CHANGES IN THE BREAST DURING PREGNANCY
From the earliest weeks of
pregnancy, a woman’s breasts begin to change as they prepare to produce milk for her baby. The
galactophorous ducts, also called the lactiferous ducts because their purpose is to convey milk, increase in both number and complexity in order to become more efficient in feeding the new baby.
At the same time, the "lactocyte" cells, needed to produce mother’s milk, begin to develop. In order to make all of this possible, blood flow increases significantly within the breast. This is why the veins below the skin may become more noticeable.
Moreover, pregnancy induces the formation of ducts and alveoli, small cavities which will contain the milk itself.
From the very earliest weeks of pregnancy, an expectant mother will experience all of these transformations and an increase in breast size, which may occur more or less gradually, as a feeling of weight and pressure or sometimes even pain in the breast, often accompanied by itchy skin.
At the same time, the "lactocyte" cells, needed to produce mother’s milk, begin to develop. In order to make all of this possible, blood flow increases significantly within the breast. This is why the veins below the skin may become more noticeable.
Moreover, pregnancy induces the formation of ducts and alveoli, small cavities which will contain the milk itself.
From the very earliest weeks of pregnancy, an expectant mother will experience all of these transformations and an increase in breast size, which may occur more or less gradually, as a feeling of weight and pressure or sometimes even pain in the breast, often accompanied by itchy skin.
BREAST FISSURES DURING BREASTFEEDING: THE CAUSES
The international community, including UNICEF, always recommends
breastfeeding as the best possible option, as mother’s milk helps a baby’s immune system to develop and is a rich and complete meal by itself.
However, the decision to breastfeed is a personal choice for mothers to make. As well as the undisputed advantages of practicality, inexpensiveness and strengthening the mother-child bond, it can also involve certain discomforts.
The most common of these is the appearance of fissures, or small cuts around the nipple, particularly at base, where it joins to the areola.
A number of corrective measures can help fissures to heal quickly, but sometimes they can become more serious and painful, so much so that many mums are forced to stop breastfeeding.
There are two factors in particular which lead to the formation of breast fissures when breastfeeding:
- incorrect positioning while nursing: this occurs when the infant’s mouth does not adhere properly to the entire areola when latching on to the breast;
- nursing for too long. Each nursing session should last no longer than 15-20 minutes per nipple. Moreover, it is essential to alternate the nipples so that the skin stays strong, without becoming inflamed or developing lesions before it becomes used to breastfeeding.
Only in rare cases, such as retracted nipples, is there a predisposing factor for fissures. In these situations, it may be helpful to use a nipple shield.
However, the decision to breastfeed is a personal choice for mothers to make. As well as the undisputed advantages of practicality, inexpensiveness and strengthening the mother-child bond, it can also involve certain discomforts.
The most common of these is the appearance of fissures, or small cuts around the nipple, particularly at base, where it joins to the areola.
A number of corrective measures can help fissures to heal quickly, but sometimes they can become more serious and painful, so much so that many mums are forced to stop breastfeeding.
There are two factors in particular which lead to the formation of breast fissures when breastfeeding:
- incorrect positioning while nursing: this occurs when the infant’s mouth does not adhere properly to the entire areola when latching on to the breast;
- nursing for too long. Each nursing session should last no longer than 15-20 minutes per nipple. Moreover, it is essential to alternate the nipples so that the skin stays strong, without becoming inflamed or developing lesions before it becomes used to breastfeeding.
Only in rare cases, such as retracted nipples, is there a predisposing factor for fissures. In these situations, it may be helpful to use a nipple shield.
HOW TO TAKE CARE OF AND PREPARE BREASTS DURING PREGNANCY
One of the first steps in taking care of
breasts during pregnancy is to choose the
right bra. It is best to use a type which provides adequate support without constricting, ideally one capable of adapting to the various alterations the breasts will go through during these nine months, to avoid having to change bras constantly as breast size increases.
Moreover, it is a good idea to prepare the nipples for breastfeeding as early as 6-8 weeks before giving birth, massaging them delicately during showers or baths with a wet horsehair mitt before drying the area well and applying a soothing and hydrating product.
This nipple care should continue for as long as breastfeeding does. It is helpful to regularly apply the soothing treatment, preferably at some distance from nursing sessions in order to avoid interfering with the infant’s olfactory and taste sensations.
Finally, it is best to avoid washing the breasts too many times per day. This risks removing the hydrolipidic film, which serves to protect the skin. Excessive washing can dry out the skin, leaving it more vulnerable to irritation and cracking.
To learn more about how to maintain the skin’s well-being during pregnancy, read our article: Your skin during pregnancy
Moreover, it is a good idea to prepare the nipples for breastfeeding as early as 6-8 weeks before giving birth, massaging them delicately during showers or baths with a wet horsehair mitt before drying the area well and applying a soothing and hydrating product.
This nipple care should continue for as long as breastfeeding does. It is helpful to regularly apply the soothing treatment, preferably at some distance from nursing sessions in order to avoid interfering with the infant’s olfactory and taste sensations.
Finally, it is best to avoid washing the breasts too many times per day. This risks removing the hydrolipidic film, which serves to protect the skin. Excessive washing can dry out the skin, leaving it more vulnerable to irritation and cracking.
To learn more about how to maintain the skin’s well-being during pregnancy, read our article: Your skin during pregnancy
