Breasts Sucked Away

"Hang in there" give them more time! After 5 years of almost constant breastfeeding of my 3 youngest kids who were 2 to 3 years apart, I too was an A wanna be a B and am now a C or D without augmentation and am a size 8 or 10. Patience is a virtue!

I've breastfed one child, hoping to breasfeed a second and I told my husband when I'm done, he needs to have enough in a fund to "fix the girls." I can't tell you I'll go through with it, but I know exactly how you feel!

M.

I'm the same way, I just think it's something we have to live with. Getting implants is not good choice either; my bff got implants, and she loves them. But I remember the aftermath...not good, she was in really bad pain, and then I found out you have to keep them maintained, like in ten years she has to get them replaced with new ones(so every 10 years she has to pay 4-6 thousand dollars) scary stuff... then only other option I was considering was getting a breast lift like my sister, but then you might have a huge anchor scare. which it's been like 3 years since my sis had it done and honestly, you can barely tell. soooo idk... oh by the way I have 2 girls both of which I have breastfeed for over 18 months...(my youngest is still breastfeed)...
it just sucks sometimes, Literally !!! But in the long run, well worth it:)
~E. from CA

I read your entry and chuckled a bit. I too am a huge avocate of breastfeeding. My first son I breastfed for three years, my second son for a year, and I am now nursing my eighteen month old daughter while expecting my fourth. My breasts have always been small and I never cared (like a size 34A) because they were perky. After nursing for half a decade, I have the biggest nipples and still small breasts. I try to stay positive but I do think I am going to get implants after I finish nursing my new baby. Hey after all, we have saved all this money on formula, why not spend the money on new boobs!!

well unfortunately they will not be perky on their own again. i went through same exact thing. i did opt for surgery over 10 yrs ago and it was the best thing i ever did for myself. i didnt go big just enough to look normal again ive no problems at all with them. hope it helps
R.

I breastfed my daughter 32 yrs. ago and have lived with "pancake boobs" ever since :). I,too was a nice full figured,perky "C" with all the sweaters to prove it.....
Back then, breast surgery wasn't even considered,so I just learned to realize, that they were MADE to feed my baby,and NOT to fill the sweaters.]You have your own choice to make. Lucky for you,your husband loves YOU and his kids....not your boobs :)!!! Good luck, Honey!
A Grandma in So. California P.S. She was worth it!!!!

I have been thinking about that too. I am presently pregnant with #3 and would consider #4, but in due time.
I started off with 32ddd and balloon up to an incredible 36I (did you know they could get that big?!). As you know, the perkiness becomes a size LONG. I love nursing and my husband, like yours, loves me for me, but I'd like to reduce the long factor. I'm not even interested in implants, just some 'control', if you know what I mean.
I have some acquaintances who had their breasts 'readjusted' and everything seems to be fine. My only fear is that the anesthesia isn't done properly because I know of some cases where improper anesthesia has led to death. I know of one case personally and the most recent 'celebrity' one was with Kanye West's mother.
I'd look into the statistics on that and research the doctor and her team to find out they rate on successful surgeries, in terms of satisfaction and mortality.
I hope I didn't scare you off; just wanted to add some reality to a major surgery.
Good luck

I am so sorry you are having a tough time, I am too! I also have a hubby who loves me unconditionally though, so I am just thankful for that. I am just telling myself to look at it as battle wounds and to be proud! Probably no help, but just want to show support. ((((())))) P.S. Don't do implants, it is not worth the health risk. : ) I am not sure if they have come along way, but I worked for a plastic surgeon for a while when I was younger and what they can do is not pretty!

It's a very personal decision. Having self confidence is extremely important though, so do whatever makes you feel best, because it is for you, thank goodness.

All I can say is I hear ya!! I have no regrets either, and it's not the size that bothers me, its the saggy, squishy, flat, yucky, etc.

I looked into implants, but for me, they would have had to put in ones that were larger than I wanted to go. So...a good bra goes a long way, when I'm dressed. It's unclothed that I still have a problem with, but ce la vie!

Good luck.

