So You’ve breastfed your baby or several for a while and you didn’t really take care of your breasts the way you should have. As time has passed you now see that you’re experiencing the post-breastfeeding drop that so many before you have experienced.
Unfortunately, Breastfeeding can really damage the breasts.
This happens because you lose estrogen while breastfeeding for significant amounts of time. Your body mimics menopause and you can lose elasticity during this time.
Not only that, your breasts fill and deflate many times a day causing stress and stretching of the skin.
Lastly, you have a baby pulling non-stop on the delicate tissue which is an added stressor.
If you’re still breastfeeding there are several things you can do that really will help to preserve the shape you still have. I wrote a post about this recently { you can find it here } that’s been really popular on Pinterest so be sure to read that as well if you’re still nursing.
The breast tissue itself is fatty tissue and cannot be changed once the ligaments are stretched. But hold on.. Before you go up and hit the back button, give me a second because there are still some things you can do that will help.
You can build up the foundation under the breast and it will help dramatically. There are also a few other things you can do so let’s talk about that.
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How To Improve Your Breast Shape After Breastfeeding
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First Let’s Talk About Exercises
The Pushup
The classic pushup is an easy way to build up your chest area.
It won’t actually change your breast shape but it does provide a nice lift when done regularly and correctly. Here’s a video on how to do a correct pushup to get your best results.
Chest press
The Chest Press is another great choice and when done correctly with pushups you’ll be able to see a significant difference.
I do these exercises because I have breastfed for NINE YEARS between all my babes and that had a huge impact on the way my chest looked. These exercises have helped a lot. I will say I did end up getting breast implants to lift them back into place as well.
But before I did the surgery I did chest exercise among other things on this list and it did, in fact, help!
A Firming Serum
There’s a serum by Nivea that is super concentrated with Coenzyme Q10, Natural Lotus extract, and L-Carnitine. It works very well for firming skin and many women have used it on their chests with really good results.
There are only a few creams or serums I would recommend for this because most are snake oil, but the concentrated nutrients in this product really do help.
This Serum has vital nutrients that have been shown to affect the texture and tone of the skin. You can find it here on Amazon.
I’ve mentioned Fenugreek several times in different articles because it’s been used by women for centuries for lactation and breast enhancement.
You can take it as a supplement and it will help swell the breast and lift it slightly. It does work, I used to use it daily..
Hot and Cold showers
Hot and Cold showers on the breast are said to release skin proteins responsible for skin tone and tightening. It may also help to enhance the blood flow to the skin, increasing elasticity and the production of collagen. French Women Practice this and they swear by it.
When you’re taking a shower you can try it. Keep on alternating between warm and cold water for around 10 minutes. Make sure you use hot water for longer periods than cold water. End the process with cold water.
Generally speaking alternating hot and cold showers in good for the body in lots of ways so it’s a win win.
Wear a Proper Bra To Enhance Shape
Wearing a properly fitting bra is very important if you want to prevent further sagging. I highly recommend being professionally fitted and sized for one.
Wearing a pretty bra will also make you feel better about your overall appearance and that’s always helpful when you’re feeling sad or insecure about your body.
Eat Healthily
Eating well is very important for your overall skin health. If you’re getting the proper nutrients your skin will benefit greatly. Make sure you get tons of veggies, antioxidants like Chagga, and healthy fats.
Posture
Poor posture is one of the most overlooked causes of sagging breasts. By lowering your shoulders and hunching forward, you are not giving any structural support to your breasts, and they hang freely, completely at the mercy of gravitational forces. Poor posture can also exacerbate any back pain or muscle soreness you have from large breasts, which happen to be the type of breasts that show signs of sagging most dramatically.
Plastic Surgery
Plastic Surgery is always an option of course { If you can afford it }. If it means that much to you and you’re willing to go through surgery to lift your breasts, then go for it!
