Breastfeeding your baby is a wonderful bonding experience, but you might be worried about sagging breasts. We’re here to put your mind at ease because there’s a lot you can do to make your breasts look as perky as possible. In fact, your breasts will probably return to their normal size and shape about 6 months after you stop nursing your baby. Keep reading for some easy lifestyle changes that will help prevent sagging breasts after breastfeeding. With our help, you’ll feel like the confident, sexy person you are.

Things You Should Know

  • Breastfeeding doesn’t actually make your breasts sag. Normal weight gain during pregnancy and milk production are typically to blame.
  • Healthy, hydrated skin is less likely to sag after breastfeeding. Keep your skin hydrated by drinking lots of water and applying moisturizer daily.
  • Good posture and a supportive bra will make your breasts less likely to sag.
1

Breastfeed until you and your baby are ready to wean.

  1. Breastfeeding doesn’t actually cause your boobs to sag. You’ve probably heard this popular myth, but experts say it isn’t true.[1] Instead, pregnancy is typically to blame for changes to your breasts because you naturally gain weight and your breasts begin producing milk to feed your baby.[2] Because of this, your breasts could start sagging even if you didn’t breastfeed.
    • Having multiple children increases the likelihood that your breasts will sag after pregnancy, but every woman is different.[3]
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2

Wear a supportive nursing bra.

  1. A nursing bra helps carry the weight of your breasts. While your breasts are making milk, they’re usually larger and heavier. You may feel less comfortable because of the extra weight, and your heavier breasts could stretch out your skin more. For extra support, choose a nursing bra that fits your current size and feels comfortable on your body.[4]
    • If you’re having trouble finding the right nursing bra for you, visit a lingerie shop for a bra fitting. They’ll help you find the perfect bra to help you look and feel your best.
    • Replace your bras when they start to stretch out because they’re no longer giving you the support you need.
4

Massage your breasts.

5

Get active 5 to 7 days a week.

  1. Regular exercise helps you maintain your weight and have healthy skin. Both of these factors help prevent sagging breasts. Choose an exercise that you enjoy, like going for a walk with your baby in a stroller. Aim for 150 minutes of moderate or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise a week.[8]
    • Check with your doctor before you begin any new exercise programs to make sure it’s safe for you.
    EXPERT TIP
    Lora Luczywo, IBCLC

    Lora Luczywo, IBCLC

    International Board Certified Lactation Consultant
    Lora Luczywo is an International board certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) based in Los Angeles, California. Lora has over 10 years of lactation consulting experience. She completed her lactation education at the University of California, San Diego and earned her clinical competency at Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Medical Center and Torrance Memorial Medical Center. She has a BA in Liberal Arts and Sciences from the University of Arizona.
    Lora Luczywo, IBCLC
    Lora Luczywo, IBCLC
    International Board Certified Lactation Consultant

    Our Expert Agrees: If you want to avoid sagging breasts, one of the most important things you can do is to get moderate exercise on a regular basis. Wearing proper undergarments can help, as well. There are a lot of different styles out there, so find something that will properly support you. Ultimately, however, there isn't a lot you can do about sagging, since most of it is genetic.

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8

Eat a healthy, balanced diet for healthy skin.

  1. Good nutrition helps your skin heal itself after pregnancy. As your breasts go back to normal, healthy skin may firm up instead of sagging. To meet your nutrient needs, eat a balanced diet with protein, carbohydrates, and fats. Additionally, consume a variety of fruits and vegetables, which contain vitamins and nutrients.[11]
    • Some fish contain mercury, which can pass through your breast milk to your baby. Since mercury can damage your baby’s brain and nervous system, don't eat fish that are higher in mercury. Fish to avoid include king mackerel, shark, swordfish, orange roughy, marlin, and tilefish.[12]
9

Drink plenty of water.

  1. Hydrated skin bounces back more easily. Additionally, water helps your body maintain your skin and tissues.[13] While nursing, you need to consume about 16 cups (3.8 L) of water every day, which you get from food and drinks. You may need more water if you exercise a lot or feel thirsty.[14]
    • Your body uses some of the fluids you consume to make milk for your baby.
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10

Apply moisturizer.

  1. Help your skin repair itself by keeping it hydrated. To nourish your skin, apply a body lotion daily after your shower. The lotion won’t fix sagging, but it could help prevent it.[15]
    • Make sure your lotion doesn’t contain alcohol because it can dry out your skin.
    • Additionally, don’t apply the moisturizer to your nipples. Use lanolin to soothe your nipples if they feel dry.[16]
13

Wean your baby slowly.

  1. Go slow so your skin has time to adjust to your shrinking breast tissue. Give yourself several weeks or even a couple of months to wean your baby. Start by eliminating your midday feeding and replacing it with either a bottle or solid foods, depending on your baby’s age. Then, replace the nursing session that you think will be easiest for your baby. Keep going until your baby is no longer nursing.[19]
    • It helps to have another meal or a distraction ready for your baby at their normal feeding time.
    • If your baby starts trying to nurse, let them do it a little so they don’t get frustrated. However, try to redirect them to the food you prepared or to a fun toy.
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About This Article

Lora Luczywo, IBCLC
Co-authored by:
International Board Certified Lactation Consultant
This article was co-authored by Lora Luczywo, IBCLC and by wikiHow staff writer, Danielle Blinka, MA, MPA. Lora Luczywo is an International board certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) based in Los Angeles, California. Lora has over 10 years of lactation consulting experience. She completed her lactation education at the University of California, San Diego and earned her clinical competency at Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Medical Center and Torrance Memorial Medical Center. She has a BA in Liberal Arts and Sciences from the University of Arizona. This article has been viewed 50,383 times.
5 votes - 80%
Co-authors: 4
Updated: November 8, 2022
Views: 50,383
Categories: Breast Health
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