Hi J.,
The same thing happened to me. I went through the exact same measurements as you. I was so bummed about my saggy boobs. I tried everything. The damage was done - I even had stretch marks from breast feeding for a year. After my second daughter, I did decide to get implants. The best thing I ever did for my body. My self confidence is back, and I love how they look without a bra! I had silicone 450's and that put me at a full DD. Even the stretch marks disapeared. I had the surgery 6 months ago and do not regret it at all. Though, I was nervous about the surgery before hand. Lots of research helped make the decision. Good luck.
C.

J.,

No advice but I'm right there with you. I've breastfed two child (wrapping up with son #2 now) and my God, my boobs look 100 years old.

You have my complete sympathy. As much as I don't want to have surgery, looking at my boobs depresses me. My husband loves me the way I am too and I never thought I was vain. But I guess maybe I am! LOL

T.

I breastfed one child and lost nothing - no volume nor did I experience any sagging. My word of advice to women everywhere, including those who do not breastfeed is to wear good support bras.

I wear bras when sleeping (comfortable ones without wires) and when I am simply lounging around the house. I really believe breasts always need support. I also massage my breasts (for lymph circulation).

I have been told I have the firmest breats, in fact, an ex thought I had implants the first time he saw them.

I don't think it's genes either, none of my sisters have perky breasts. I know this sounds like a ringing self-endorsement, but I really think more women should consider supporting their breasts during 8 whole hours of sleeping in which they are flopped around, lain upon and generally present unattractively.

a really good bra! have you ever had surgery before? think of the alternatives. You'll be able to say that what people see is you. Your husband loves you for who you are and so should you. Look at other celebrities who are small chested (Debra Messinger, Kate Hudson, Gwenyth Paltrow, etc.). Hold you head up with confidence! And be grateful for your health and your family's health. Having surgery will affect your family as well. (a minimum 2 week recovery, no lifting, etc.)

I too breastfed but already had implants. They are saggy after breastfeeding too. I got mine a few months before I was married. I LOVE my breasts. Mine were small before(B). They were a D after I got them and a C after babies. I know many women who have implants and NONE who are disappointed. It feels good to feel good. My one suggestion is research your doctor. Cheaper is not better. I have seen some BAD boob jobs so make sure you like your doctor and are comfortable with him. I even know women(where money is not a problem) who have gone to Mexico and got great jobs.

Go for it!

ok i have to smile...my sister is always complaining about her "paper bags" as she calls them. with 2 kids, she has 4 years of b-feeding under her belt! her husband really really does not want her to get implants (nor does she) as he says he loves her just the way she is!! but she has looked into a "tuck"...it just brings them up a little bit, and makes them look perkier (haha!). might be a little smaller than where you were b4 but more manageable?? and all you! :)
(i am 1 year in, and can alredy tell i will be thinking along these lines in a while! haha....its worth it tho!!)

Another itty bitty titty after nursing two babies sister! I was so self conscious about my now 32 A- boobs but I am getting used to them. I am looking forward to hearing what other advise.

GIve it time. I nursed my two girls and when I was done I would joke around and say my chest now looked like an ironing board with two peas on it. I had been a size C before breast feeding. My girls are now 3 and 6 and I'm happy to say that I'm back to a C. It did take a long time, but I didn't do anything special to make this happen. Good luck.

It's funny there was a show (Old Christine)on last night about getting a boob job and how would she explain it to her son, since she tells him he's okay just the way he is, what message would that send. I can relate to that. I tell my daughter she's perfect just the way she is. I would never want her to think she had to get plastic added or anything cut off or sucked out to feel good about herself. So what example would I be giving? I wear a push up bra (I don't know if that's any better). I know I could never do the surgery, I just wouldn't feel right, so I get to work out how I feel about the true me. It takes work sometimes and we all have to sort out how we feel about it. There's no right or wrong answer, just what's right for you. It's interesting to read what other woman have to say on this topic. All the best to you.

Hi J.!
Everytime I breastfeed a baby I lose a cup size. I started out a D and after my third I was a sad looking B. I am currently pregnant with my 4th and I am frightened for the next cup size downgrade. I am considering the same questions you are. My one reassurance is that my sister lost a cup size or so over the course of her three children and says that her breasts returned to their former size and similar appearance three years after quitting breastfeeding. You may want to try the wait-and-see method and get a fabulous bra in the meantime...I don't know. I will be crossing the same bridge before too long, so I totally understand! Just remember above all else you are God's beautiful creation no matter what cup size you can no longer fill!
W.

