It happens to all of us.. eventually
Breast sagging is natural and is a part of life. The best advice I can give is to embrace your body and focus on what’s more important. Your family, your well being are things you can control a lot more.
Why do breasts sag after pregnancy?
There are a number of reasons why our breasts sag after pregnancy.
Ligaments stretch/ damage
The number one reason is that the ligaments in our breasts stretch under the increased pressure placed on them. During pregnancy our breasts can increase up to 3 cups sizes, this sudden increase in size and weight can cause our breasts to sag, especially post pregnancy & breastfeeding.
Other reasons your breasts might sag are:
Genetics
Some women are blessed with better genetics (skin elasticity) while others might have less so. Work with what you’ve got!
Shape of your breasts
Breasts come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. Breasts that are bottom heavy will pull down on the breast tissue resulting in a little more sag.
Size of your breasts
Fuller busted women will begin to sag sooner than smaller busted women, due to the heavier weight. Babe Appeal can make sure you have the perfect fit for your bra.
The % of fat in your body
Your body mass index will greatly affect the size of your breasts. Women with a higher body mass index are likely to have larger breasts. Larger breasts are heavier and put more strain on the ligaments and skin tissue.
Age
As you get older your skin looses its strength and elasticity. This is due to changes in the connective tissue.
If you are a smoker
Smoking not only affects the Vitamin A levels and moisture of the skin, but it also aids in the loss of collagen and elasticity of your skin.
A smoker’s skin will appear dehydrated and less plump.
The number of pregnancies
A woman who has had a number of pregnancies is likely to have saggy breasts, due to the breasts fluctuating in size and shape often.
Effective ways to prevent breasts sagging after pregnancy
Wear a supportive bra
A correctly fitted, supportive bra will help to aid in the reduction of breast sagging. A supportive bra will help to hold your breasts in place as they cradle the breast into position.
A bra that does not support effectively will not provide the necessary structure for your breasts. Bouncing and movement will be noticeable in a poorly fitted bra. This movement and the extra weight of your breasts will result in sagging and stretching of the ligaments.
TIP: Our breasts change in shape and size throughout our lives. It is always recommended to get fitted by a professional bra fitter, when buying a new bra. This is particularly important around the time of pregnancy as our size changes so dramatically.
Maintain a good weight
Continued fluctuation in body weight and size can result in breast sagging. When we put on weight it also goes to our breasts. When weight is lost, it is also lost in our breasts, leaving them less full and shallower in appearance.
Exercise
Keeping fit and healthy helps to keep your muscles tight and toned. As we get older our bodies loose muscle mass and it is replaced by fat and excess skin.
Hydration
It is very important to keep your skin well hydrated. Drink plenty of water and avoid too many sugary drinks, as these will contribute to dehydration. Water will help to keep your skin looking youthful and fresh.
Moisturizing daily also helps to lock moisture into the skin. Moisturize your enter body including your breasts to assist in the hydration process.
Weight loss
It is always tempting to lose the extra weight fast. This is particularly true for women who are keen to lose that extra weight gained during pregnancy.
Gradual weight loss is much healthier for the body and is more likely to be maintained.
Dramatic levels of weight loss over a short period of time can result in areas of excess skin being left over.
Tips and advice
In a society we are under constant pressure to look good! It is easy to be tricked into thinking that we need to resort to surgery to fix our little imperfections.
Growing older is a part of life and should be embraced. Body changes during and after pregnancy should be celebrated and are a constant reminder of the beautiful gift of life.
Our journeys in life are all different and our bodies different too. Learn to love yourself and all the changes experienced along the way. They make you unique and special.
Like many women out there, Tracey Montford is an exceptional multi-tasker! Apart from steering a global business, managing 2 young boys & keeping the clan clean and fed, Tracey still finds time to provide creative inspiration and direction to the exceptional designs of Cake Maternity. From the branding, presentation and delivery, creativity is a big part of what Tracey does so naturally and effectively. Find out more at https://www.cakematernity.com/ or catch up with her on social @cakematernity
