Breastfeeding

TCM for Nursing Mums

Physician Xiong Ying shares the traditional wisdom to help breastfeeding mums boost their milk supply.

6 must-haves for pregnant and breastfeeding mums

[imagebrowser id=243] Mums and mums-to-be, do you use any of these must-haves for pregnant and breastfeeding mums? If you do, we'd love to hear what you think about them -- please leave a comment below!
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Feeding your baby: How breast milk production works

Ever wondered how your body knows to produce breast milk? Find out all about the natural process of lactation, and the nutritional content of your breast milk.

Celeb mummies who say breast is best!

Breastfeeding is an emotional journey no matter who you are. The connection between mother and baby is something special. Check out these celeb breastfeeding mummies and what they say about their breastfeeding journey.

The best nursing rooms in Singapore - voted for by our readers!

When it's time to get out and about with baby. You want to be sure that you are going to a place which has all the necessary amenities to make it a hassle free visit. Here is our round up of ten of the best nursing rooms in Singapore.

10 foods to boost breastmilk supply

It's never a good idea to cut back on food when you're pregnant, particularly if you plan to breastfeed your little one, because it could affect your breastmilk supply. We recommend 10 foods to increase milk production.

Can you mix fresh and frozen breast milk? | 10 tips for using frozen breastmilk

When it comes to handling fresh and frozen breast milk, there are certain rules to bare in mind. Read our lactation consultant, Jani Combrink's top 10 tips.

Increasing milk production with oatmeal - does it work?

Can eating oatmeal help to boost your milk supply and help increase production? While there is no scientific fact to support the case, many mums and lactation consultants swear by it.

How to soothe sore and cracked nipples when breastfeeding?

Many mums wonder how they can manage sore and cracked nipples when breastfeeding. Thomson Medical Centre helps to answer.

Breastfeeding a newborn - tips on breastfeeding frequency and length of feed

Every new mum is keen to find out how to get started with breastfeeding a newborn. Read expert tips from Thomson Medical Centre on breastfeeding frequency and length of feed for a newborn.

Natural ways to increase your breast milk supply

Insufficient milk production is a common problem many new mums deal with after giving birth Here are some natural remedies to help increase milk supply.

How to burp baby

There are a few techniques of how to burp a baby correctly. It can seem hard at first but follow these simple rules and you'll get it in no time.

A guide to pumping breast milk

If you are thinking about using a breast pump to help you and your baby ease into a new routine. Here is everything you need to know about pumping breast milk.

Baby laughs during feeding - caught on camera!

One of the most magical things many breastfeeding mums will experience at some point is when their little one first breaks into gurgles of laughter during nursing time. Take a peek at some video clips of baby giggles!

Will my breasts return to their original size after birth?

Many pregnant women wonder about how their breasts would change during pregnancy or if there will be changes in their breast size after birth. There are a few factors that can influence the shape and size of your breasts after giving birth and when you stop breastfeeding.

Top 5 breastfeeding essentials

What can make breastfeeding easier and comfortable for you? Find out what Singapore breastfeeding mums said were their top five essentials when it comes to breastfeeding.

5 ways dad can help with breastfeeding

As a new parent, you'll want to do everything in your power to help mum and baby get to grips with breastfeeding. While mum has the breasts and milk flow, dad can follow these simple steps to providing the best breastfeeding support.

Too much milk! Coping with an oversupply of breast milk

Producing plenty of breast milk for your baby is a blessing but when you have more than you need to feed your baby, it can be painful. There is no need to waste it. Here is how you can cope with an oversupply and some tips on what it can be used for.

How to improve the quality of your breastmilk!

There are many ways to improve the quality of your breastmilk. Here we look at which foods and supplements you need to take depending on your lifestyle and diet.

How do I know if my baby is full after each feed?

Many mums wonder how they can know if their baby is full after a feed. Thomson Medical Centre helps to answer.