I have the same issue. I have three beautiful girls that i do not regret breastfeeding, but now I can not believe how much damage there is. I was a C in high school and went to DD and now......who knows!! I can not find a bra that fits properly. I have tried the gym, but I don't know if I will ever get any shape back. I have looked into reconstruction, to just get rid of the extra skin, and put them back up where they were, but that is more expensive than the inplants!!! I am waiting until I loose all the weight I want to loose, and see how much damage there is, then see what insurance will pay for. I don't think it is wrong to want to look and feel good. You seem to have a sensible mind and a wonderful family. Please let me know what you find out,
Take care,
M.
www.MrTeaTravel.com

Dear J.,

I'm a grandmother now, but I had two difficult pregnancies with 2 premie births. I was never able to breast feed because my milk just did not come in. I tried the first time but to no avail. I wouldn't worry about breast size. Be thankful your children had a good healthy beginning. Many women do lose breast size with breast feeding, but age and body changes often take care of that without implants. Remember, your husband loves you for who you are, not what you are! You should too!

I would love to say just workout but the truth is that it will only give you a slight lift. If you want your former shape back I think you have to go under the knife and of course there are many things to consider when doing that.

Hi J.,

I would wait a little longer until you make a decision for surgery. My breasts did go back to much like they had looked pre-babies and pre-breast feeding, but it took some time. (I breast-fed my daughter for 2 and a half years and my son for 10 months. My son is now almost 5 years old) Of course, they don't look like what they did in my 20's, but who's do? I do work out at curves two to three times a week, so maybe that helps. If I were you I would purchase some well designed, beautiful, push up bras. Try the one's at Victoria's Secret, they will give anyone seriously sexy cleavage!

I don't have any suggestions but I just wanted you to know that all mothers go through this change, whether they breastfed or not. The elasticity in our skin pretty much abandons us once our breasts grow during pregnancy. From someone who has always been flat chested (and perky in a flat sorta way), I finally don't feel like such a little girl. I've nursed 2 children and, while I don't enjoy the stretch marks on my next-to-nothing boobs, they are a bit softer and look a bit more natural.

I was a full A before my son was born (that was in 1992) and after breast feeding for only 2 months, I was barely an A. I had implants put in in 2002, over the muscle and went with a C. I did have scar tissue (still do), especially on my left one, but at the time was a single mom and could not take off 3 weeks to have the implants put in under the muscle, which would have been better. I ended up getting married in 2001, had a full term pregnancy in 2006 and was able to breast feed my daughter. I only did so for 3 months but my breasts are now softer which is great because they were like rocks before! I love having implants (especially because I was always small anyway) and I know what happens to the breasts after breast feeding. Do what makes you happy. I've heard of quite a few women wanting implants after their breasts have gone down after breastfeeding.

Hi J.,
When I was nursing our son, I had boobs for the first time in my life. I was feeling pretty happy about this, when my hair stylist gave me the polite awakening which I had been oblivious to. She said that she lost a cup size for every child she nursed (and she had 4!) So of course, I thought, "well that can't happen to me because I started out a 34A". LOL! I wanted to thank you for asking the question and all the other women for their candid responses. I guess if it were to become common knowledge, then no one would expect to have perky breasts after babies and it wouldn't be such a hard adjustment. But- I am going through it too- so thanks for your candor.

The same thing happened to me! Once my daughter turned 11 and I was pretty sure I was not going to have any more children, I decided to have implants. I'm not bodacious, but I'm really happy with them. In addition to that, as I age I am gaining weight, so I actually feel more proportionate now that I have sooooo many curves. I think if you feel like you want to, there is no shame with "restoration". Good luck. M.

