Post Pregnancy Breasts

by Anonymous

Before I got pregnant I had small but nice breasts. They were firm and perky.

Now that I've had the baby and stopped breastfeeding they just kind of hang there like they have become deflated and they are covered in stretch marks. They're still small but I feel like they're smaller now because they're deflated for lack of better words.

How can I get full breasts back and get rid of all the stretch marks without high costs of plastic surgery? I would love implants but that's a dream.



Baby Help Line Response:

Hi!

The post pregnancy breasts can really be a sad story, especially just after weaning! The previously full breasts are suddenly very empty and saggy, often small and maybe full of stretch marks. Still, research indicates that it is pregnancy rather than breastfeeding that causes all the changes in your breasts.

What to do? Love the situation and be grateful for your baby...? Easier said than done!

Well, one important thing to do is to have some patience. Right after weaning (or giving birth if bottle feeding), the breasts are as saggy as they will ever be (well, within 20 years or so). But just like the extra skin on your belly will slowly disappear, your breasts are also likely to get a bit of their pre-pregnancy appearance back. The extra skin slowly diminishes and in many cases fatty tissues will to some extent start filling out your breasts again.

However, to what extent your post-pregnancy breasts will go back to their pre-pregnancy look, is related to genetics, skin elasticity and amount of weight gain. Smoking and lots of sun exposure have also been shown to be harmful to skin elasticity.

Remember that it can take up to six months after weaning before your breasts have returned to some sort of pre-pregnancy look.

So patience is one thing. The other is to fix what is possible. You mention lots of stretch marks. Have you tried using a good stretch mark cream? A good one that has received a lot of attention for its positive results is TriLASTIN-SR. It doesn't create miracles, of course, but many women notice real improvements by using it.

Third, doing push ups may not improve the appearance the actual breasts, but by strengthening the muscles behind the breasts, it can give your bust a slight lift. (And will be great for your back and shoulders too, of course).

Last but not least, pamper yourself with nice underwear. That might seem like a really stupid advice, but it is so easy to forget yourself when having a new baby. A really good push up bra can make you feel content at least with your clothes on.

I hope all this helps you a bit. Coping with the rapid changes of your post pregnancy body is hard! And honestly, not everything about your body will become as great again.

Doing all we can and want to improve what we can and then trying to accept the rest is really our best option. Walking around feeling miserable over something that just can't be changed is so self destructive!

Give it 6 months, do some exercising and try a stretch mark cream and hopefully, your breasts have improved enough for you to be able to accept them!


I wish you all the best!

/Paula

Comments for
Post Pregnancy Breasts

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Jul 18, 2008
 Re: post pregnancy breasts
by: Anonymous

Man, I read your post and thought, this is me... I could have wrote this word for word! My son is now 14 months old and I thank God for him every day. But I have to tell you, I am so self conscious about my breasts. I went from a B cup to a DD when my milk came in. I almost fell over when the lactation consultant measured me for a nursing bra. Now, I can't even look at myself in the mirror, my breasts are smaller with stretch marks, the best word to describe them is deflated. I can't even fill my 34B bra anymore, though I haven't had the heart to try on a 34A. I was never a "boob" person, but I'm going on 33 years old and finding myself wondering about implants, which surprises the hell out of me because surgery in general scares the daylights out of me.
Jan 21, 2009
 yep
by: Anonymous

yep this is me too....and while i find that pushups do lift the area a bit they are at best ...deflated. i have never ever considered surgery because i am happy with what god gave me but i will say that now more than ever i would love implants or to at least get pregnant again and this time not breast feed to get my breasts back....
Jan 22, 2009
 Tough bi product of having kids...
by: Paula

Hi there!

I think this is probably one of the hardest parts of the post pregnancy changes the body goes through... And I can totally relate to the feeling of suddenly starting to actually considering implants.

Just a quick note on the comment about avoiding breastfeeding; It doesn't help.

There are now two studies that have been done on this subject, and both give the same result; it is the pregnancy not the breastfeeding that causes the breasts to become saggy.

You can read about the saggy breast research here.

Cheers,

Paula

Feb 10, 2009
 Time will make it better...
by: Kiara

I just stopped weaning my second child about three weeks ago and I am going through the same thing. I hate this part, but I will say that I feel a little more confident now because with my first child after about six months after weaning my breasts did get more dense again...a little more saggy than before, but nothing a good bra couldn't fix. I feel like this time around it will get better with time as well...in the meantime, get yourself a bra that has some enhancing features until your breast get back to normal...your breasts will come back! Just give it time... :0) Good luck!
Apr 29, 2009
 post baby boobs.
by: Anonymous

Its nice to know im not alone with my non exsistant post pregnancy boobs! Ive always had a small bust but I didnt mind as they was firm. Since breastfeeding my daughter for 6 months and just recently weaning her, my breasts have to say the least vanished! Just reading your comments has made me feel a little better and your comments about how 6 months after weaning they may 'perk up abit' has gave me hope!...thanks. I refuse to buy 34a bras ( very silly i know). Every day I feel blessed with my gorgeous daughter and wouldnt change things for the world, but i will be paying alot more now for good jelly bras as opposed to my usual 2 for a fiver!lol...
Jun 11, 2009
 Non-Existant Breasts
by: Orchid

I was always in a 34B until getting pregnant with my son, when my boobs suddenly went up to a 34C...I was so happy with them. I breastfed him for 5 months, and my boobs deflated a bit after weaning, but not too bad. A few months after I weaned they started to perk up again and fill up, retaining my 34C (I was so happy they were bigger than before!). Then I got pregnant with my daughter, my breasts went up to a 34D, I was SO elated, I thought for sure it would be the same as after my son. HA! I was mistaken! I breastfed her for 7 months until my supply again ran short (same with my son), and my boobs deflated. She is a year old now, and I refuse to buy a 34A..I had to break down and buy a 34B which hurt badly, and even that is too big. They are not perking back up this time, and they are not regaining any firmness or filling..and are as small as they were when I was 13 years old and had no breasts. I'm not married, a single mom, and it has killed my self confidence drastically. Sure a bra fixes it on the outside, but once it comes off...well I never want to take it off. I'm tempted to get implants.
Jun 23, 2009
 post baby boobs
by: Anonymous

I've been feeling exactly as all of you had. I was a full 34B (almost C). I breasfed my boy for more than a year and got my boobs back almost the same as before, but then with my second child, which I breasfed for 11 months, it wasn't the same story. I was refusing, but finally had to buy 34A bras. My boobs are now very small and saggy that I dont even like to look myself in the mirror any more. They were what attracted my husband the most, and now I dont even want to take out the bra in front of him. It's very frustrating. I thought I'd never thought of breast augmentation, but I think that's the only solution for me. :(
Jun 29, 2009
 breast enlargement
by: Anonymous

I can sympathise with you all. I have two kids now and stopped breastfeeding about two months ago. I was a 32E when I was feeding but am now back to a saggy B cup. I was also one to never think of surgery and couldn't understand people who did it but now I think that is the way I am going. I am very scared about it, side effects, things going wrong etc but I am so unhappy with the way they look that I have to give it a chance. I never take my bra off, shower in the dark and won't let my husband see me. That is not healthy.

I always had a really good figure before the kids and I think that makes it harder to accept. Now between the varicose veins and the saggy boobs I feel ugly! But I try and keep it all in perspective as much as possible and think at least I have two healthy kids and I wouldn't change that for anything.
Jul 06, 2009
 I feel all of you
by: Anonymous

Hey. I have 3 kids. Nursed both of them. First I looked good...2nd child...wow...the whole damn body changed? Whats going on with that? I have a self image issue...Where I dont want to be fake...because I feel everyone would know..but gesh....I want to pump my boobs up again! Any one tried any good firming lotion for the tummy part?
Jul 23, 2009
 saggy boobs
by: Anonymous