Boost lactation with Mo' Milk Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies!

Step away from the TV set and into the kitchen for an afternoon of baking up these melt-in-your-mouth Mo' Milk Oatmeal-Chocolate Chip Cookies that will promote lactation!

What are the pros and cons of breastfeeding?

Choosing to breastfeed is a decision that every new mum should make for herself. We help to break down the pros and cons of breastfeeding to help you decide what is best for you.

Simple remedies for breastfeeding discomfort

Breastfeeding can create a host of problems for the nursing mum. Try these easy tricks for relieve your breastfeeding discomfort at home without medication.

Want to increase breast milk supply? Here’s what to do

Some foods such as fenugreek, oatmeal and Chinese herbs can promote milk supply. In this article, we will explore some non-food ways to increase breast milk.

Breastfeeding backlash: How to respond to criticism about breastfeeding

Do you face criticism from those around you on the breastfeeding choices you have made? Don't let it stress you out. Anita Daubaras of Breastfeeding Mothers' Support Group Singapore gives us her advice on how to respond.

How to guide for freezing breast milk

There are ways to effectively and safely store expressed breast milk. That way, baby can still get all the benefits of your milk without you actually being around.

Get cooking with pumpkin - delicious pumpkin soup recipe and more!

Pumpkins are not just a Halloween decoration, they're actually a very healthy, versatile vegetable. Check out these five pumpkin recipes which are great source of nutrition during breastfeeding and can also help with losing baby weight.

Who is the most supportive when breastfeeding?

Please help us to determine who is the best support wen breastfeeding by taking our poll. We wan to know who is there for you the most - to make tea, plump your pillow and offer kind words of encouragement.

Win a chewable breastfeeding necklace set!

Be in with a chance to win a chewable breastfeeding necklace which can be used to distract your baby during feeding time and also can be used as a teething toy.

10 cool uses for breast milk

Breast milk can be used for a whole load of really cool things as well as nourishing your baby. Take a look at these 10 alternative uses for breast milk that you would never think off!

Magic milk power - 9 medical breast milk uses

Breast milk is more than just the perfect food for baby. It actually has healing powers that can work magic on a number of medical problems. Find out which evryday gripes can be soothed with the magical powers of breast milk.

How long did you breastfeed?

Please help us to find out more about you like and dislike. We want to know the length you breastfed for and why. Take our quick poll and let us know how long you decided to breastfeed your baby!

Putting your baby to sleep – the Tizzie Hall way!

We caught up with Tizzie Hall, the International Baby Whisperer, in September at the Pan Pacific Orchard. Author of the hugely popular ‘Save Our Sleep’ book, Tizzie has been helping parents all over the world with her baby sleep routines for over 15 years. After reading Tizzie’s ‘Save Our Sleep’ book, we still had some lingering questions about putting her routines into practice. Particularly, if it was possible to adapt her routines to cater for the…
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What is the difference between breastmilk and formula milk?

The one thing mums are divided on is how you should feed your baby. What are the differences between breastmilk and formula milk. We look at the pros and cons of each diet.

Should we breastfeed on a bus?

Breastfeeding in public can be uncomfortable for some new mums. Would the installation of more private lactation areas in public spaces and transport help? We look into recent reports about a Chinese bus company did just that on its buses.

Can breastfeeding for longer reduce the risk of breast cancer?

We know about the benefits that breastfeeding brings to your baby but what about for us mums? A new study reveals that the longer you breastfeed, the lower your risk of breast cancer. Can this be true?

Breastfeeding bracelets: do you need one?

"Forgetfulness is a natural part of a woman's defense mechanism after the pain and rigors of childbirth," explains gynaecologist Dr. Sharon Phelan. Although temporary, we know just how pesky it can be having the tiniest of things like feeding time slip your mind! Fortunately, there is a way around this: breastfeeding bracelets.Find out what breastfeeding bracelets are, if you need one, and how to make your very own!