Haha!! I know exactly where your comming from!! Oh what we do for our children... I have breast implants and I love them. I would definetly say if you want them you should get them. Especially if it's YOU that wants them. I would just recommend that you don't get them until you are totally done having kids.. because even fake boobs will sag after breast feeding. Well maybe not sag, but be less "perkey", less of your real boob, so it does change the whole look of the breast. Anyways, also I would say research it and make sure you really want to do it, know the risks, make sure you go to a good doctor, and make sure you do exactly what the doctor tells you to do so they look good. And since you do have kids make sure you have help the first week or so... Good luck!!!

Been there! Get implants! Just make sure you are done with nursing(having any more kids) I had mine done between kids, and the Dr. hacked my milk ducts(Dr. Linder in Beverly Hills), so I couldn't breastfeed. It really was hard to deal with.

Tiff

J.,

I understand your problem completley. I had breastfed my first born for a year and a half and then my twins for 6 months (they decided they were done) and I had went from a full C to a DD to a deflated B-
I often referred to them as the "gym socks"
Even though my husband at the time (ex now) never said a negative word; as a woman I felt bad about how I looked. Im not a vain person at all but there is a shot to the ego when you have a change like that to your body.
I did get implants but at a tasteful size to fit my body and Im not one that wears the tiny tank tops to make sure the world sees my chest ;)
I made sure they were natural looking (tear drop shape) and not big balls sitting on my chest. I was down for about 2 days and couldnt lift for about a week. You just have to take it easy when it comes to your arms for a bit. A lot of people have no idea that they arent real (the ones that didnt know me before) I am very happy that I did what I did and it made me feel more self confident. :)

If asked if my boobs are real I say "yes their real because their not imaginary" :)

~A.

J.,
What about a breast lift?
The best thing would probably be to do some research and then have consultations with a few good cosmetic surgeons in your area and see what they suggest (implants vs. lift, etc.). That way, you can see what the options are for you and decide on the one that is just right.
Good luck!

As my 22 year old flat chested daughter said when I realized she was filling out a dress rather well, "Your like them, I bought them, they're mine!" We haven't stopped laughing yet! E. H

Your email made me laugh because I could have written it myself, although I started out as nice and perky B and have gone to a very meager A. Sometimes I fantasize about getting implants, but I dont think I'd have the guts to do it (I mean its not like a bad dress you can just take off if you dont like it). Plus I work out at a gym and see many women with implants and they just dont look very nice or in accord with their bodies a lot of the time.
I have noticed that if you loose your pregnancy weight, you loose the boobs too. If you keep on the weight, you remain fuller. So if that is your case too, comfort yourself with the fact that you got back into shape and use padded bras.
I just wanted to write to let you know you are not alone and many women miss their nice cleavages.

Hello J.,

I have the same situation. I breastfed my two boys for almost two years each. My second son just finished about a week ago! Yes, the greatest thing in the world and I'm sooooooo happy to have done it, but I am now left with very ugly breasts. My husband is crazy about me in any shape or size which is definitely a wonderful thing, but I don't feel good about my breasts at all. I am a very holistic and natural kind of person, but I realize that I'm not so evolved as to learn to appreciate my new breasts and I have no qualms whatsoever at wanting to have a breast job. I don't think I need to wake up everyday and feel negative about this part of my body and never feel comfortable in certain clothes or have to eliminate certain clothes from my wardrobe. It's not a size thing at all and I would be happy even with just a 'B' but I want them 'up' and firm. I don't know when I'll get around to having them done, but I will be happy to do it and I won't feel the least bit uncomfortable about it. I am so happy with my life since my kids have come into it and I want to feel really happy with myself too.
I just wanted to share this thought with you.
Best wishes,
C. C.

I'm so sorry to hear this but want you to know you are not alone. I have at least 4 friends who have had this experience after 2 or 3 children & all of them have gone ahead with the breast implants. If they had not mentioned doing this, no one would have known it because they chose to just go back to their normal size rather than the enhancement route. They feel so much better about themselves and their husbands are glad they are happy.

I suggest doing chest exercises with weights. It will help lift them and give you more confidence. I too breastfed and have had my own issues.