My breast are uneven now my right breast is like a 34c if it wasnt so saggy and my left breast is like a 34a both are saggy though im only 20 years old and this is my first child she is 3 months and 6 days why is my bf talking about my saggy boobs all the time hes fat he has man boobs and theere perkier than mines i feel lack of confidence in my upper body i dont even want to go swimming or to a night club anymore i have no cleavage to show its all chest bones then my boobs are resting on my tummy
Aug 17, 2009
 boobs
by: Anonymous

Totally sympathise with everyone. Same story with me and I now have uneven saggy boobs ! I did find that exactly 2 years after each birth my boobs did start to fill out a bit but not quite the same as my old boobs ! I then went on the combined contraceptive pill and they filled out quite a bit more. Am now pregnant again and enjoying lovely boobs (for the time being!!!)
Aug 25, 2009
 No Surgery Option
by: Anonymous

If anyone is interested, there are options such as Brava and Enhance that help you grow your own breast tissue. I am not sure how much it helps with sagging, but it's worth a try if you're considering surgery. It is much less expensive, I believe. However, it is intensive, something like 10 weeks of use of 10 hours a day. Do your own research on it, of course, but I would say to use this before you try surgery.
Oct 07, 2009
 Last Resort!!!
by: Anonymous

I have to say I am in the same boat...the only difference is my youngest daughter is now 5 years old. I was barely an A cup when I got pregnant with my first child and swelled to the point I was busting out every direction of a DD! Now im just like you, they look deflated, stretch marked all around, and just kinda hang there.I have tried absolutely EVERYTHING and none of it has worked.

After all these years I have finally decided to see a plastic surgeon. It's gonna be my birthday present to myself for my 25th birthday :) SO EXCITED!!!! I really hope things work out for you. Word of advice...if you aren't happy with how they look after the first year go ahead and turn to surgery because, unfortunately, that is how they will most likely stay. Good luck!!!!
Oct 23, 2009
 Sad Boobs
by: Nicole

Mine are the same way. After I stopped breastfeeding my boobs "deflated" and are covered in stretch marks, my son is now 3 months old and my boobs seem to be getting a little firmer but theres still a lot of extra skin and saggy. They were a 34B and perky before I got pregnant then while I was breastfeeding they got up to a 36D still perky, and now they are to small for my 34B bras. I also have been considering implants, but I will look into other ways besides surgery. If they help I will repost with my reults!! Good luck to every one else! =]
Nov 13, 2009
 I now shop in the kids bra section
by: Anonymous

I too have felt the glum of post pregnancy breasts. I am 24 and 130lbs and before I was pregnant I was a 36B and after the birth I was spilling out of my 36C bra. I was happy, content and then saddened when my milk came in and within a month of pumping and trying to get my daughter to latch with failure it was gone so I could no longer breast feed (same thing happened to my mother)My daughter is now 15 months old today and I`ll admit it, I`m rocking a childs Lrg Hannah Montana bra because I can`t seem to find one that fits in the adult section. It`s very depressing, I have been hounding my bf for implants, but we can`t afford it and he doesn`t want other guys to look at me that way. It`s rather annoying my fathers side of the family all have huge breasts and I have been cursed with my mothers genes in the small breast department. But like some others have said...you can fix the way it looks from the outside, but once the bra is off I feel like I am lying to the world as to what I have....just nipples and small bumps....so saddening! And to think my friends and I used to joke in high school saying that I would finally get breasts when I had children because everyone seems to think that the breasts stay...ha ha ha I guess my body is laughing at me now
Jan 23, 2010
 uneven breast size
by: Anonymous

hi

after pregnancy, my breast grew larger. twice the size of my breast before. they say that i should go breastfeeding. so i did, and my baby is healthy. thanks to that. but my problem is that my breast has uneven size. the left one is bigger than the right one. the right one is like a balloon that deflated already with some air left. when wearing a bra, the left one fits perfectly but the right one doesn't. my baby always breastfeed on the left and sometimes on the right. when i feel that my breast is full of milk, only the left one has grown larger but the right one,it doesn't even grow.

when my husband and i have sex, i get really shy because of my breast. he would utter and ask me "why is your breast not the same size? the other is small? why is that?", i couldn't answer his question. could my breast go back to its original size or is there a way for them to be the same size again?
please help me. thanks
Feb 04, 2010
 Same SAD story here ladies.
by: Anonymous

Same story here ladies. Before pregnancy I was a small C cup. After pregnancy my breasts filled to a small D cup, I was in HEAVEN! I stopped breastfeeding when my son became 3 months, my milk just wasn't coming in fast enough and with this being my first child, I gave up. My son is now 5 months today (YAY) and my breasts won fill no cup! I'm like the other mom, I might as well go to the teen section and get pre-teen bras. I have been over depressed. My breasts look horrible in clothes and in nudity.

I can deal with my stretch marks but give me my breasts back! I can't believe that there is nothing we can do about this... As much resources and upgrades to science & technology, nothing... I don't want fake breasts because I do later want to have children and I don't want o damage my tissue. I was thinking about seriously going back to breastfeeding but why when this will still be the end result? I don't know what to do. I feel like a man in a woman body with my flat and overly saggy breasts.
Feb 15, 2010
 The grass is greener
by: Anonymous

I have always had large, heavy breasts. I am a small person...underneath my E cup breasts, my chest is only 28 inches around, and I have always been slender. When I was nine I was already wearing women's bras, not training bras, and I was horribly teased and bullied by my peers, and gawked at by grown men. The nightmare of trying to find a bra that fits (much less one I actually want my husband to see me in) has brought me to tears many times. The major department stores simply do not carry my size. I am in pain much of the time...back pain, shoulder pain, and pain caused by ill-fitting bras.

Now I am 31 and 3 months pregnant with my first child, and my cup size is off the charts. I don't fit into any of my shirts or jackets. I've considered reduction surgery many times, but the scars are unsightly, the surgery is costly, and I didn't want to ruin my breasts for breastfeeding. After reading this thread I am hoping and praying that I could be a C or B cup after weaning. That would be miracle. I could wear all those cute tops and strapless dresses that you girls have always been able to wear, and I bet you've never stopped to appreciate that. Maybe I could even run or play sports. Life with large breasts is a handicap that I wouldn't wish upon my worst enemy. Maybe some men have a fetish for large breasts too big for a woman's frame, but no one wants to be a blow-up doll objectified for the body part that cripples their ability to live a normal life. Just as many men dislike large breasts and crave svelte, wispy model types. Please take a moment to thank god for not giving you what you wished for, and if you get implants - for god's sake don't go above a C cup or you'll spend the rest of your life regretting your choice. Best to you all.
Mar 22, 2010
 Me too... and thank you
by: Anonymous

Firstly I want to say thank you for all the people who have left comments on here... it is soooo unbelievably good to know there is plenty of us in the same boat. My daughter is 1 in a couple of weeks and the year has flown by and my breasts have been a big part of it! Prior to pregnancy I was a small C cup... not huge, but nice and full and perky and looked great in all the pretty underwear I had (still do have - not that it gets worn ever!)I stopped breast feeding January '10 after 9 months (did my daughter the world of good and I'm glad I did it) but slowly as the milk dried up so did my boobs. Wouldn't have a clue what size I am now - too embarrassed to get measured, but none of my bra's fit me and nothing is comfy as my boobs are so small they won't hold a bra in place properly which is a nightmare. Some days are good and I don't think about it too much, but others I can't get it out of my head that clothes look bad on me and I can't bear to look at myself naked.

So anyway - last week I took the plunge and went for a consultation with a plastic surgeon - I have been thinking about it ever since the shrinkage commenced. I'm going to go for it... I can't see myself getting over the fact that I no longer love my body... and I can either get by day to day not knowing whether I'll wake up ok about it or not or I can do something about it and move on and be able to enjoy my daughter much more. I feel so blessed and grateful that she is happy and healthy, and really wish I could be happy with myself, but knowing I won't really be happy until I get my boobs back I only have one option!

