Breastfeeding is that unique and special moment where it feels like only you and your baby exist. However, it is not always that simple, because this “universe” is full of questions not only about how to do it the “right way”, but also about breasts, milk, sucking and latch… In the following lines we answer the most frequently asked questions related to breasts during breastfeeding.
Breasts during breastfeeding: does size matter?
This is one of the questions that comes up again and again: “If I have small breasts, will I have milk? Will it be enough for my baby?”
Of course yes, do not worry. Breast size is not directly proportional to the amount of milk you can produce. So… stay calm! Size does not matter. Shape does not matter either.
Note: It only matters in cases of mammary hypoplasia.
And if I have mammary hypoplasia, will I not be able to breastfeed?
Mammary hypoplasia is one of the factors that negatively affects breastfeeding, making it somewhat more difficult. It is recognised when breast tissue is scarce or insufficient. Does this condition make breastfeeding impossible? No, although it will be more challenging, it can be carried out, for example through mixed feeding.
Important! The incidence of mammary hypoplasia is minimal.
I have a very small nipple, will I be able to breastfeed?
Following on from the previous question, this is another major concern. Of course you can! Regardless of shape or size, all nipples are equally valid. Besides, did you know that your baby cares very little about the nipple? They simply need it as a visual and tactile reference to feed.
However, at SingularMom we consider it very important to have a support group to discuss these kinds of questions.
Preparing your breasts for breastfeeding
You may be nervous and want to have everything under control. You would do anything for your baby, so anything that makes the “arduous task” of breastfeeding easier will be welcome. That is why you may wonder…
Should I prepare my nipples during pregnancy?
You surely know a mum-to-be who spends hours applying creams to her nipples. Some even rub their nipples with loofah gloves thinking it helps prepare the breasts for breastfeeding! Do not be fooled, it is yet another myth.
You do not need to prepare anything. Your nipples, or more specifically your Montgomery glands, are more than ready to “win the battle”. Have you forgotten how wise your body is? In any case, you should prepare yourself with reliable information.
During breastfeeding, do I have to offer both breasts?
Another of the big questions about breastfeeding. No, do not worry. Your baby will most likely take the first breast and release it when falling asleep. However, when the time comes make sure they take all the milk that breast contains, because milk composition is not the same at the beginning as at the end. The first sucks are less fatty, more “watery” milk, so if they do not empty the breast it will be harder for them to gain weight.
You do not have to offer both breasts in one go; it is recommended to let the baby empty one breast and at the next feed empty the other. Ideally, alternate both breasts, emptying each one.
Do breasts hurt during breastfeeding?
Ah, pain… especially if you are a first-time mum, this is probably another major concern. Fear of pain during labour, fear of postpartum pain, fear of breastfeeding pain… in short, fear of the unknown. You can read more about fear during pregnancy here.
Is it normal for my breast to hurt during breastfeeding?
No, neither the breast in general nor the nipples in particular. If you feel pain, we recommend that you seek help.
I have been diagnosed with mastitis. What should I do?
Stay calm and carry on as normal. Your gynaecologist or midwife will tell you that it is essential to empty the breast as much as possible, either with your baby’s help or with a breast pump. If you are prescribed antibiotics, you should know that it is fine because they will not negatively affect your baby.
What to do if the baby refuses the breast?
Have you heard of infant colic? Your baby may refuse the breast because they are going through one of those “critical phases” or breastfeeding crises. Do not worry, it is usually temporary.
Physical changes to the breasts during breastfeeding
And… what about physical changes? Full breasts, empty breasts, soft breasts?
Is it normal to feel my breast so full and tense?
Yes. Over the 9 months, your whole body has undergone different physical changes during pregnancy and has prepared to give life. And of course, your breasts, the great protagonists of this story, take on a more than relevant role after birth. That is why they increase considerably and spectacularly in size.
Why do my breasts feel soft? Does it mean I have no milk left?
By this point you will know that your breasts produce the ideal amount of milk according to your baby’s needs. Hence it is “on demand”. You will probably feel around 3 months after birth that your breasts are not as “full” as in previous weeks. That is normal. Does it mean the milk has run out? No, that is a mistaken interpretation. Your mammary glands have regulated themselves and you will continue breastfeeding whenever your baby needs it.
When do breasts return to “normal”?
The belief that breasts never return to normal still persists. Yes and no. Of course, over time bodily changes are inevitable (with or without pregnancy) and we must acknowledge that breasts will obviously be modified. However, it depends on each woman.
However, the breasts can be toned and firmed with specific physical exercises both during and after breastfeeding. After weaning, you will see how they gradually return to normal over 2–3 weeks. You can read more about childbirth preparation classes here.
At SingularMom we want above all to give special importance to the PROTECTION, PROMOTION AND SUPPORT of breastfeeding. We want breastfeeding problems and doubts not to lead to giving it up. We are here to help you!
