Is there anything I need to do beforehand?

Much of the time I’ve found that breasts are often not a priority during pregnancy. Most women and practitioners are concerned about what’s happening mainly below the belt...

However, having your breasts and nipples checked, understanding how breastfeeding works and knowing who to reach out to are important factors towards successful breastfeeding...

and when you’re pregnant there are many changes your breasts and nipples go through.

Initially when pregnant, your breasts will more than likely become tender, due to an increase in hormones and blood flow to the breast tissue. This usually abates after the 1st trimester.

Veins may become more visible, especially if you have light coloured skin, causing a bluish lacy pattern that may stand out, as blood volume increases in the breast.

Rising hormone levels signal the glands in the breasts to grow to prepare for milk production.

Although the amount of breast growth differs from woman to woman, some of you may find you actually go up a whole cup size.

Vitamin E is a great help here in giving relief from dry or itchy skin and helping to prevent skin from marking whilst it is expanding, often quite rapidly.

And... remember to make sure you wear comfortable bras, preferably cotton, wireless and seamless with good support.

You may notice your nipples getting extra sensitive, sometimes excruciatingly, which may mean they become a no-touch zone for a while.

Your nipples and areola will more than likely get bigger and darker, due to rising hormones and if they become noticeably darker, this is related to a temporary increase in melanin.

You may also notice small bumps dotting your areola. These are small glands called Montgomery glands, they become more prominent during pregnancy, secreting oil to keep the areola and nipples lubricated.

Your breasts may start leaking what appears to be milk, a type of yellow discharge, especially in late pregnancy. This is actually colostrum, often known as ‘liquid gold’, it’s full of antibodies, protein, carbohydrates and much more.

When being checked if you have small, large or inverted nipples for instance, there is much you can learn and do whilst pregnant to enhance successful breastfeeding.

We are often concerned when a woman has had breast augmentation or breast reduction, as nipples may have been removed and recentered and we do not know how the glands and ducts have reacted or regrown.

Nipple jewellery is best removed during the 2nd trimester.

All in all, know that women all produce breast milk, even if it’s just a few drops.

Make sure you have some education on breastfeeding whilst pregnant...

Know that supply = demand. Breastfeeding regularly and rhythmically, avoiding unnecessary interference in the early days and weeks will create a more harmonious breastfeeding relationship.

Understand what to do if nipples are sore, become grazed or bleed. This does not harm the baby, but it will affect you and cause distress. Best to know who to contact immediately to get on top of any issues straight away.

The key is to get checked early in your 2nd trimester and give your breasts and nipples lots of TLC, along with other recommendations that will enhance your chances of a successful breastfeeding relationship.

Yours in health and happiness

Sandy B Simmons

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Breastfeeding Support & Education