Forum Breastfeeding

Breast growth and breastfeeding

29 replies · page 1 of 2

Amal
Hi,
I'm currently pregnant with my second child and was wondering if anyone has had similar experiences with the following:
During my first pregnancy, my breasts hardly grew at all. I was told this doesn't necessarily mean I wouldn't be able to breastfeed. However, after giving birth, my breasts didn't grow much either, and breastfeeding never really got going. Not even with pumping, guidance from a lactation consultant, or taking fenugreek/blessed thistle.
Is there a chance my breasts will grow during this pregnancy?
Is there a chance breastfeeding will work out better with my second baby?
Can I do anything before the birth to help boost milk production?
Has anyone here experienced something similar?
I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Replies

Page 1 of 2

  1. Sofie #2

    I think there are some options, but for really good advice, I'd suggest contacting a lactation consultant.

  2. Amal started this #3

    Thanks for your tip. That's indeed probably a good idea to do early on. It's not just about advice for me, I'm also curious about similar experiences????

  3. Sofie #4

    I didn’t have larger or sore breasts during my pregnancies, and I’ve breastfed all 3 (the 3rd is now 4.5 months old and still nursing).
    But I didn’t do anything specific for this during pregnancy.

    Good luck!!

  4. Orchidea #5

    I'm not sure if my breasts actually grew; I already had a pretty big cup. From week 37 I was already pumping. Even if I couldn't do it myself after my C-section, my daughter would still get breast milk on the first day(s). I think this helped me, because after the C-section the hospital staff were amazed by my supply, especially after a C-section.

  5. Gwen #6

    On Facebook, there's a closed group called 'borstvoeding vraag' (breastfeeding questions) with an IBCLC lactation consultant. You can join and get free advice there, as much as they can provide. Sometimes they recommend making an appointment with a lactation consultant. But this is exactly the kind of question you could ask there. Or just use the search history if you're a member; there are definitely more women with the same issue.

    Good luck!

  6. Amal started this #7

    Thank you!

  7. Amal started this #8

    That's so nice that you had such a smooth delivery! May I ask if you started pumping during pregnancy based on advice? Did you do it by hand? And did you have milk right away when you started pumping?

  8. Amal started this #9

    What a great tip, I don't know this group. I'll look it up right away, thank you so much!

  9. Orchidea #10

    Amal, I just did my research. More moms should do this to boost their supply and have a reserve for "what if" scenarios. I used a manual pump back then. It worked fine, but this time I'll just use my Mandela switch. We'll see where the ship ends up.

  10. Amal started this #11

    It's always exciting to see how it'll go... we'll see. Thanks so much for your tips. I'll look into pumping during pregnancy.

  11. Sofie #12

    I also considered pumping during pregnancy. Didn't end up doing it though. But you shouldn't do it before 37 weeks because it can trigger contractions. Yeah, just ask for advice on what and how to do it best.

  12. Orchidea #13

    You're welcome! And indeed, as Sophie says, it CAN induce labor. So, don't do it before the 37th week.

  13. Amal started this #14

    I did read that too. I'll definitely get some advice first anyway. Thank you!

  14. Line Guest #15

    For me, the let-down reflex kicked in quickly, and I'm currently nursing on demand. How much did your breasts grow? I gave birth to my daughter last month. Before pregnancy, I was a 70C, and now I'm definitely an 80D! Is that similar for you guys, and what was it like after you stopped? I really find it such an intimate moment with her, so I wouldn't want to miss it! But hopefully, my breasts won't end up looking like teabags later on! My husband actually likes it, but he's not allowed to touch them too much because otherwise, they leak. What's your experience been like with the growth and then the return to normal?

  15. Sofie #16

    I'm breastfeeding for the 3rd time now. All 3 times I went from 70C to 85D. But that only happened after giving birth. With the previous two kids, I went back to 70C after stopping breastfeeding too. It just took a while after stopping before my glands were noticeable in my breasts again and they didn't feel so empty.

  16. Line Guest #17

    Then you have about the same as I do, Sophie! How long did you breastfeed? And did they get firm again each time after stopping, or do you notice they’re softer because of the milk?

    By the way, did you get your period during breastfeeding? I haven’t had anything yet. It’s nice, but we want a second baby soon!

  17. Sofie #18

    First 4 months, second 7 months, and the third one, she's still on breast milk. In the end, my breasts always went back to normal, but it did take some time.

    I thought I was getting my period a while ago, but it wasn't. Maybe just some leftover from the birth, a few drops. The last two times, my cycle started exactly 2 weeks after I stopped breastfeeding. So my ovulation happens when I'm weaning.

  18. Line Guest #19

    That's a nice idea, Sofie! It's really a beautiful moment together, and I wouldn't want to miss that.
    But it's also nice if your body goes back to being mostly like it was before. Men have it easy in that regard, you know.

    I'm also a bit worried about down under, to be honest.

  19. Babytje4 #20

    I did notice a difference in size though. I gave birth in November and can't fit into some of the baby clothes anymore; they always feel tight around my chest. I'm currently still breastfeeding. Too bad fenugreek didn't help you, because it really worked for me—I had to stop using it myself.

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