Breast Changes In Future Pregnancies

[Pearlie]

This is a question to mothers of more than one pregnancy.

I did not breastfeed my daughter for as long as I hoped to or expected to for reasons that are pretty clear to me now.

During my pregnancy (first one) I did not experience a huge increase in breast size. I did get the soreness and swelling but no real size change. So once the milk came in, there was only so much I could store. I lost quite a bit of weight soon after the birth and bf only got worse. I struggled with bf for months until I gave up and it is something that really upsets me. :( I feel like I failed and so did my body.

I am just hoping that my next pregnancy will be different. I am wondering who out there has had different pregnancy experiences and breast changes during those pregnancies that affected breastfeeding after the birth.

I would really appreciate hearing anyones experiences.

Thanks so much;)

[Mummy2my5]

Hi pearlie,

I have a very small chest and really didn't get as big as what i would have thought with any of mine. I also had trouble feeding my first ds and ended up giving up at 8 weeks. With the next 2 i fed them for about 8 months with no problems and the last dd i fed till she was almost 1 only stopping cause i was put back on the pill and that seemed to really put her off bf. I don't think that it matters how big you are,your body will produce enough for your baby.It is really hard as a first time mum to get it right but i am sure with the 2nd if you relax with it you should be fine.:)

[Pearlie]

thanks for your reply sweatpea20977. Yes it was all much harder than I thought, alot of mental anguish for me anyway.

Wow, 4 children - I really admire you.

Thanks for your reply and all the best with your next baby. ;)

[uptheduff]

My boobies didn't grow at all in my first 2 pregnancies. I was a DD, and stayed a DD until my milk came in...then went up to an F. I was lucky enough to have plenty of milk for my boys. This pregnancy my boobies went back down to normal size after i finished feeeding Angus (about a month ago), and within a week, they were back up to an F cup! Hopefully they're not going to grow any bigger...i can't afford any more bras lol.

Anyway, not sure if any of this is actually useful in your situation, but every pregnancy is different, and you may find that you produce more milk the next time around.

[Mummy2my5]

Thanks very much pearlie,I forgot to mention that i had a very horrible grandmother-in-law and she really added to my stress as a first time mum because i always demand fed my babies and she felt that they only needed to be fed every 4 hours. So stress (i believe) has alot to do with how well you bf. Good luck to you i hope that it works out better for you 2nd time around.:)

[Goosie22]

Hi,

I have feed two children, my boobs were A cup to start with and are now C cup (but I am a little bigger all round;) ) I didnt have any serious set backs.

Breast size has nothing to do with success with breastfeeding I know people who have only a pinch up bit of breasttissue and nipple, they dont wear bras even when breastfeeding and they have no problem keeping up with supply. Milk out = Milk in.

If you really want to perserve with breastfeeding with your next baby I would suggest finding a Lactation Consultant and joining ABA go to Breastfeeding classes and dont give up.

[Pearlie]

Thanks ladies for your replies. Yes the Milk in = Milk out equation makes sense, I just found it so much harder than that.

I am hoping next time around will be easier and more enjoyable.

Thanks again ;)

[becca74]

I have bf all my boys, for 16 months, 11months and then about 22 months, and the breast changes occur throughout the feeding process also.

Pre-baby's I was a B cup, during the beginning of bf'ing I was a C, and then towards the later months, I was an A! and then after finishing bf'ing I stay at an A....I get those empty glove looking boobs :eek:

After about 6 months of feeding, my boobs go to the empty glove A cup look, and from what seems like nowhere my babies get plenty of milk, it really is a matter of supply and demand, as I believe my milk was being made at the exact same time they took a suck. (I know they were getting plenty because they were totally fat little milkoholics ;) ). It is only really in the early days that milk appears to be 'stored'.

If you have been given negative information about bf'ing or have felt stressed, doubtful or uptight about it, this can impact on the supply - so please dont doubt your body! Check out these for encouragement: www.lalecheleague.org or www.breastfeeding.asn.au

I am sure next time it will be a breeze :thumbsup: