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.