You must be aware that your breasts can grow up to several cup sizes when you are pregnant or breastfeeding. But that is not it. You may also notice many other changes in your breasts when you breastfeed. We got gynaecologist Dr Arundhati Dhar to tell you how your breasts changes during breastfeeding.
How do your breasts change during breastfeeding?
Your breasts begin to gear up to feed your baby as soon as you get pregnant. The skin around of nipples has tiny bumps on them and also starts to become darker. This is nature’s way of directing a baby towards its feed. The small bumps around your nipples secrete an oily substance that lubricates, cleanses and protects your nipples from any infection during breastfeeding. Also, your breasts smell like amniotic fluid, so your baby will move towards this familiar smell after birth. Here are 5 diet do's and dont's during breastfeeding.
How do breasts make milk?
Alveoli are where breast milk is made. They are clusters of small sacs in your breasts, surrounded my tiny muscles that push the fluid out to the ductule. The ductules are small canals that carry the milk from the alveoli to the milk ducts. It is the hormone prolactin which signals your body to make milk to nourish your body.
What happens to your breasts when you feed for the first time?
Colostrum which is a creamy looking, concentrated and high-protein substance is the first milk you feed your baby. Colostrum is full of disease-fighting antibodies that strengthen your child’s immune system and is easily-digestible. The real breast milk comes in about three days when the hormone prolactin becomes active.
What happens to your breasts when you feed your baby?
As you breastfeed, you may feel some tingling, pricking, stinging and burning sensation in your breasts. This feeling is normal and passes in some time. You may also notice that your breast milk comes down in drops and sprays. Feeding your baby often will help prevent painful, engorged breasts. Here are 10 things you should never do during breastfeeding.
You may also experience some contractions in your belly when you breastfeed in the initial few days. It is nothing but the oxytocin working and shrinking your belly. Also read, 5 tips to prevent saggy breasts after breastfeeding.
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