How to care for your breasts during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

In truth, your breasts deserve your utmost care from the very beginning of your pregnancy and even more so after childbirth, if you decide to breastfeed. A particularly vulnerable area of ​​the body, the breasts are exposed in case of impact since they are not protected by bones (unlike most vital organs) and the skin covering them is fragile, supported by very little muscle. The size and shape of the breasts are therefore especially sensitive to the effects of gravity, weight gain, and the passage of time. To preserve the beauty of your breasts for as long as possible and ensure comfortable breastfeeding, rely on simple tips that have proven successful for Milk Away Mums.

Before, during and after pregnancy

Breasts are often the forgotten element in beauty routines. Yet, they too deserve to be a focus of your attention, whether you are pregnant or not. 

- Treatments and massages 

To slow the inevitable appearance of the first signs of aging—fine lines, age spots, and sagging skin—it's important to give your chest as much attention as your face. Every day, cleanse the area with gentle products that respect the skin's pH without drying it out. Avoid coarse scrubs (which can scratch and weaken the skin) and harsh peels. When applying facial treatments, extend serums and other anti-aging moisturizers down to your bust and breasts. Prioritize formulas with firming and tightening extracts, and use a horizontal figure-eight massage motion (like the infinity symbol ∞) to stimulate blood circulation and boost collagen production. 

During pregnancy (but also after childbirth and from the start of breastfeeding), breasts will naturally swell, which is why moisturizing and anti-stretch mark oils are recommended (see our article on natural skincare to use during pregnancy ). For some women, it's barely a cup size, for others, two or three. Again, we're not all the same in this regard. The increase in size will be a joy for expectant mothers with small breasts who dreamed of enjoying a brand new cleavage for a few months, and a nightmare for those who already had a full bust and can no longer fit into any of their underwear; not to mention the back pain often suffered by those with generous breasts. One might honestly wonder why Mother Nature is so cruel to us? Having a big belly that prevents us from seeing our toes and deprives us of sleep and dignity when we move around, not to mention the fact that we're building a miniature human being from scratch right in the middle of our vital organs, wasn't that enough? Did we really need to add the ambush of breasts that swell, ache, and triple in size? In short, all this only confirms that women are warriors, superheroes, wonder mothers, and their bodies are ultra-sophisticated war machines. What can do better than a uterus and breasts? Well, nothing and no one! There, I've said it.

After pregnancy and breastfeeding, continue applying the anti-stretch mark oil for a few weeks or months to allow the breasts to deflate and to avoid any late skin tearing. 

" Regarding stretch marks, I was (let's not mince words) completely obsessed. So I spent my entire nine months of pregnancy slathering myself in oil from shoulders to toes. Morning, night, and sometimes even at lunchtime when I was working from home. My husband had given me a sexy nickname: the donut. So it was with immense pride that I came home from the maternity ward, my daughter in my arms, proclaiming loudly to anyone who would listen that I hadn't gotten a single stretch mark during my pregnancy. I chose to breastfeed, and after my milk came in, my breasts started to swell, much more than during my pregnancy, and that's when it happened! I swore, a lot, I even shed a tear because my breasts were covered in stretch marks in just ten days." Like a good friend, I passed the word on to my neighbor: we'll continue with stretch mark treatments after giving birth and certainly during breastfeeding. – Marie-Noëlle, Milk Away MUM

- Suitable underwear 

This is fundamental. From the moment breasts begin to develop, during adolescence, you should invest in good underwear that fits your breast size and weight. Pay attention to the width of the straps to avoid chafing on your shoulders and back pain, the placement of the clasps, the seams on the pockets, and so on. A bra should, by definition, be supportive and comfortable; at the slightest sign of discomfort, replace it without hesitation. Yes, it's an investment, but it's truly crucial, from adolescence through pregnancy, breastfeeding, and menopause. Check the quality of your underwear regularly. It's common during pregnancy and breastfeeding for the increased breast size to cause real discomfort, and for underwired bras to become a real torture device. Fortunately, there are some wonderful underwear brands that offer lovely wire-free options. #thankyou

- Maintenance exercises

Yes, you can exercise your chest, or more precisely, the muscles underneath and around it—namely, the pectorals. The higher and more defined they are, the more attractive your chest will look. The good news is that just a few minutes a day is enough to see a long-term difference. Stand facing a mirror with your shoulders back and your back straight. Then, bring your hands together, palms facing each other, in a prayer position. Your forearms and elbows should be pointing downwards. Begin by pressing your palms together. At the same time, spread your elbows apart and raise them towards your upper body. Repeat this exercise for two to five minutes at a time. Do it as often as possible.

