The reason for sagging breasts is often the reason women don't want to breastfeed. In fact, breastfeeding is not the only factor that can affect this.
Naturally, a woman's body has the ability to secrete milk that can meet the needs of the baby. The amount of milk can also adjust to the needs of the baby, including when we have twins or breastfeeding during pregnancy. The more often you are breastfed, the more milk supply you will have in your breasts. In other words, the supply of milk will adjust to the baby's needs.
Effect of Skin and Breast Tissue
From pregnancy to breastfeeding, a woman's breast size and shape can change. After the end of breastfeeding, some women still have large breasts, but some experience sagging breasts. This is because the flow of milk while breastfeeding can stretch the skin and breast tissue. When breastfeeding is over and the breast tissue no longer produces or drains milk, some women experience breast shrinkage and noticeably sagging.
It's just that in fact, apart from breastfeeding, there are many factors that can affect sagging breasts. For example, the size of the body mass index, age, smoking, the number of pregnancies experienced, and large breast size before pregnancy. It is also influenced by genetic factors.
If all this time, bras are considered to prevent sagging breasts. In fact, a study conducted over 15 years revealed, the opposite was true. The breast muscles in women who always wear a bra are actually weaker, as can be seen from the measurement of the nipple from the lower shoulder.
Researchers said, probably because the breast muscles do not work optimally when supported by a bra. However, the researchers emphasized that this effect is not absolutely caused by the bra because there are several other factors that will naturally change the shape and firmness of the breasts such as age and hormonal changes.
What is important to know, sagging breasts will actually still occur, even if a woman is breastfeeding or not. There are also some simple tips to tighten sagging breasts.
Prevents Sagging Breasts
So far, breast augmentation surgery has been widely known by the public. But in fact, the operations performed to lift sagging breasts are no less numerous and are increasing every year compared to breast augmentation procedures. This cosmetic surgery is called a mastopexy, which can correct sagging breasts and also change the position of the nipple and areola on the breast.
However, do not rush to choose surgery. There are some simple ways you can do to prevent sagging breasts:
- Do sports that support the breast musclesFor example push ups, side plank, or lifting weights. Besides being good for toning the breast muscles, this exercise is also good for strengthening back and shoulder muscles, and helps stabilize body weight.
- Diligently clean breastsClean the sweat and dirt around the breast with warm water or a towel. It is recommended to use a mild soap so that the skin's natural oils are not lost.
- Maintain ideal body weightNo need to go on extreme diets or avoid excessive body gain. Gaining or losing weight puts a strain on the skin and can trigger cell damage, resulting in sagging breasts.
- Increase your intake of fresh vegetables and fruitsBoth ingredients contain vitamins and minerals that will keep breast tissue healthy. Consume 4 servings of fruit and 5 servings of vegetables every day.
- Ltake off your usual braEvery now and then, you can take off your bra when you're relaxing at home.
- Avoid smokingNicotine in cigarettes can block blood vessels from getting adequate oxygen and nutrients. In addition, other substances in cigarettes can affect the collagen and elastin in the breasts.
Sagging breasts are not solely due to the breastfeeding process, there are many factors that can affect it. Follow the steps above to reduce the chances. You can also consult a plastic surgeon to determine further surgical procedures that can help improve the condition of the breast. Be sure to weigh the risks as well as the benefits.