Good luck to all with loving your new boobs (hope you do better than I'm doing!)
Apr 01, 2010
 EMPOWERMENT!!!
by: Anonymous

Ladies:

I too, unfortunately, am missing my prepregnancy breasts. I was a firm 34C prepregnancy,36D for my pregnancies, and now I am a flabby 34B.

I want to share with you something that a very wise person told me: "It took 9 months for your body to change because of pregnancy, and it will take at least 9 months to get your prepregnancy body back." THIS GIVES ME HOPE!!!

My suggestion for us all is this... we can help ourselves by doing toning exercises, drinking lots of water, and I am considering a light herbal supplement (as I feel my particular situation may be due to lack of estrogen- for many reasons). I mean, if eating right, crunches and abdominal workouts can help my stomach (which it did between pregnancies- even though there wasn't much time between them, as I have three children 3 1/2 and under)why not do the same for our breasts? I think I've convinced myself to start my own workout routine, along with a small dosage of herbal supplement and see how it goes...
Apr 12, 2010
 Bralette?
by: Anonymous

I am 4 weeks pregnant and 30 yrs old. I have always been an a cup. Not sure what the future holds for me, but a good alternative to a bra that will give you lift (being that I never had any to begin with) is a bralette. No wires, no messing around. Just a fitting comfy top that seems to fit well with everything. A racerback is my preference. It won't give you back your breasts, but it will fit and make you feel like what you have is content and in place where it should be. Hope this helps. And hope it works for me also!
Apr 25, 2010
 love my boobs after 2 babies
by: Anonymous

I have 2 boys that are 11 and 10 years old. I didn't breastfeed either child and my breasts are better now than they were when I was younger. I am either genetically blessed or its true that breast feeding ruins your breasts. I am a full cup size bigger and they hang perfectly. Yet I weigh exactly what I did when I got married and I lost all my pregnancy weight. I'm 5'7" and 130 lbs with 36c's. Every friend of mine that breast fed has horrible boobs now. I know the studies say its not true, but they want you to breastfeed so they won't tell you the truth.
Apr 27, 2010
 Wouldn't Have Changed A Thing
by: Anonymous

I have the same story as most of you ladies. I am 34 and went from perky 32Bs pre-pregnancy to gorgeous 32Ds while breastfeeding. I just finished weaning a week ago and I find that I really miss the firmness vs. the size.

Even given my dissatisfaction with my boobs at present time, I wouldn't have done anything differently even if someone told me my boobs would be destroyed at the end of breastfeeding. The lifelong benefits my baby girl received from a year of breastmilk is worth more to me than the appearance of my boobs (especially when I have the option to go buy a pair). It would seem that deflated boobs are a badge of honor of the self-sacrifice made to give your child the best you could...it sucks, but at least it wasn't for nothing.
Apr 30, 2010
 so glad im not alone
by: Anonymous

Its kinda sad. I've dealt with the a bit of the baby blues. And the thing thats hurting (emotionally) the most is my boobs.
Ive never had really perky boobs. They've been a C cup ever since i grew them. I just had my second child 5 months ago, and im losing the baby weight fast, but every pound i drop my boobs sag alittle more. Its demolishing any self confidence i had.It doesnt seem to matter the bra, because they just fall out of it. Theyre saggy, deflated, mushy and uneven.I want implants and a lift so bad. But unfortunatly, i just cant afford it. Ive bought creams, and pills and yada yada yada. But nothing is perking these babies up. Im 24 years old and i have the body of a 50 year old. So I hear all you women. And its kinda nice to know that I'm not the only one with this problem. It was certainly starting to feel that way.
May 21, 2010
 Sad and saggy
by: Anonymous

Ladies I feel your pain! I nursed my second baby for 11 months, and now my boobs, too, are horrible. I was telling my sister about them while crying. And I have been talking about them to my husband, who's great, but just doesn't understand how depressed I really am about them. I've always had small ones, but now they are bad. Thanks for understanding.
May 28, 2010
 Breast Feeding DOES NOT matter
by: Anonymous