Dear J.,

No advice, just some stretched out mothers' breast humor:

1. I have a friend who says she was FLAT - nothing at all - until she was 18, then suddenly she was a C cup, so she had stretch marks, then she got pregnant and breast fed her two babies, so got even bigger. Then after, she said that her breasts were like tennis balls in socks. She was okay with their size, but didn't like how saggy they were. She said there should be a procedure where they take you by the nipple with one hand. Then they would make an "O" with their other forefinger and thumb, running it up your breast, to squeeze your breast tissue toward your chest wall. To finish the procedure, they would simply tie the end of your breast in a knot. (I hope this came across right [I know the grammar was horrible!] - it's better with hand signals)

2. I heard Patricia Heaton talking about being pregnant three times and breast-feeding her babies. She said that she now has to do origami to get her breasts in her bra. (I LOVE that one - I use that line ALL the time - wonderful word picture!)

3. You don't say how old you are .. . do you remember Cybil Shepard's show, "Cybil?" She did a version of the "Continental Soldier" song - "Do your boobs hang low, do they wobble to and fro, can you tie them in a knot, can tie 'em in a bow, can you throw them over your shoulder, like a continental soldier, do your boobs hang low?"

Just want you to know that you are not alone in this - on top of my origami breasts, my body is also betraying me by slowly letting go of my uterus - it's a little lower every year. Eventually I will need a hysterectomy, but for now it's my choice . . . So my favorite line is that my uterus and breasts are all between my knees - we call it "one stop shopping." (The guys hate this, it's too graphic for them, but I think it's hysterical!)

Good luck with whatever you decide!
B.

One caveat - I have a sister-in-law who did not have a good experience with her implants. The day after, she woke up with one twice the size of the other - she had a spontaneous hematoma. They had to open up her incision, take out the implant, clean the pocket, and re-insert the implant. She also has one that is very firm and one that is more normal. She says that she doesn't really care how they are, she just wishes they were the same. She also lost feeling in one of her nipples. I don't want to scare you - many women have positive experiences and are very happy after - just be aware of possible negative outcomes if you have surgery, and really research your surgeon. . . Also, I have heard many times, that what gravity will wreak as much havoc over time with implants as it does on "real" breasts.
Again, Good luck!

after showering, try rinsing with cold water. i think it kind of shrinks 'em up a bit... not that the results are totally dramatic or anything, but i feel like it helps me. other then that, get the lift if you want to!

Hello. I had EXACTLY the same problem. And my breasts have stayed the 'pancakes' that they became after BF years ago. I will not even consider implants and mourned the loss of my breasts for many years.

Recently I found a supplement called Bountiful Breast and began taking it. It has only been 2 weeks, but it is WORKING! My breasts are fuller and I am getting cleavage back. They are perkier, etc. My understanding is that some supplements just cause water retention, so you have to do your research. BB is not one that causes water retention, though. It causes your body to redeposit fatty tissue into your breasts.

My husband and I are very happy and looking forward to further results with this, because althought he loves me for me (m for 20y) neither one of us would be honest if we said we didn't care about this. :) Hope you find what you're looking for.

I would like to tell you that I was in your same boat. After nursing my 2 girls (now 5 & 7) I realized that your breasts will never be the same again. In July 2005 I had breast augmentation and would not have changed my decision for anything. I too have a wonderful husband and family and this was a choice all for me and my self confidence.
I wish you all the best!

J.,

I'm in the same boat as you. I nursed my son until he was 13 months. Got pregnant when he was 15 months. I am now still nursing my 1 year old daughter that is stubborn and doesn't want to wean. My breasts have turned into flapjacks. lol. However I gave my children the best start I could by nursing them for the first year. I joke around with my husband and say that when I'm completely done nursing my daughter I want to have a boob job, but I honestly don't want to waste that much money on boobs. My only suggestion is to get a really good push up bra.

Boy, I hear you! I unfortunately was not able to breast feed my kids for very long, it just did not work out for them or me. I went from a small size to even a smaller and smaller size. Nobody told me your boobs are supposed to shrink after you have children. What's up with that! There really is not much we can do about it. I find that if I am in the right size in my jeans then the rest of me is the right size, too. Most shirts don't fit right, but oh well, like you said, your husband loves you for who you are. Be happy with yourself, I always say at least God gave me some boobs. :)

Can I first just say Bravo to the honesty! I love your vulnerability! I noticed a lot less sagging when I got back on birth control after stopping breastfeeding. you may already be on birth control and don't notice a difference, but if not you may want to try it. you can also just try augmentation instead of implants. where they give you a "lift" instead of inserting an implant. Ultimately, it has to be up to you and your husband, but I would recommend trying the other remedies first.