Lifting your breasts after breastfeeding can be difficult if you didn’t care for them properly while nursing. I know from experience, sadly. But I have had some pretty awesome results by doing some of the things on this list so don’t give up!
You can improve yourself day by day.
Just commit to it and as always Good luck.
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Unfortunately, breastfeeding in public debate is alive and strong because of ignorance and up-tight people who like to complain.
But no one should have to feel nervous about breastfeeding in public.
It’s the most natural thing in the world and you and your baby shouldn’t be trapped at home just because ignorant people can’t handle the idea of you feeding your baby.
Breastfeeding in public is perfectly legal and there are some simple and easy ways you can make it more comfortable for yourself and everyone else too.
Below are some tips on how to make breastfeeding in public a breeze so the people around you are more at ease with it. Even the sensitive snowflakes who complain about everything 😉
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How To Make Breastfeeding In Public Easier
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Dress comfortably and for easy access
Being comfortable and choosing easy access clothing can make a world of difference when you’re out in public.
You don’t need a special wardrobe but making smart choices can make it easier for you and your baby. A nursing bra, a tank, a crossover, or a button-down top are popular choices for breastfeeding Moms.
On the other hand, if you are into buying cute breastfeeding tops you can find some awesome ones right here.
Whether you’re a pro at it or just figuring it out I want you to know that “you’ve got this” and there is no right or wrong way.
Even if you’re not the anxious type, the noise and people can make breastfeeding in public more challenging for the baby.
Whenever possible, scout out a location that is peaceful, quiet, and comfortable. Some very considerate businesses have breastfeeding stations so always check to see if the area you’re at has one available.
Give yourself back support and plenty of room for you and your baby to do your thing. When it comes down to it, feeding your child takes priority and you can choose to make it happen wherever and whenever you need to.
Consider using a cover-up or wrap: Not all babies will adapt, and not all Moms are a fan.
But if you’re concerned about being exposed when out in public a cover-up might be for you.
These cover-ups can help with the anxiousness you feel but also shield the baby from a crowd. Cover-ups offer babies
a private place for feeding no matter where you happen to be sitting.
Do what works for you and your baby and let go of what everyone else thinks.
Remember the turn to Minimize exposure
Latching and unlatching is the moment when skin is more likely to show, and if you’re uncomfortable with that remember to turn.
A slight turn opposite of the crowd or towards the wall can give you and baby a bit more privacy. Position yourself in a way that makes you feel
most comfortable.
Turning away for a moment will help you get through any nervousness you’re experiencing.
Prepare yourself for the staring and please don’t let it bother you!
The law is on your side. You have every right to feed your baby but some people are still really ignorant.
People will sometimes stare and some will occasionally, depending on where you’re at and what area of the country or world you’re in, go as far as making rude comments.
No one has the right to tell you how, where or when to feed your child though.
It’s a shame that this is the way things are. The breast is sexualized and you can find them pictured strategically in ads everywhere.
Yet when you feed your child this is somehow offensive. Of course, this is not the case in many areas of the world. For some reason, America is really ass-backwards about this but the snowflakes love to complain and this gives them a reason to do so.
But with all that being said, don’t be afraid to breastfeed your child when and where you need to. Don’t worry about the ignorant. Ignore them and do what you gotta do.
Being prepared with a response ahead of time ensures that it doesn’t become a stressful moment for your baby at the worst time.
You are being a great Mom, taking care of your baby and there is nothing wrong with breastfeeding; don’t let anyone make you feel otherwise.
Accessorize
For some, breastfeeding in public is difficult. It’s something they’d prefer to do in private and for that, it can be challenging.
BUT there are a lot of helpful products out there to ease the burden and make breastfeeding easier, more comfortable.
For instance, you can use a breastfeeding necklace to distract your baby. They’re pretty and they will help keep your babe calm and focused while she eats.
Using these tips will make breastfeeding in public a lot easier. Most importantly just do what you have to do and don’t worry too much about it.
