New moms are recommended to breastfeed their newborns for the first 6 months of life. Further, continued breastfeeding alongside introducing complementary food is recommended for the child's first year. But there is the concern of sagging breasts after breastfeeding, which affects a woman's confidence in her body.
Model Says She Hated Her Sagging Boobs After Breastfeeding
Model and reality TV star Ferne McCann recently revealed that she 'fell out of love' with her physique, particularly with her sagging boobs after breastfeeding her daughter for six months.
The model said she hated the way her boobs looked and thought they were disgusting. She opened up about considering breast augmentation surgery. However, McCann recently shared her boobs have perked up once more without her knowing and improving her body confidence.
Motherhood and Perky Breasts
After breastfeeding, the issue of sagging breasts can make a woman conscious of her body image think twice about breastfeeding. Motherhood may appear like the end of sexy, perky breasts. There may be fear their breasts will go south and fall flat. But some mothers could not care less about this kind of change in their bodies.
Supermodel Ajuma Nasenyana, a breastfeeding advocate, opens up about breastfeeding being a responsibility, not a mere choice, Standard Media reported. New mom Bridget Achieng said she breastfeeds her child because it is healthy and recommended for her baby's health.
"But if my breasts sag, no big deal. It is a part of life, so be it," said the socialite. Achieng added that her child is now her priority, not a man. The first-time mom says if a man comes into her life, he will just have to deal with it.
Read also: Breastfeeding Diet: Foods to Eat and Avoid
What Causes Sagging Boobs?
Lactation specialist Ciru Ciera revealed that breastfeeding is not what is causing sagging boobs. Rather, it is pregnancy. The childbirth educator explained that at the end of the pregnancy, a woman's body produces relaxin to help with the birthing process. This causes muscles and ligaments (including in the breasts) to relax.
Creekside Obgyn revealed that the ligaments supporting a woman's breasts stretch during pregnancy. So, even if the woman chooses not to breastfeed, this phenomenon alone can contribute to sagging breasts during pregnancy. Other reasons for sagging breasts include changes in weight and aging. Smoking is also said to contribute to sagging breasts as it reduces skin elasticity.
Personal trainer Leonard Owili also noted that certain high-intensity workouts could lead to sagging breasts. "Running, star jumps, skipping — the intensity of these movements may lead to breasts sagging."
The personal trainer recommended doing toning muscles instead that target the chest area-chest press, push-ups, chest fly, and weightlifting exercises that target the chest area can help firm breasts.
Also, Owili advised using the right size of sports bra when exercising. A supportive bra holds the breasts firmly in an upright position even when jumping and doing any form of exercise.
ALSO READ : How to Measure Bra Size Using Tape and Chart