Glad to see I'm not alone on this boob trauma! I've had 3 little ones. With my 1st I tried to breast feed, but one breast she would not feed on. It made no difference. I am still deflated! Both are equally the same. Went from a full C up to a DD down to an A which is where I stayed :( Wish I could pump them up with something other than silicone..
Jun 15, 2010
 Husband not happy
by: Anonymous

My husband used to LOVE my breasts now he won't touch them at all. I feel very uncomfortable around him and its hurting our sex life. I feel like mommy around him not just our son. Any suggestions on how to get him comfortable with the new way my breasts are (same size pre baby but soft and saggy). I always keep a bra on. Once we are done having kids I am all for a little lift.
Jul 13, 2010
 Well Now!?
by: 23 and pregnant

That's one of the most depressing things I've read, about pregnancy. Basically, you got pregnant, be happy with your child, but don't expect to be very hot any more? But I guess thanks for be honest.
Jul 15, 2010
 Im joining the club!
by: Anonymous

My breasts are now uneven and horrible. i went up from a 36D (no it doesn't look huge on me, I'm 6ft and have a large rib cage - looks more like a B/C) to 36G during pregnancy this lasted for all of 3 weeks after the birth of my son! I breast fed for 2 months then combined until i weaned him. I now have one side which is around a DD and the other a C! They are still getting smaller, are saggy and covered in stretch marks, i have to pad one side of my bra out!

To make it all 10 times worse i have a husband who is obsessed with huge breasts (g cup +) so i now hate my body and avoid getting undressed around him.

On the plus side i have a wonderful little boy who makes me smile every day.
Jul 18, 2010
 Thank you all
by: Anonymous

I am encouraged to know that others feel the same as I do. What made me feel worst about my breasts was that my husband made a comment about it during an argument. I blew up of course while reminding him that it is 50% his fault and he's just going to have to love his family the way that we are. Ever since then I found confidence that radiates through me past my saggy belly skin, stretch marks and saggy boobs. I found my beauty within and I feel it's my burst of confidence that continues to attract him. (Plus his body isn't perfect either with his stretch marks, hair and belly. Atleast I have an excuse! LOL)
Jul 23, 2010
 smaller is better
by: Anonymous

At 30 years old I had 36B firm breasts that I always felt were too small, however being a clothes horse I never had any problems finding the cutest and latest styles. Now after my first child I have a 36/38F chest that nobody makes comfortable bras for, clothing will not fit across my chest and trying to run with these horrible things is a nightmare. So, it could be worse ladies - I have to have all my clothes professionally tailored, wear spandex- ha ha or wear my old concert tees that I used to sleep in. It's been a year and the stretch marks faded though, so not all bad. I know deflation seems upsetting but inflation has expensive and annoying problems all it's own.
Jul 29, 2010
 Me too
by: Anonymous

I found this page when I was researching some kind of pick me up. First I couldn't breast feed my baby girl cause she was born with a split soft palate.And that was depressing enough I pumped for 3months then couldn't get enough so switched to formula. That was 3 weeks ago and they are still leaking a bit. I was always a b cup and now I look like a little boy. Reading these comments about oh in time you'll get better are not helping me. I'm still crying and cant even go swimming i'm so embarrassed of how I look. Im wearing a push up bra and my boobs just lay in it like blahh. Sexy my butt. I hate it to when I go to talk to other mothers about how depressed I am they basically tell me to shut up because "Im skinny so im perfect" Ahhh I hate my saggy ass and breasts if you would call them that. My hair is falling out too boot. Yes I love my daughter and will always put her first. But I either need to get pregnant again or have surgery cause all the push ups in the world wont help me. Me naked will not turn on my man or any other man.
Aug 18, 2010
 just weaned my 22 MONTH OLD!!
by: Stacy

I'm glad I found this! All your comments had me rolling laughing, the way ya'll described the sagginess! My boobs are so pathetic and I cannot wait til they get at least some fullness. A lot of you breastfed for a shorter time and are talkin about how horrible your boobs look, imagine mine, after 22 months! Oh the horror! :'( they r stretchy, small,and have no elasticity what so ever!

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