I just want you to know I'm struggling with the same thing...I have two sons 4 and 21 mos and I'm actually still nursing my younger son...and I was a 34D prior to nursing, became a 34F while nursing the first 6 months and now after nursing 2 kids, I'm barely a B...what happened? I'm looking forward to your responses....

Hey J.,

My name is V., 43 years old and have two kids now in High School!! Same thing happen to me and to tell u the truth, my husband also loves me for me!! So I got a really good support bra and am still able to show some cleavage! Something that you'll get use to and live with! Nothing you can do, tried everything...not interested in breast implants so the "good support" bra has been my answer!! Hope this helps!

Go for the implants if it bothers you. I'm planning to get them after I nurse my second baby (I'm pregnant now). I saw what nursing one did to my poor boobs and am sure that after the second I will be down to AAA deflated balloons. :-)

I just wanted to put this out there... Studies indicate that Breastfeeding is NOT the culprit when it comes to saggy breasts after children. Genetics, age, the amount of children you've had, and smoking play a big role.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/7082473.stm

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21599854/

http://www.plasticsurgery.org/media/press_releases/Breast...

I fully appreciate your issue! I feel the same way. Nursing took away any perkiness that formerly was there! I solved this by buying some fabulous bras so at least I look good while clothed. And then I just tried to not worry when I was naked. My aunt, who is a bit of a plastic-surgery expert, explained to me the process if I wanted to get them 'lifted' but not implanted. It was really horrible-sounding. They can't just do a small cut and lift because then the nipple would be oddly-placed. So, they have to do a heap of cutting and rearranging if you don't want implants. That made me decide to just deal with the saggy boobs!

Of course, I'm in the same situation. I breastfed three children for about 15 months each. (My youngest weaned in May of 2007 - I was pregnant or breast-feeding since Sept. 2000.) I wore spandex bras during all my pregnancies and breast-feedings and am having a hard time adjusting to the underwire push-up bras. They just hurt. So, I recommend getting a good fitting if you go that route. I'm looking into breast-enhancement supplements - there are a lot out there - just google it and see. I saw one respondent has tried one. Anyone else out there try them?

I am in the same situation. I was also a C and now a big A. I found that victoria secret push up bras really helped me. i feel very sexy!

Dear J.,

Give it a rest. Maybe you will gain weight and it will go to your breasts. I saw a picture of Caroline Kennedy - who has about 3 or 4 children the other day, and she looks like a boy, so does my daughter. Just be glad that you are not huge, it is not fun, and very uncomfortable and your clothes look better on you than mine do.
Women who get their breasts enhanced look enhanced and not natural. Yes, they do.

So shut up for a while, and enjoy your children, and husband, O,K.? C. N.

Hi J......I hear ya! There is a system called Brava that my radiologist recomended. It involves suction and can increase you a full cup size, not sure about the sagging. I say go for the implants! You deserve it

Congrats J. for BFing both of your boys! I am soo in your shoes. I have 3 girls, Alexi 5, Sara, 3 and Jessica 5 months. I have breastfed all of my children, still currently bfing my youngest one. I too have gone down in cups. I don't even think I'm an A! Only suggestions I have would be to invest in a good push up bra, (usually about $40-$50 at Victoria Secrets, since you got something to work with). I personally though, am adamant about getting BI. My husband isn't too crazy about it. He says he loves me just the way I am. In his opinion, I don't 'need' it. But like you, I kinda want them to be where they were before I had kids. I too do not have any regrets at all about bfing my girls, but it does make me self conscious about my breast. I'm getting the works done when I'm done having children (in about 2 years, we might try for our last one). I'll be getting BI to a full B and a tummy tuck to remove all the sagging skin my 3 pregnancies have left.

I don't know that I was much help, but just know that you're not alone!

Good luck!