New study says breastfeeding doesn't cause sagging.

Can't wait to hear what you think about this one:

A study released this week at the American Society of Plastic Surgeons conference concluded that breastfeeding doesn't increase breast sagging, though pregnancy and other factors do.

"Many women who come in for breast surgery tell us their breasts are sagging, drooping or are less full because they breastfed," said Brian Rinker, MD, ASPS Member Surgeon and study author. "Although the amount of sagging in the breasts appears to increase with each pregnancy, we've found that breastfeeding does not worsen the effect."

The study examined 93 women who were pregnant one or more times prior to having cosmetic breast surgery. Fifty-eight percent of patients reported breastfeeding one or more of their children. The duration of breastfeeding ranged from 2 to 25 months, with an average of nine months. Fifty-five percent of respondents reported an adverse change in the shape of their breasts following pregnancy.

As the first study to examine what impacts breast shape in connection to pregnancy, plastic surgeons found that a history of breastfeeding, the number of children breastfed, the duration of each child's breastfeeding, or the amount of weight gained during pregnancy were not significant predictors for losing breast shape. However, body mass index (BMI), the number of pregnancies, a larger pre-pregnancy bra size, smoking history, and age were significant risk factors for an increased degree of breast sagging.

I can't say that I completely understand this study (and the sample size is pretty darn small), but the conclusion is consistent with what I've seen in prior research:  pregnancy and gravity over time are the main culprits, breastfeeding isn't.  I didn't know that smoking was implicated, but is anyone surprised? 

While we're on the topic of sagging:  I heard a funny (or maybe not so funny) story about this at the lactation consultants' conference this year.  A group of medical residents was listening to a lecture by a physician on breast changes as women age, including 'involution,' or the shutting down of the milk making structures which is associated with changes in appearance.  One of the male residents piped up in a concerned tone, "But what can be done about this involution problem?"  The attending physician explained patiently that this was a natural process that occurred over time, and that 90 year old women are not supposed to have 20 year old breasts.

So, while we may not like it, it's not typically pathologic, either.  In fact, it's probably good for us.  Not knocking breast surgeries, by the way.  Okay, let's hear it in the comments section.

Want to get email updates from the Motherwear Blog?  Subscribe here.  Want an RSS feed?  Click here.

Comments

[Rebekah]

...the number of pregnancies, a larger pre-pregnancy bra size...

This is another one of those things about pregnancy that I just don't want to believe. "Of course my boobs and tummy will look like they used to! And I know if I rub my belly religiously with shea butter that I won't get stretch marks. I really believe it!"

It is nice to know I have a documented study to point to for anyone who suggests that they don't want to nurse because it would ruin their breasts. Best not get pregnant in the first place then.

[Jenna]

I believe it, not having breastfed after my previous pregnancies (for varying reasons) and they've gone from perky to... not so perky. ;)

[Eilat]

A good bra goes a long way! I wore one 24/7 throughout the pregnancy and while breastfeeding in the early days.
Ive now been breastfeeding for 26 months and my breasts have been back in their old bras for a while now. I still cant do the pencil trick. They are just as perky as before.

And for those of us that aren't well endowed, breastfeeding gives a nice boost for a good while :-)

[Beth]

I'm glad to hear that this study concluded that breasfeeding isn't to blame for "saggy breasts". Hooray! Breastfeeding is saved from being the "bad guy" in this situation =)

It makes sense that pregnancy and gravity over time are more significant factors for breast sagging.
I've never heard about the smoking link...it would be interesting to hear more about it.

The medical resident story made me chuckle. At the same time, it's sad that he saw breast involution as a problem to be solved. Our medical system has so far to go in recognizing what's normal across the life span & being health promoting rather than disease diagnosing & curing. I'm glad that the attending physician was able to explain the normal progression of aging on breast tissue to him!

[Stephanie]

I'm just glad to see that folks are doing research on breastfeeding and its effects on Moms. We need lots of positive research by mainstream organizations to help to mainstream breastfeeding.

Hooray for the plastic surgeons!

[Jane]

Interesting study. Anecdotally, I've always heard it's the pregnancy itself that changes your breasts. Well, as another commentor stated, breastfeeding should be cited as a nice "booster" and gives you fabulous temporary cleavage.

[Ethel]

I know I'm months late, but . . . I got stretch marks on my breasts. They showed up before the birth, not after. They didn't get any worse after the birth. Okay, this study checks out with my experiences.

Oh yeah, and it was worth it to go from "barely a B" to "nearly an E". Even if they'll sag for the rest of my life after weaning.