Are there rules to breastfeeding on a plane?

Breastfeeding on a plane has sparked world-wide debate. Should you cover up or not? We take a look at the arguments for and against to help you decide what is best for you and your baby.

How long should you breastfeed baby?

As a new mum, there are likely a whirl of questions about breastfeeding you haven't gotten an answer to - such as how much to feed baby, and how to know when he's had enough. Put your mind to rest, because we've got the answers here!

What causes nipple blanching during breastfeeding

Nipple blanching occurs when there is a temporary lack of blood flow to that area of the breast and as a result they appear white in colour. Read more about this painful condition and how to avoid it when breastfeeding. Watch a video on the effects of nipple blanching!

How to stop using a breast pump

For some mothers, it is convenient to bottle feed their baby breastmilk. By using a manual or electric breastfeeding pump, you are able to express the milk and store it ready for their baby to drink. After a certain period of expressing milk, you may decide to go back to the normal skin-to-skin method of breastfeeding. Or, begin introducing solid foods, reducing the amount of milk needed. Here's how to do it.

What you need to know about weaning from formula milk

You may consider weaning from formula if you used it as a ‘top up’ combined with breastmilk and you now decide to go back to exclusively breastfeeding. Or, you feel your baby is old enough to start introducing solid foods to their diet. If you have been feeding your baby with a breastmilk supplement then here is what you need to know about weaning from formula.

How oral motor therapy can help with breastfeeding

Learning to breastfeed together is the first journey you will take as mother and baby. It can be traumatic for mums who excitedly welcome a new member of the family, to then be faced with the challenging role of breastfeeding their little one, and encountering oral motor problems. Find out how oral motor therapy can help to resolve breastfeeding issues.

The bliss of breastfeeding - breastfeeding week

7 August 2013 marks the end of World Breastfeeding Week (WBW). In an effort to celebrate the joys of breastfeeding and bring together mums worldwide, WBW was commemorated in 1992 by the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action. Today, it's celebrated in more than 174 countries with the full support of World Health Orgnaisation (WHO) and UNICEF.

Why is public breastfeeding still a social taboo?

What is it about breastfeeding in public in Singapore? A Singaporean mother was told off for doing so while dining at a restaurant here recently. Is it wrong to breastfeed in public, and what do other mums think? We explore the issue.

Infant dies from vegan breastfeeding

An 11-month old baby passed away after being exclusively breastfed by his vegan mother. An autopsy revealed he had suffered vitamin A and B12 deficiencies. Learn about what you should include in your diet while breastfeeding.

Breastmilk popsicles - easy and nutritious

Let's face it, being a mum is a full-time job! Now that you have your newborn baby on your hands, it can be difficult to find the time to watch your favorite shows or cook, or maybe catch up with an old friend over the phone. Fortunately, we've found a simple solution to ease the strain on your tired body, bless you: breastmilk popsicles.

Breastmilk jewelry – cool or creepy?

Mums, while breastfeeding your child, you might want to save a little milk on the side to create a pendant. Check out how a new trend is giving moms the ability to preserve their breastmilk in the form of jewelry.

Daddy's crucial role in breastfeeding

Fathers are no longer just breadwinners who bring home the bacon. They are powerful partners who can contribute to the success and failure of breastfeeding by actively supporting and helping their wives. A dad doesn’t have to remain as a bystander and his assistance is important to the breastfeeding process. Learn what you can do as a father to help in breastfeeding. Learn to read signs When a baby is hungry, cold, wet, or dirtied his diapers,…
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Tips for breastfeeding your multiples

Once you find out that you are expecting twins or triplets, you need to start gathering as much information as you can on breastfeeding multiples. There are some practical implications and nutritional aspects that you need to consider, but nothing worth breaking your head about.

My power went out and I'm storing breast milk in the freezer – Help!

