregnancy/
White, A. (July 11, 2018). Treating Saggy Breasts. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/saggy-breasts
