Breast Restoration After Breastfeeding

Mark Velov Author: Mark Velov Time for reading: ~7 minutes Last Updated: January 27, 2026
Breast Restoration After Breastfeeding

Every woman who is breastfeeding or expressing breast milk for her baby is wondering if her breasts will look the same again.

Breastfeeding is one of the most wonderful things a mother can do for her child. Feeding the newborn and experiencing this special relationship is an amazing moment.

Although breastfeeding is very beneficial for the baby, it is likely to affect the breast. The increase in their size during pregnancy and then due to milk production for months can not but affect the shape of the bust.

Every woman who is breastfeeding or expressing breast milk for her baby is wondering if her breasts will look the same again. So far you have had tight and well-shaped breasts, and after breastfeeding the skin has lost some of its elasticity and the breasts are relaxed.

Breasts are a very special part of a woman's body and every woman would like to have the perfect bust.

The bad news is that for most women, breasts will never be the same after breastfeeding. But you should keep in mind that all women experience changes with age, whether they are breastfeeding or not (because the skin loses its elasticity).

Fortunately, there are non-surgical solutions that can minimize breast sagging and they are:

  • wearing a suitable bra;
  • certain positions during breastfeeding;
  • exercises;
  • use of creams.

Why do breasts relax after breastfeeding?

Breast sagging has a number of causes that begin during pregnancy. Then, due to specific hormones, the breasts go through a process that prepares them for breastfeeding. Cooper's ligaments, which support the breasts, stretch along with the skin. This is a result of the increase in the number of milk ducts and the increase in the bust itself. Over time, the ligaments lose their elasticity.

After the baby is born and the mother begins to breastfeed, the breasts take another blow because the milk ducts fill with milk. This results in additional stretching. In the first few days after birth, the breasts are quite full and heavy due to milk production. After about two weeks, they return to the size they were during pregnancy and remain so until you decide to wean your baby.

In addition to breastfeeding, a woman's age can also be a factor in breast relaxation. Various studies show that in women over the age of 30, the skin loses its elasticity much faster.

Women who tend to consume more alcohol, carbonated beverages and nicotine also show signs of premature aging and weakening of their cellular structure.

During breastfeeding, the breasts become even larger due to milk production. The skin stretches over time. Redness and inflammation can occur, which can deform the breasts later. It is not uncommon for the breasts to be asymmetrical. Over time, one may shrink and the other may not change its size.

What to do while breastfeeding?

Wear a suitable bra

To keep your breasts in shape while breastfeeding, the first thing you need to do is start wearing a bra all the time. Look for a bra suitable for nursing mothers or a sports bra so that the breasts are lifted. This will prevent them from releasing.

 

Nothing can be done about the size and weight of the breasts, but they need to be maintained at all times to prevent unnecessary stretching of the tendons.

In addition, make sure you wear a quality and correct bra size. It is advisable to choose one with a wide support strip.

Avoid tilting the baby

Do not tilt the baby, especially when it is very small. Most mothers do it unconsciously. Use a pillow to raise it enough to chest level. Do not tilt the breast down to the baby's mouth. Improving breastfeeding posture will prevent skin stretching to some extent.

 

Start training

Once your doctor gives you the green light, start training as soon as possible. Regular exercise will help you lose weight gained during pregnancy and improve muscle tone.

 

Start with simple exercises such as walking, jogging, swimming or yoga. During this time you will be exhausted because you take care of the baby all day - so do what you can when you can, but give 100% of yourself in each session.

 

When you start losing weight, keep in mind that this should be done slowly. To prevent sagging breasts, it is necessary to give the skin time to adapt to the changes. Sudden weight loss can lead to sagging skin, as too much fat is lost in the breast area, which has given them volume so far. So start with light exercise and do not rush to lose weight.

Massage with hot and cold water

While in the bathroom, switch the shower between hot and cold water. Warm water will improve blood circulation, and cold helps to tone and tighten the skin. Always finish the shower with cold water. Alternatively, you can massage your breasts with a warm wet towel and then use ice cubes to massage in a circular motion for no more than a minute (to avoid tingling).

 

Hydrate the skin

You could use vitamin E oil, shea butter and cocoa butter twice a day. All three options provide incredible skin benefits, including improving elasticity, tightening the skin and reducing the appearance of stretch marks.

If you want to use essential oils, use 2 drops of cypress oil, dill oil, carrot oil, peppermint oil and lemongrass to massage your breasts.

You can also easily make a home remedy to lubricate the bust, including cucumber and egg yolk.

Eat right

Breast sagging can be prevented with proper diet. If you follow a diet rich in complex carbohydrates, proteins and healthy fats, you will provide the body with the necessary nutrients to maintain healthy skin and connective tissue.

Breastfeeding women should eat more fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants and foods high in vitamins B and E.

 

In addition, foods that contain unsaturated fats can also help relax the breasts. A low-fat diet that avoids butter, cream and other animal fats and includes vegetable oils, low-cholesterol and other processed foods will not increase skin elasticity. This is because each cell has a cell membrane, which ideally needs at least 50% saturated fat to maintain optimal firmness and elasticity. Therefore, mothers who deliberately avoid saturated fats in their diet unknowingly cause sagging breasts.

Arachidonic acid is also very important for healthy skin. It is found mainly in egg yolks and butter, which so many women mistakenly avoid during pregnancy and lactation. Arachidonic acid is an underestimated fat for maintaining healthy skin. Without enough arachidonic acid in the diet, the skin cannot maintain good hydration and is prone to damage.

Gradual weaning

When you are ready for this, do not rush and do it all of a sudden. The more gradually you wean, the more it will help the fat to settle back in the breast. So if you want to breastfeed, but at the same time keep your bust in good shape, start by reducing the number of breastfeeds. Once the child starts eating more solid foods, limit breastfeeding to once a day and gradually wean. This helps to quickly restore the appearance of the breasts from the period before pregnancy.

What to do when you stop breastfeeding?

You will not be able to shape your breasts like other muscles of the body, because they are dominated by adipose tissue. That's why they tend to relax.

However, you can strengthen the muscles that support the chest through exercise.

Pullover

This exercise strengthens the arms, chest and back. It is very suitable for breast maintenance.

 

  • lie on a bench with both feet on the floor;
  • hold a dumbbell with both hands over your head;
  • stretch your arms up to the ceiling and back;
  • repeat.
Pushups

 

  • place your hands on the floor with your legs straight or bent at the knees;
  • approach the ground with folded arms as much as you can, then return to the starting position;
  • repeat.
Chest presses

This exercise has a very good effect on the muscles of the arms, chest and back.

 

  • Sit at an angle with both feet on the floor, holding the weights in your hands as they are stretched in front of your face and close to each other;
  • then spread your arms apart;
  • repeat.
Creams after breastfeeding

You probably haven't used a cream on your breast skin while breastfeeding. If you have already stopped breastfeeding, this is the right time for cosmetic procedures. Invest in a quality cream that will make your breast skin soft, healthy and firm.

 

More on the topic:
  • How to feed a breastfeeding woman
  • Diarrhea in breastfed babies
  • How to eliminate nighttime breastfeeding
  • Natural means of stopping breastfeeding

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