- A jet of cold water

Splashing your breasts with cold water can boost their firmness and improve blood circulation (and make you scream too), but personally, at Milk Away, we don't believe in suffering to be beautiful. Why? Because we're already beautiful; the idea is to stay that way for as long as possible, but gently. 

During breastfeeding 

Your breasts will be under a lot of strain. So, you need to take the utmost care of them and listen to your body as much as possible. No one knows better than you whether things are going well or not, so trust yourself! Breastfeeding is a real personal and family adventure; for some, everything falls into place quickly and smoothly, without the slightest hitch. For others, breastfeeding requires a few adjustments. You have to find your rhythm (theirs is usually set to a little hunger pang every hour and a half; we're talking bottomless stomachs!), your preferred position, sometimes adjust your diet (certain foods and drinks promote or slow down milk production to best meet the needs of your little one), and sometimes, overcome a few minor setbacks such as breast tenderness, cracked nipples, engorgement, and mastitis. Because yes, Mother Nature decided that getting pregnant, carrying a pregnancy to term, giving birth, and enduring a hormonal tsunami wasn't enough. One thing is for sure, we women will all go to heaven, believe us! 

In any case, if you experience a bout of stress, we advise you to seek support from qualified professionals and consult a lactation consultant or midwife. Sometimes, what seems like a mountain can actually be resolved quickly with sound advice. On average, in France, breastfeeding lasts seven weeks, and many women stop not because they want to, but due to a lack of information and support, or for practical reasons such as the baby starting daycare, returning to work, or experiencing difficulties with breastfeeding. These are all poor reasons to deprive yourself of these precious moments with your baby, because solutions do exist. 

- The daily shower

Since your breasts will be in regular contact with your baby's mouth, we recommend paying particular attention to your hygiene and showering once a day, preferably with a neutral soap without any harsh scents. Breast milk contains a wealth of nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and proteins that help your baby fight bacteria and viruses. It is also rich in antibodies, enzymes, amino acids, taurine, and other hormones. This essential ecosystem promotes the child's overall immunity ( see also our article on the benefits of breastfeeding ), but it can also harbor germs if residue remains on your nipples for several hours or days. 

- Natural treatments

We also advise you to use the most natural products possible, preferably organic. And here's a pleasant surprise: the most effective and economical treatment is your own breast milk! Yet another striking example of how well nature knows best. As a preventative measure, after each feeding or pumping session, express a few drops and spread them on the nipple to protect it. However, avoid breastfeeding your baby immediately after applying any treatment. Your scent is their comfort object, so avoid putting a greasy breast under their nose when they don't recognize the familiar fragrance. You can even take advantage of these new skincare and massage rituals to involve your partner and make the moment more intimate if you have the desire… and the energy.

- Some recommended natural remedies for minor breastfeeding ailments

• Aloe vera gel as a moisturizing and soothing treatment.
• Sweet almond oil as a moisturizing treatment.
• Organic lanolin, ideal against irritations and cracks on the nipples.
• Breast milk (as a compress).
• Clay mixed with vegetable oil (as a compress) to relieve tension, irritation and other pains.
• Medicinal honey (sterilized honey sold in pharmacies) is used as a powerful antiseptic.
• Silicone shells and their cooling effect to soothe nipples and collect milk leaks.

Everything will be fine and don't forget: you are the cream of the crop ( link to the sweater on the shop ) of mothers! 

#milkawayapparel #inmumwetrust #breasfeeding #breastfeedingmom #breastfeedingjourney