BREAST CHANGES IN PREGNANCY

Did you know that your breasts start preparing for breastfeeding early in pregnancy? The glandular (milk producing) tissue and ductal system rapidly grows and expands in the first trimester, which may explain why many women report sore or sensitive breasts at that time. Most women will find their bra size increases by one cup size during the first trimester, with not much growth later in pregnancy. 

As the pregnancy progresses, the areolae (brown skin around the nipples) becomes darker. Some people think this happens so that it is easier for the newborn baby to find the nipple! It is very common for little bumps to appear on or around the edges of the areola – these little Montgomery’s glands secrete tiny amounts of an oily substance that acts as a natural moisturiser.

THE FIRST WEEKS AFTER BIRTH

The breasts change a lot in the first 2 weeks after birth as milk production increases every day. Most women find that their milk ‘comes in’ at 3 -4 days after birth, so there is a marked change from small volumes of colostrum to lots of milk!

The breasts may feel much heavier so a supportive bra can be helpful. It is important that you feed your baby frequently (every 2-3 hours) in the early weeks so that they don’t become overfull or ‘engorged.’ Frequent milk removal (at least 8 x day) will help you to achieve a full milk supply within 2 – 3 weeks of birth.

A breast pump can be used to remove milk after a breastfeed if baby is very sleepy or sick, or instead of breastfeeding if you have very sore nipples and want to rest them for a few hours or more. Mothers that have a sick or preterm baby that is too unwell to breastfeed will need to regularly to establish their milk supply until their baby is able to fully breastfeed.

If pumping in the weeks after birth it is important that a hospital grade electric breast pump is used (and not a milk catching device, mini electric pump or hand pump). This is to make sure that the breast is well drained with pumping. Hospital grade pumps can be hired from Western Obstetrics or some pharmacies.

Your breasts will change throughout the day – they can feel very firm and heavy when full, and then softer and lighter when the baby has removed lots of milk with breastfeeding. Your breasts continuously produce milk, so within 30 – 60 minutes there will be enough milk available to feed again.

You may leak a lot of milk in the early weeks while your breasts are adjusting to milk production. When breastfeeding, the other breast will usually leak milk. It can be useful to have a few nursing bras so you can rotate them through the wash, and nursing pads for catching leaking milk. Some women leak more at night, so a mattress protector and/or sleeping on a towel can help.

It can take 4 – 6 weeks for a first time mum to feel relaxed and comfortable about breastfeeding, as both mum and baby are learning this skill for the first time. Be kind to yourself during this time of adjustment. You are doing a very important job!