How to Keep Your Breasts from Sagging After Breastfeeding

Pregnancy and breastfeeding doesn’t have to leave your breasts droopy or saggy when you can help it. Find top ways to keep your breasts firm and in good shape, despite the several strains of pregnancy and nursing your baby…

Always wear a bra that offers good support. As your breasts become fuller during pregnancy, buy supportive bras that fit perfectly to accommodate the different changes in size. While nursing, you may opt for nursing bras with supportive bands and wider straps, making sure the cup size is the right one for you.

Keep up with wearing supportive bras of the right size after breastfeeding to maintain your breasts’ firmness. You may also wear a light support nighttime bra to prevent breast ligament from stretching as you move while sleeping.

In addition, always wear a sports bra while working out.

Good breastfeeding posture. Slouching or angling your breast down so it reaches your baby will make your breast droop overtime. Don’t lean over baby to nurse as most mothers tend to do. It’s best to use a nursing pillow to raise baby to your breasts.

When you stop nursing, maintaining proper posture – sitting and walking upright – will also help. Do not slouch!

READ ALSO: What You Should Know About Exclusive Breastfeeding

Lose your baby weight gradually after pregnancy. While mums usually want to fit into your pre-pregnancy jeans a week or less after baby’s birth, embracing a gradual process will give your breast skin ample time to recover and repair, curbing chances your breasts will sag.

Moisturize. Apply carrot oil, shea butter, vitamin E oil or cocoa butter to your breasts daily to boost breast skin suppleness and elasticity. This will also promote recovery from all the stretching that took place during pregnancy, reducing the appearance of stretch marks on the breasts.

READ ALSO: See How Breastfeeding Could Reduce Your Risk Of Breast Cancer

Massage with hot and cold water.Massage your breasts, switching between hot and cold water. You can do this while taking a shower, ending the massage with cold water. While the hot water boosts blood circulation, the cold water helps tone and tighten breast skin.

You can also massage with a warm wet towel, and subsequently use ice cubes to massage in circular motion for about one minute.

Exercise. If your doctor approves, including strength training exercises such as push-ups in your routine will generally improve your muscle tone and this will have impact on your breasts’ appearance as well.

Working out your core and back muscles will also help correct bad posture which can make your breasts sag.

Eat the right foods. Some experts advise nursing mums should eat more foods, including fruits, vegetables, diary, nuts and seeds, which are rich in healthy fats, proteins, antioxidants and vitamins to improve overall skin elasticity and prevent sagging.