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What's Happening to My Body?
Weaning Issues for Moms
By Lyn Mettler
While you're drying up, you may be wondering where the leftover milk goes. According to James, any remaining milk is reabsorbed into the body. Mystery solved.
Sorry gals, those full, nursing breasts are just a memory when you stop breastfeeding, and, in fact, you might be surprised at your newly-developed, non-nursing breasts. "When I was completely done nursing, I was totally shocked at how quickly my breasts sort of shriveled up and how lumpy they were as my milk completely dried up," says Ashlie Hand of Kansas City, Mo., a mother of two. "I remember joking that I looked like I did in seventh grade..."
Yes, it's true, according to James. Once you stop nursing, "breasts will undergo a process of involution or return toward non-lactating size and shape," she says. "Your breasts were forever changed by your first pregnancy. They will not return to their pre-pregnancy size and shape, whether you breastfed or not."
So head out and get a new supportive bra. I know I am no longer a fan of the one-hook, sheer lacy bras. I am now a proud wearer of multiple hook, underwire, slightly-padded, supportive bras, and, hey, no one is the wiser. Plus, it's just one of many small sacrifices moms make to do the best we can for our children – and it's all worth it, even those nasty old plugged ducts.
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