Stages of Breast Development

Let’s face it: motherhood is a life-changing experience. It affects how you sleep, how much you love and how often you think of bodily fluids.

What are the most obvious — and sometimes most surprising changes in your body? Your breasts.

Your boobs undergo a transformation that is as dramatic as your belly. Your breasts begin to prepare for their incredible job of nurturing a new human being the moment you see those two pink lines. They go on a long journey.

If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, or if you just want to know what’s next, this is a guide that will show the stages of breast development during pregnancy and beyond.

The Stages Of Breast Development

Stage One – The Perky Pair

First Trimester

Oh yes, that first hint of pregnancy – sore, swollen breasts. Tender breasts can be the first sign of pregnancy for many women. While it may feel like PMS boosted to the max, you’ll have perky, fuller breasts that you could only have imagined before.

Your breasts begin to prepare for breastfeeding thanks to an increase in hormones, mainly progesterone and estrogen. Your milk ducts multiply, your blood flow increases, and you are laying the foundation for milk production.

Your nipples might darken or become more sensitive during this stage. They may even begin to change in shape. You may feel your breasts warm, tingly or even sore. What about the perkiness, though? It’s real. This brief period of fullness is enjoyed by many women, even though the soreness can make hugging difficult.

Quick Tip: It’s time to think about supportive bras with room for growth. Your best friend is soft, stretchy fabric.

Stage Two – The Settle Down Stage

When? Second Trimester

The initial shock of your body, including those sensitive boobs, starts to fade by the time you reach the second trimester. The breasts will usually slow down at this stage and stop their rapid transformation. The breasts are still growing, but at a slower pace.

Your breasts will find their rhythm as your bump takes centre stage. This doesn’t mean that the changes will stop. Your areolas may continue to darken. Veins will become more visible because of increased blood flow. You may also notice an increase in breast size.

If they haven’t done so already, many women will switch to a pregnancy bra. You may find that your regular bras are becoming too tight. Proper support is essential to avoid back pain or sagging in the future.

Bra shopping tip: Get fitted by a professional around the 3-4-month mark. The right maternity bra can make a big difference.

Stage Three – The Return of the Radical Enhancement

When? Third Trimester

When you thought that your boobs were calmed, … they’re back.

Many women will experience a second growth spurt in the breast area during the third trimester. You may notice that your breasts are heavier, larger and more sensitive, but this is because they are getting ready to produce lactating milk.

You may be experiencing some common (but normal) symptoms.

• Stretch Marks (especially when your breasts are growing quickly)
• Colstrum leaking
• Blue veins are more visible under the skin

All of these changes are signs that your body’s preparing for the arrival of baby. Although they can be uncomfortable — tightness, heaviness and leakage are all part of your breasts’ amazing preparation for your baby’s arrival.

Self-care moment: Moisturising your skin with natural oils and lotions regularly can reduce itching and help support your breasts’ elasticity.

Stage Four – The Milk Machines

When? The first few weeks after birth

Welcome to the crazy ride of postpartum early breastfeeding. You haven’t even seen the beginning of what you can expect.

Your body undergoes a dramatic change shortly after the birth of your baby: your breasts become full and swollen. They are also warm and as hard as rocks. It’s just as uncomfortable as you think.

This is called engorgement and can last a few weeks, but it’s intense. You may experience breasts that are hot, tender and feel overly full. You may experience frequent milk leakage, particularly between feedings and during letdowns. You may feel overwhelmed, or even in pain, as you and your baby learn the rhythm of breastfeeding.

Common experiences at this stage:

• Breast pads can save your life if you have a leaky shirt
• Milk buildup can cause lumpy or tender skin.
• Letdown (a tingling, aching sensation when milk begins to flow)

Important: Wearing an ill-fitting bra, especially one with underwires, during this phase can cause pressure to your milk ducts and lead to mastitis. Many maternity experts suggest soft-cup, wire-free bras, like the Triumph Maternity collection, that offer support without pressure points.

You need to take care of your boobs now more than ever. Use cool compresses, massages, warm showers and a good breastfeeding routine to ease discomfort.

Stage Five – The Post-Feeding Pancakes

When to Wean and Beyond

Your breastfeeding journey will end at some point, whether it is after a couple of months or years. For many women, this is when they experience the next major change.

Your breasts can shrink, become softer, and lose the fullness they once had. Some women feel their breasts are sagging, or have a feeling that they’ve become “pancakes.”

This is a perfectly normal (if a little disheartening!) stage. Over time, your skin, ligaments and tissue will have stretched and changed. Some women’s breasts will eventually gain some fullness and shape; others may experience more permanent changes.

It’s normal that this stage brings up many emotions. Your reaction is valid, whether you’re mourning your old boobs or celebrating the end of nursing.

Body Kindness Tip: Even though your breasts may not feel or look the same as they used to, they have done an incredible thing. They have fed and comforted an infant. They have endured months’ worth of hormonal changes, growth, discomfort and resilience.

The Right Bra is Important (and Some Self-Love).

As your breasts change, so should your bra. Every stage of pregnancy, nursing, and post-weaning requires a different level of support, comfort, and flexibility.

It’s for this reason that investing in bras designed specifically for mothers is a game-changer.

Triumph has a Body-Make-Up Magic Wire that is made specifically for the post-pregnancy body. The flexible wire provides the same shape and support as a traditional underwire without the discomfort. This is the perfect solution for mums looking for a soft, natural feel and gentle shaping, without all of the drama.

The Maternity collection is designed to help you nurse comfortably, wherever you are.

Last Thoughts: Give your breasts some credit

Be honest, your boobs have been through it. It’s an incredible journey, full of change and adjustment.

It is possible that they may not look alike. They may not look the same. They’ve done something special: They’ve supported life.

Give them the recognition that they deserve. You can support them by wearing bras that will honour their work and make you feel confident in your skin, no matter where you are in life.

While you’re doing it, treat yourself. Take a nap. A bubble bath. Moment of silence, if you’re being honest, chocolate.

You’ve earned that, that’s the truth.