Hopefully, the world will grow wiser and realize breastfeeding is the most natural thing in the world. It’s just so bizarre that people even have a problem with it.
Good luck to you mama!
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Milk Supply can drop for a lot of reasons including stress, lack of sleep, dehydration, and a long list of other things as well.
Your period may suddenly start back or you may encounter something that is absolutely overwhelming and then suddenly your milk dwindles into a dribble.
But the beautiful thing about breastmilk is that you can boost it as quickly as you lose it.
Your body will respond to your efforts to build up your supply fast.
So don’t freak out if you notice a drop in your milk, just take a deep breath mama, and follow the tips below. You’ll be back up in no time.
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How To Increase Milk Supply In One Day
Just a quick note: If you try these tips and your milk supply continues to go down you should contact your Healthcare Provider. There are several drugs that can be prescribed that will quickly and effectively boost your supply.
First, let’s look at the quick things you can do and then move on to more long-term solutions as we go.
Take A Nursing Vacation
Take a few days off and relax with your baby. Just sit in bed and breastfeed skin to skin.
This is an extremely effective way to boost your milk supply as quickly as possible.
It will help you defuse and de-stress too and that will also have a tremendous impact on your milk production as well.
Every breastfeeding mama should have a heated massager.
Not only can it help improve your milk supply but it can help when you have those dreaded clogged milk ducts. That happens to all of us at some point.
Massage can mean more milk in less time. Heat and vibration improve milk flow, which allows for a faster letdown, and improved output to help get things going.
Power pumping is a method of pumping on a schedule that mimics cluster breastfeeding to help produce more milk.
Check out this post from Exclusive Pumping.com to learn more about this super helpful way of increasing your milk supply quickly.
Eat Foods That Will Boost Lactation
There are a lot of great foods that will boost your milk supply quickly.
They are called galactagogues (foods that may increase your milk production). Some popular ones include:
green/unripe papaya
pumpkin
protein-rich foods (e.g., chicken, eggs, tofu, and seafood)
fenugreek
oats
sesame seeds
brewer’s yeast
fennel
garlic
nuts
Oats and protein are especially helpful.
Take Your Vitamins
While you’re breastfeeding you should continue to take your prenatal vitamins.
This will help you replenish your depleted vitamin and mineral stores.
Ritual has an amazing prenatal supplement and I highly recommend it.
It is a purely formed vitamin created by women for women with everything you need.
The benefits of the Ritual Prenatal while pregnant are:
Neural Tube Support
Folate and Choline to support neural tube development.
Brain Health
Omega-3 DHA, Choline, and Folate for supporting fetal brain development.
Blood-Building
Bone Support
Calcium-helper nutrients D3, K2, Magnesium, and Boron help maintain bone health.
These nutrients will continue to help your baby via the breast in her early months so it’s an important step in creating the most nutritious full-bodied breast milk.
Even when you have a drop in milk supply they will respond to stimulation to quickly bring that supply back up.
They are meant to feed your baby and if you give them cues that you need more ASAP they will work that much harder and take care of business.
It’s always best to watch your supply for dips but if you find that it has suddenly decreased, using the tips above will likely help you produce more milk overnight and even more within the week.
Good Luck to you Mama!!
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Knowledge is power. And having the right knowledge will increase the likely hood of successful breastfeeding right from the start.
Breastfeeding is a learned process for both moms and babies. Many think it just comes naturally and happens on its own, but it takes work and practice.
The more you know, the more smoothly your baby will be able to learn to latch with your guidance.
Let’s talk about the first week and what you need to know to get the job done right.
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Breastfeeding Tips For The First Week | Everything You Need To Know
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Nurse A Lot
Your baby will want to be close to you during those first weeks and breastfeeding provides the comfort and nourishment she needs.
Keep her skin to skin as much as possible and begin learning your baby’s feeding cues. Rooting and sucking on fingers are your first clues.
