Does Breast Feeding Change Breast Size?

Question

I got breast implants a year ago and unexpectedly became pregnant 4 months later. Now, I have G cups and I'm still one month away from giving birth. They are TOO BIG and only getting bigger. I haven't decided if I want to breastfeed or not, I want to do whatever will make them shrink faster. If I choose not to breastfeed, will my breasts shrink quicker than if I choose to breastfeed?

Richard J. Bruneteau, MD · Answer

Pregnancy is associated with significant changes in a
woman’s body. These changes are especially noticeable in a woman’s breasts,
where the changing hormonal environment of pregnancy has a profound impact.
During pregnancy, breast size increases in response to these hormonal changes. A variety of studies have shown that breast feeding
doesn’t actually increase breast size but instead stimulates breast milk
production which prevents the breasts from returning to their new baseline. The
sooner patients stop breast feeding, the sooner these changes take place. This
new baseline may include smaller breasts and associated breast sag.Breast feeding has significant advantages for the
newborn child and helps the developing relationship between the mother and
child. For these reasons, it’s not unreasonable for women to breastfeed. The
changes that occur following pregnancy are usually related to the pregnancy,
not the act of breast feeding. Most of the changes that have occurred following
pregnancy would have occurred without breast feeding and are related to the
pregnancy itself. It’s not unusual for women to be concerned about the
appearance of their breasts following surgery. When this situation arises
multiple treatment options are available to address these concerns. For this
reason, it’s important to continue to consult with your plastic surgeon.

Stephen T. Greenberg, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Pregnancy can definitely affect a woman's breast size and body, whether or not you decide to breast feed.  The hormonal changes associated with pregnancy lead to rapid engorgement of breast and fatty tissue in some women and then subsequent atrophy following pregnancy and the cessation of breast feeding.  For these reasons, the changes in size and shape of a woman's breast following a pregnancy are a result of the pregnancy hormone environment and not usually the act of breast feeding.  With that said, some studies have suggested that breast feeding may prevent the breasts from returning to their pre-pregnancy selves but each patient is different and it is too variable to predict how either a pregnancy or the act of breastfeeding will affect a patients breasts.  I hope you find this helpful.

Francis X. Fleming, MD · Answer

There are many studies that show how beneficial breast feeding is for babies vs not breast feeding. I would encourage you to put the benefits of breastfeeding for your child ahead of the benefits of the aesthetic shape of your body first. It is normal for the breasts to become larger during pregnancy. If you breast feed your breasts will stay larger longer. Once you top breast feeding your breasts will cease to be engorged with breast milk and return to a smaller size.

Gary Lawton, MD, FACS · Answer

Pregnancy and breast feeding will change the size of the breasts, regardless of whether you have implants. You should make the decision to breast feed based on your desires and the advice of yur pediatrician, not based on what will happen to your implants.

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

Breastfeeding will encourage your body to produce more milk, which could make your breasts remain larger for a longer time. However, it is important to think of the welfare of your baby, and breast milk is designed to provide the nutrients your baby needs.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

Breast feeding is good for the child and you should consider proceeding with it, even for a short time, implants notwithstanding. Your breasts will decrease in size when the pregnancy is over. If you breast feed, it will, of course take a bit longer. If the breasts suffer aesthetically because of the pregnancy, breast feeding plays only a small part in it. There are surgical corrections for aesthetic changes that are unwanted after pregnancy.

Darrick E. Antell, MD, FACS · Answer

Breast feeding has many benefits to the baby as well as to the mother, so I would strongly encourage you to try breastfeeding.

	Having said that, I am not aware of any studies that would support quicker shrinkage of the breast whether or not you breast feed. I think that you will likely get pretty much the same final result either way.

Lane Smith, MD · Answer

Most definitely&mdash;pregnancy changes the breast in both shape and size. Obviously the breasts get larger as they begin to produce milk in preparation for the new baby. The degree to which the breast changes is variable and is different from person to person.   Some women will have very large changes and others, smaller changes.
After the pregnancy and all breast feeding have been finished, the breasts will cease to produce milk and often shrink to a smaller size than they were before pregnancy.In addition to this, they have the tendency to droop and may develop stretch marks.
Recently, there was a research study done that showed that the actual act of breast feeding and the length of time breast feeding does not directly affect the final shape or size of the breast. Meaning, they get larger only due to the pregnancy and they will typically shrink when the milk is gone; the duration of time breast feeding has nothing to do with it. 
However, this is only one study and there are others more that do suggest that breast feeding for a longer period may lead to a more droopy breast when everything is done. Hence, the answer is actually unclear.
The best thing you can do is to speak with your pediatrician and gynecologist about breast feeding and then do what you think is best. In general, breast feeding is very good for your baby and I would recommend it.  With regard to your breasts, wait until after you have stopped breast feeding for many months, and then see how your breasts look. If you are unhappy, talk to a board-certified plastic surgeon who will be able to help you with regard to their appearance.

William Rahal, MD · Answer

You can breast feed without worrying about it affecting the size of your breasts. There are other changes, however.
Whether you have implants or not, pregnancy and breastfeeding will do things to your body. When you are pregnant, your body releases more hormones. You will gain weight. The skin will be stretched by the pregnancy weight and lose some elasticity.  After breastfeeding, your breast will deflate and your skin will be looser.
There are two major unpredictable factors surrounding these changes. First, the DEGREE that these changes (looser skin, deflating breasts) will occur is unpredictable. And second, it is unpredictable whether these changes will make enough of a cosmetic change to warrant a procedure.I hope that answers your question on breastfeeding and breast size. It’s great that you’re doing this research. I always say that the best patients are informed patients.
You might also want to research your options for breast implants. Choosing the right implant is the number one concern among women considering breast augmentation. Did you know, there’s actually a way to select a implant shape, size, and profile that is perfect for you?
A term that I use with my patients for the perfect implant is the “Pony Implant”.
So what do I mean by “perfect”? Well, a Pony Implant has three qualities to it. First, the implant meets your beauty goals. For example, you want to your breasts to look fuller while still appearing natural. 
Second, when you chose your Pony Implant, you walk out of your consultation 100% confident that you’ve chosen the right shape and size for you. In other words, you won’t be second guessing your decision, and you won’t be afraid of having gone too big or too small. 
And third, after your procedure, you are thrilled with your results, and say, "I’m so happy. This is exactly what I wanted!"
That’s the Pony Implant. And the great news is that there is a simple process to go about finding yours.
This issue of selecting the right implant is so important when it comes to patient satisfaction or dissatisfaction that, again, I really encourage you to learn more about it. 
Thank you for reading and best of luck on your journey!

William Aiello, MD · Answer

Hi njbabymama, Yes. For purposes of breast feeding, the tissues will swell, the breasts can become sore, your skin will stretch as your breast volume grows, then it will deflate as it goes down, the skin will or will not shrink back down based on a variety of factors. This will all happen with or without an implant being there. You need to speak to your obstetrician regarding all of your questions on breast feeding. Now is not the time to be worried about aesthetics. You're bringing a new life into the world that needs the best care!

Does Breast Feeding Change Breast Size?

Answers (17)

More Breast Implants Questions

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS

Answers (17)

More Breast Implants Questions

Saline Breast Implant Reduction

How Long Can Ruptured Saline Implants Stay in my Body?

Will High Profile Implants Give "Natural-looking" Breasts?

Signs of Leaking Breast Implants

Capsular Contracture of Saline Implants

Are Breast Implants Hypoallergenic?

WE SEND PRETTY EMAILS

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS