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Pregnant, the transformations of our breasts
Throughout pregnancy, the breasts prepare to fulfill their main function, which is to secrete the milk that our baby will feed on. From the first weeks, the breasts start to swell, they grow larger, become heavier: it is one of the first signs of pregnancy.
Why do the breasts get bigger?
The explanation is physiological. In the first few weeks, the breasts are “flooded” with hormones. The mammary glands (which make milk) are stimulated and become inflammatory: this is what causes the swelling. Corn the increase in volume varies according to the mothers-to-be. Some women switch from a B cup to a D cup while others keep virtually the same bra throughout the pregnancy. The quantity of mammary glands is indeed different from one woman to another, apart from pregnancy. Ultimately, the more mammary glands we have, the more they ignite during pregnancy, and the more the breast size increases. Other changes also appear quickly. The skin of the breasts is more and more tense, which reveals the venous network. At the same time as the nipples increase in size, the areola becomes pigmented and takes on a grainy appearance. The dark coloring of the nipples, the labia minora of the vulva and the accentuation of the coloring of the brown line at the level of the pubis are linked to hormonal impregnation.
At the end of the 2nd trimester, the breasts are ready to breastfeed
Breast volume increases in early pregnancy, then stabilizes when the inflammation of the mammary glands subsides. The breasts will grow again 3 days after childbirth with the production of milk. Around 6 months, the breasts become functional, in other words: they are ready to breastfeed. The glands which make milk have multiplied, as have the milk ducts which are now ready to evacuate the milk. An orange-yellow liquid, a little thick, can then spurt out from the nipple. It is a surprising sensation, but rest assured completely normal. This is colostrum, a substance rich in vitamins and fatty acids, which allows the newborn to receive a diet rich in energy, from birth. This colostrum is secreted in small quantities with each feeding, for 3 days. It then turns into milk. From the moment the breast secretes colostrum, and even in the absence of discharge, contractions of the milk ducts can cause slight tingling in the chest. Some women also experience a twitching in the breasts, which is more related to colostrum stagnation. Applying hot compresses relieves these minor pains.
Does pregnancy damage the breast?
This is a question that most expectant mothers ask themselves. It is certain that pregnancy can damage the breasts when their size increases rapidly and sharply, whether you are breastfeeding or not. This is why it is essential to adapt your lingerie as soon as the first changes appear. To prevent the breasts from sagging after pregnancy, you can opt for wrap bras, which support the breast without compressing it. If the breasts are really heavy, you can also keep your bra on overnight. Do not hesitate to drop by regularly jets of cool water on the breasts to tone the skin. As for stretch marks, another fear of pregnant women, as is the case for the belly, they can be prevented by moisturizing your breasts daily with an anti-stretch mark cream or oil.
How to prepare your breasts for breastfeeding?
There is no method to prepare her breasts for breastfeeding, contrary to what has been said for a long time (in short, rubbing, stretching, massaging the nipples does NOTHING).
On the other hand, learning about breastfeeding, with videos, books, and above all, seeing babies breastfeed in real life (if you are lucky enough to have a breastfeeding friend) is the best way to be more comfortable. comfortable during the first feedings. For successful breastfeeding, self-confidence and confidence in your baby is the KEY.
Our ideas for maternity bras