The first bit of sustenance that comes from the breast will be colostrum.
It’s very nutritious and contains high levels of antibodies, which are proteins that fight infections and bacteria.
Make sure your baby gets as much of this as possible. It’s important to her health and growth.
Don’t try to form any kind of feeding schedule at this time ( or any time really ), Just let your babe suckle as needed and keep her close.
This will assure your milk comes in and she is well-nourished.
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It Will Be Painful At First
Breastfeeding will definitely hurt at first. I know you’ve heard this before.
But don’t let that scare you.
The pain is short-lived and it’s worth a week or so of pain to breastfeed your baby.
And it’s not even that bad. To put it into perspective, each time your baby latches on, your nipples will burn very badly, but it goes away in only about 10 seconds every time.
It doesn’t hurt the whole time your breastfeeding, just those few seconds so it’s totally doable.
There are many things you can do to make it less painful. You can see this post right here for more details.
****Want Freebies For You And Your Baby? Get $330 Worth Of Gear! I have partnered with many companies to give you the best baby freebies online including Nursing Pillow, Pregnancy Pillows, Nursing Covers, Baby Leggings, Baby Clothes and so much more. You can find out how to get your freebies in this post right here.
Avoid Artificial Nipples
Artificial nipples can really confuse your baby.
It may cause latching problems that will inhibit your milk supply and cause more nipple pain.
It will also really frustrate your baby.
Nipple confusion happens before breastfeeding is well established and the baby may have trouble deciding how to suckle on your breast to get milk.
It’s best to wait a bit before offering a pacifier or a bottle to avoid any interruption of the latching process.
A few days into the week your milk will come in like a flood. You’ll notice while your baby is feeding that her lips are coated in white and you’ll know that it’s happened.
This is a sweet feeling for a first-time mother that is excited to breastfeed.
Your breasts will swell huge at this point and more and more milk will come in until your body learns to regulate it.
Your body is amazing and will make exactly the amount of milk your baby needs and wants.
But at first your body will create way too much which leads us to the next point….
Your Breasts Will Become Engorged
Your breasts will become very engorged after the first few days. It is NOT a comfortable feeling.
The best way to relieve this pressure is to begin pumping your breasts.
You can begin saving the milk for future feedings when your baby is older and you’re ready to try a bottle.
Here’s a good article on what to do to relieve the discomfort of Engorgement.
Make Sure Your Baby Is Getting Enough
Checking your baby’s diapers after your milk comes in is a great way to tell if she is being fed enough.
Her poop will turn mustard yellow and she will generally have 5 to 10 poops per day that usually occur after feeding.
She will have 4 to 7 wet diapers too.
All of this is a good indication that she is getting enough to eat via the breast.
Also, watch her weight and make sure you go to all her doc appointments. This is the best way to tell if everything is going well.
**** I highly recommend The Postpartum Cure if you want to get your body back after baby as soon as possible. It’s the most popular program of it’s kind and it has helped thousands of mamas get that flat tummy back. You can see it here.
Get help If Needed
If you find your baby not gaining weight quickly enough, seems hungry or she’s not making enough dirty diapers you may want to contact a lactation consultant.
You can find one online and do a video call. The one I recommend is Lactation Link.
It’s also a good idea to take a breastfeeding course. Milkology is the very best online choice and it’s only $19.
This will head off any problems before they start and you’ll go into this thing knowing what you’re doing.
Knowing how to latch before you go to the hospital can make all the difference in whether you are successful at breastfeeding or not.
I hope this gives you a good idea about what to expect during your first-week breastfeeding.
It’s a very special time. I still remember the absolute joy I experienced as I was learning to breastfeed my firstborn.
Best of luck to you and your baby!
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Hey, I’m Toni and I’m the mama of 3 Little Birds. I love Writing about all Things Mama. Learn more about me here. Grab a Tea or Coffee and come see what you find.
