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Home › Articles › Breastfeeding Basics › Pregnancy Breast Changes

Pregnancy Breast Changes

How the Body Prepares to
Nourish a Baby

By Teri Brown

Pages:  1  2  3  4  

Mickey Forte, a registered nurse and board certified lactation consultant at Baptist Memorial Hospital for Women in Memphis, Tenn., says that after the baby is born there are continuing hormonal changes in the breast that lead to the transition from the colostrum to the mature milk.

"In order for the process to be effective, a baby needs to begin nursing within that first hour after delivery and to continue nursing effectively with a goal of eight to 12 feedings every 24 hours," Forte says. "Mother's milk usually comes in two to four days after delivery, but can be delayed and not come in until as much as eight days later."

This stimulation finishes the change the breasts began when conception first occurred. During this time, it is important to get the baby to latch on correctly in order to avoid nipple pain.

Though the breasts can be tender and painful at any time during this process, this can often be alleviated or avoided with a bra that fits correctly.

The changes your breasts make during pregnancy can range from inconvenient to downright painful, but it is all a part of the miracle of birth you are experiencing. And, like birth, most of it is forgotten when you are nursing and nourishing your infant.

Finding Support for Your Changing Breasts

Dr. Annette Perez-Delboy, medical director of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Division at Columbia Eastside Medical Center, offers these ideas to help support your changing breasts during pregnancy:

  • Your best bet is to find a few good, supportive bras with a wide shoulder strap and deep band beneath the cups. It is important to wear a bra that fits and supports your breasts throughout your pregnancy. You may find that bras with underwires are less comfortable now.
  • A good maternity bra can provide some relief and also support your back muscles. These bras usually include extra rows of hooks so you can adjust the size as your body changes (back-fastening bras give you more flexibility to adjust than front-fastening bras). Cotton bras are more comfortable than synthetic ones.
  • A maternity bra or a pregnancy sleep bra (a soft, nonrestrictive cotton bra) may give your breasts added support and make you more comfortable during the night. Wear disposable or washable breast pads if you are leaking colostrum. Allow your breasts to air-dry a few times each day and after showering. Avoid soap on your areolas and nipples, as it tends to dry out the skin.


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