The Effects of Breastfeeding on
the Shape and Lift of Breasts
It is widely known and accepted that
breastfeeding of infants has many health benefits
for both the infants and their mothers. In fact,
medical experts confirm that babies who are breast
fed are healthier, happier and better adjusted than
those who are fed from bottles. Breast milk contains
the right balance of nutrients to help infants grow
into strong and healthy toddlers. Some of the
nutrients in breast milk also help protect the
infant against some common childhood illnesses and
infections. It may also help the mother's health.
Certain types of cancer may occur less often in
mothers who have breastfed their babies.
Yet, despite all these benefits, many women are
hesitant to breastfeed their babies because of the
long-held belief that breastfeeding leads to
drooping, sagging and unattractive breasts.
Understandably, women do not want to end up with
unattractive bust lines.
However, there is little or no objective data to
support this belief that breastfeeding leads to
sagging breasts. A study conducted recently and
reported in the September 2008 issue of the
Aesthetic Surgery Journal concludes that other
factors including older age, higher body mass index
(BMI) and a history of smoking, are responsible for
post pregnancy breast sagging - medically known as
breast ptosis - rather than breastfeeding.
The study used data from 93 patients who had a
history of, at least, one pregnancy. The degree of
breast ptosis was determined from photographs in the
patient's medical charts, and ranked on a scale from
zero to three. Each patient was interviewed and
medical charts were reviewed to collect information
on potential risk factors for breast ptosis,
including age, number of pregnancies, history of
breastfeeding, duration of breastfeeding, BMI,
pre-pregnancy bra cup size, history of smoking and
amount of weight gain during pregnancy. Out of the
93 women, fifty-four patients (58%) reported a
history of breastfeeding. The mean age at the time
of the study in the breastfeeding group was 41
years, compared to 37 years in the non-breastfeeding
group.
According to the study "An adverse change in breast
shape following pregnancy was described by 51
respondents (55%). Greater age, higher body mass
index, greater number of pregnancies, larger
pre-pregnancy bra size, and smoking were identified
as significant independent risk factors for
post-pregnancy breast ptosis. Breastfeeding was not
found to be an independent risk factor for ptosis."
The researchers concluded that "The risk of breast
ptosis increases with each pregnancy, but
breastfeeding does not seem to worsen these effects.
Expectant mothers should be reassured that
breastfeeding does not appear to have an adverse
effect upon breast appearance."
While further study in larger numbers of patients is
necessary to assess the effects of breastfeeding on
the breasts versus other factors, this study is a
good start towards informing and re-assuring those who are concerned
about the possible adverse effects on breast shape
caused by breastfeeding.
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