Learn helpful ways to ensure that your breasts will be in great shape if you are breastfeeding!

Deciding to breastfeed has to be a major milestone in any new mother’s life.

Yet, for many women, nursing their little one isn’t an easy process.

Says one mum, Janine Kwok, who is currently breastfeeding her 8-month-old daughter, “I read up on everything to do with labour and birth, but failed to do any research about breastfeeding. Initially, I felt like I was just thrown into the deep end, with engorgement and bleeding nipples!” 

That said, Kwok says she never regretted her decision. “I love it now. It’s convenient, and I know that my daughter and I both benefit from it.”

Dr Tan Yia Swam, who specialises in breast surgery at Thomson Breast Centre, points out that the initial two to four weeks after birth is usually a stressful period for the new mum, because she needs to recover from the childbirth, and cope with all the bodily changes.

Dr Tan explains, “The body goes through major changes, and it doesn’t go back to what she remembers, but instead changes into a ‘new normal’ for some mummies, it can be overwhelming.”

While breastfeeding is known to be the best for both the mum and baby and therefore strongly advocated, Dr Tan adds that “[Breastfeeding] is a personal decision, and it’s good to give yourself (and the baby), six to eight weeks to learn each other’s feeding style well, before the sweet spot of breastfeeding may happen.”

The breasts may become more sensitive and tender during pregnancy, the nipple and areola may become darker and larger, and pimple-like lumps may appear on the areola. In addition, the breast size may go up, which can lead to stretch marks on the breast.

Breast changes during pregnancy and breastfeeding

It’s also important that new breastfeeding mums be aware of the changes her breasts will go through during pregnancy and when she is breastfeeding.

For instance, Dr Tan says that the breasts may become more sensitive and tender during pregnancy, the nipple and areola may become darker and larger, and pimple-like lumps may appear on the areola.

In addition, the breast size may go up, which can lead to stretch marks on the breast. Other changes include nipple discharge a clear, whitish or yellowish sticky fluid when stimulated, and increased lumpiness, especially in the upper, outer sides of the breasts.

Dr Tan explains, “These changes are physiological, meaning they are normal in reaction to hormonal changes in pregnancy. The purpose is to get the body ready for breastfeeding.”

Breast care when you are breastfeeding

Breastfeeding mums should take extra care of their breasts during this time. Dr Tan shares several tips:

* Before and after each feed Palpate (examine by touch) the breasts for any lumps or areas of lumpiness, and press on the nipples to get some milk flow. Subsequently, latch or pump. After the session, palpate again lumps or lumpiness because of milk should be softer now.

* Check for lumps Any lumps that are persistent should be checked by a doctor. Most breast specialists will be able to do an immediate ultrasound to confirm if this lump is due to a retained milk cyst, or a solid lump; and then advise accordingly.

* Nipple care At the nipple area, apply nipple cream or ointment, or breastmilk to minimise nipple dryness and soreness. A good latch is essential.


* Wear the right bra Breast size and weight will increase during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. If the bra is too small or too tight, there will not be enough support, resulting in breast pain and muscle ache. The bra material may also stretch and become loose as a result of wear and tear, or washing. Therefore, care in washing is also important and consider buying a new one if the material is worn out.

* Skin care For the skin on your breast, consider a moisturiser with a gentle massage. Good bra support can minimise itch, dryness and stretch marks.

* Seek professional advice Dr Tan advises new mummies to consider seeing a lactation consultant for professional advice, rather than a "breast masseur". The Thomson Parentcraft team and Dr Tan have had to help some mummies who delayed recognising galactoceles (or milk cysts), so the condition deteriorated into a serious infection that needed weeks of treatment.

Go for breast screening

While pregnant and breastfeeding mums should not get mammograms, they are encouraged to conduct breast self-examinations frequently, and to see a doctor for an ultrasound if they feel the presence of a lump.

A mammogram uses X-rays to detect calcium spots in the breasts which may be a sign of early cancer, although calcium spots may also be due to other non-cancerous causes.

Most countries, including Singapore, recommend mammogram screenings for breast cancer at age 50 onwards. “For ladies who may be at higher risk, this may start at 40,” Dr Tan notes.

In addition, some specialists may also recommend a supplementary ultrasound. “Ultrasound is the same technology used to monitor the baby during pregnancy, it is safe for use. It is useful in detecting lumps, and for checking if a lump is solid or “water” (cystic),” she explains.

While pregnant and breastfeeding mums should not get mammograms, they are encouraged to conduct breast self-examinations frequently, and to see a doctor for an ultrasound if they feel the presence of a lump.

Changes after breastfeeding

Many new mums find that their breasts look different after pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Some find their breasts become larger or smaller, have stretch marks, or perhaps even sag or droop more. Some would find that accessory breasts (“extra”) breast tissue become more prominent.

Dr Tan notes that many women who notice that the breast size goes back to its previous size, “or maybe smaller”, ask for ways to enhance it. “This is again a normal physiological change. There is no strong scientific evidence to advocate for any particular treatment for this.”

Incidentally, accessory breasts (extra breast tissue) that appear during pregnancy may persist after pregnancy.

Dr Tan says, “My advice is, once a lady has completed her family, and got her body weight and shape to one that she is comfortable with, then we can reassess if surgery is needed to remove this extra tissue.” She notes that some plastic surgeons specialise in cosmetic work for post-partum women.

If you have issues with your milk supply, latching baby, or even babycare, contact Thomson Parentcraft Centre at 6251-4090, or e-mail parentcraft@thomsonmedical.com

If you have a fever higher than 38 deg C, redness in the breasts, breast lumps, or concerns about cancer, contact Thomson Breast Centre at 6252-5535, or e-mail breastcentre@thomsonmedical.com

Photos: iStock

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