What causes saggy breasts after breastfeeding?
Breast surgical oncologist Dr. Carlie K. Thompson says that there’s not a lot that can be done to alter the way the breast tissue changes during and after breastfeeding. These changes are mostly due to the fact that once someone stops breastfeeding, the ductal lobular units of the breast — responsible for making and transporting breast milk — decrease in volume.
Additionally, the ligaments of the breast, called Cooper's ligaments, can become stretched out during pregnancy and breastfeeding. These two things together lead to a decrease in the volume and placement of the breast tissue.
What to do about sagging
According to Dr. Thompson, some people report that wearing supportive bras throughout pregnancy and breastfeeding helped prevent their breasts from sagging after breastfeeding, but this may be more effective for some people than others.
She also advises that during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and beyond, it’s helpful to avoid rapid weight gain or loss. The amount of body fat a person has is linked to breast size, so rapid fluctuations in body fat can lead to rapid fluctuations in the size of the breasts. These fluctuations can have a negative impact on the integrity and elasticity of the breast tissue.
Other than that, there’s not a whole lot you can do, aside from appreciating your breasts for feeding your child.
