Post-Baby Changes: How Childbirth Transforms The Breasts and More

Becoming a mom can be a wonderful, overwhelming, exciting experience. And there’s no doubt that in addition to the emotional aspects, pregnancy and breastfeeding can cause your entire body to change in interesting, radical ways. Among the areas that experience the most physical transformation are the breasts, which continue to be affected by hormones throughout each trimester and after childbirth. For patients concerned about the way they look postpartum or perhaps wishing to better fit into tops, Chapin Aesthetics in the Philadelphia area explains breast augmentation, a breast lift, or breast reduction—each of which can help to restore the breasts’ size, shape, and symmetry.

Lower on the body, separation of the abdominal muscles (diastasis recti) is a common problem said to be experienced by up to 60 percent of women after childbirth, as the abdominal wall expands throughout pregnancy to create room for the baby. The hips and ribcage may also become wider. The core weakens, the uterus may not fully return to its pre-pregnancy size, and the lower stomach often protrudes, forming a slight “pregnancy pooch.” When you gain weight during pregnancy, it often appears in the lower body area around the hips, thighs, and butt—given the tendency of women to store weight in those places.

As a woman’s center of gravity shifts during pregnancy, she may change her posture to accommodate the change—hence the term “pregnancy waddle” —and sometimes her butt appears smaller or deflated as a result.

Of course, each individual’s experience is different, from posture changes to skin conditions. For example, some women have softer skin and reduced acne breakouts after having a baby, while others report excessively dry skin and even eczema-like rashes.

Perhaps the most obvious features that change (aside from the baby bulge) are the breasts. Some women who may have been previously concerned or self-conscious about the smallness of their bust may notice it growing by several cup sizes as preparation for milk production begins, glands expand, and more fat builds up. During the early stages of pregnancy, it’s common for the breasts to feel swollen, heavy, and tender. After the baby is born, once-buoyant breasts may return to their original size, become even smaller than their pre-pregnancy state, or even droop.

This is because in the months after women have finished with breastfeeding, they often shed weight, see milk-producing tissue shrink, and note that stretched-out skin has lost some elasticity. As a result, the breasts may lose their shape, become asymmetrical, or both. The areola may also appear discolored. These changes are normal and not indicative of any health problems, but not everyone views these transformations of their breasts as desirable—prompting some women to seem alterations to their breasts for cosmetic reasons.

One solution to getting pre-baby boobs back is breast augmentation. This surgery may be used on its own or as part of a Mommy Makeover, which consists of a set of personalized surgeries that may include a tummy tuck, vaginal rejuvenation, liposuction, and more. These procedures and treatments are all combined into one overarching plan to address personal post-pregnancy body concerns.

The breast augmentation surgery itself involves the surgeon making incisions in a specific area (usually under the swell of the breasts, around the perimeter of the areola, or in the armpit) and then inserting an implant into the internal pocket. Implants may be filled with a saline solution or a viscous silicone gel that imitates the feel and look of real breast fat. These devices give shape and fullness to or accentuate the contours of existing breasts. They are available in a wide range of sizes and shapes. The choice depends on your goals, lifestyle, body type, and patient-physician preferences.

Note, however, that a breast augmentation isn’t designed to improve sagging breasts. For that, you’ll need a breast lift: surgery that elevates the position of the breast hemispheres on the chest by removing some excess skin and adjusting the remaining tissue. That being said, cosmetic surgeons advise waiting until you are finished having children to have a breast lift, as future pregnancies can cause new sagging and other changes.

Want to learn more about post-pregnancy surgeries, including breast augmentation, in Philadelphia? The Chapin Aesthetics team can provide information, as well as answer specific questions. Visit the Doylestown, PA, practice, request an appointment online, or call directly at (267) 880-0810.