What's Normal? Breast Changes During Post-Partum

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Oct 1, 2001

Just as you experienced many changes in your breasts during pregnancy, the days and weeks after your baby is born will also bring many breast changes. It's wise to continue the healthy habit of regular Breast Self-Examination during this time, but how do you know what's normal?

If you are breastfeeding... You will notice significant changes, particularly in the first couple of months as your milk supply becomes established. Some of the normal changes you may notice are:

for the first one to three days after birth, your breasts secrete colostrum (baby's first milk, a yellowish fluid rich in antibodies;
between the second and fifth day after birth, your milk will "come in"; your breasts may feel hard and full (engorged), for which the best prevention and treatment is frequent nursing;
when your breasts are full, they may feel lumpy; the best time to do your Breast Self-Examination, therefore, is right after you've nursed your baby; a lump that persists could mean an area of the breast is not being emptied of milk -- this may be corrected by massaging the breast, applying heat, and varying the baby's position when nursing; contact La Leche League or a public health nurse for help;
once your milk supply is well established (approximately six to eight weeks), your breasts may become smaller and softer;
after your baby has weaned, you may still be able to express a little milk for months afterward.

If you're not breastfeeding... You will likely experience the same initial changes as breastfeeding moms. You may be given medication to suppress milk production, but you might still produce some milk. (Don't express the milk because this will stimulate your breasts to produce even more.) Because milk production works on a "supply and demand" system, if you are not nursing the engorgement will naturally subside (even without medication) and milk production will cease. You may want to use ice packs and pain medication to relieve the discomfort when engorgement is significant.

Remember that the above changes are normal. However, if you are concerned or if you experience any unusual changes in your breasts, please talk to your doctor.

For guidance on the techniques of breast self-examination, please speak to a public health nurse or your doctor. br>

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