Breast milk storage can be problematic when a power outage occurs. It may not happen often in Singapore but it does occur occasionally. During a power outage, precious frozen breast milk can become thawed. To keep them in their frozen state, an ice box, a container designed to maintain the temperature of frozen goods, can be utilised. A dry cotton cloth, wrapped around each bottle, can also help preserve its solid consistency. To last for…
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Using domperidone to increase milk production

Many mums want to breastfeed their newborns but are sometimes unable to. Sometimes this is due to medical problems or lack of breast milk. There are drugs such as domperidone that can help increase the milk production. You should discuss all your options with your doctor in case another alternative is available for you. What is domperidone? Domperidone is an antidopaminergic drug that is used to help suppress vomiting and ease nausea. It is usually highly recommended…
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New mum 101: What breast pump works for you?

Breastfeeding is one of the best gifts a mother can give to her child, but it’s not always easy. If you find it difficult to produce plenty of milk, using a breast pump can help. If you’re planning to return to work, you will also require a breast pump so you can continue producing milk for your baby. However, a breast pump that works well for one person may not work for everyone. It’s actually best…
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How to discreetly pump breast milk at work

You’ve had a beautiful “babymoon” with your newborn child, but it’s now time to go back to work. However, you’re not ready yet to stop breastfeeding yet because you believe in all the great benefits to your child if he or she drinks breast milk for six months or more. But how can you discretely pump milk at work and still look professional? Here are 5 tips on how to pump breast milk at work. 1.…
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Breastfeeding tips from National University Hospital

Breastfeeding is usually something that is dictated by maternal instinct once a woman gives birth to her child, but sometimes she still has some questions on how best to feed. The Antenatal and Parentcraft Programme, at National University Hospital (NUH) in Singapore provides training and helpful breastfeeding tips to put first-time mothers at ease.

Sudden nipple soreness while nursing

Nipple soreness can be linked to serious problems like plugged ducts or mastitis. However, it can also occur for no obvious reason. The annoying thing is that sometimes nipple soreness can come about even after months of pain-free nursing. Women have a lower tendency of experiencing soreness in the earlier phases of lactation, but due to the constant pressure exerted by the baby on the breast while feeding, the possibility of nipple soreness can increase…
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Use sage to decrease excess milk flow

Some nursing mothers find that they have excess milk flow when they're breastfeeding. While pumping and storing breast milk is always an option, some women find that they're still producing more milk than their baby can feed. In such cases, there are some herbal remedies that have been known to help decrease excess milk flow and relieve uncomfortable breast engorgement. Herbs like sage, peppermint and parsley are said to help when made into forms of…
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How do you treat a milk blister?

Sometimes while breastfeeding, a nursing woman can develop what's called a a milk blister, or blocked nipple pore. Also called a bleb, a nipple blister may appear on the nipple and/or the areola as just a white, clear or yellow dot, but might sometimes stand out as a large blister. RELATED: Sudden nipple soreness after nursing Most of the time it is quite painful on the tip of the nipple, but some moms feel the pain further behind inside…
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What is a galactagogue?

A galactagogue is an agent that stimulates the secretion of milk or increases the milk flow. Women commonly make use of galactagogues when they're breastfeeding, and they can be in the form of an herb, food, tea or drug. Common galactagogues Commonly used galactagogues are herbal plants. Fenugreek could be the most potent milk-stimulating herb known to nursing mothers. According to research, most women using this herb in a dosage of 1200 to 1800mg three times a day…
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Nipple shields to help you breastfeed

When you start breastfeeding, you might run into a host of problems you never knew existed. For example, your skin might be more sensitive than you expected, and you might have discomfort when trying to breastfeed. Maybe your baby is having trouble latching on and feeding, and you don't understand why. All of these issues are more common than you might think. Nipple shields are a great way to resolve a lot of these simple…
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Breastfeeding help: Reverse cycling

Breastfeeding can be a little intimidating for a new mum, and there can often be strategies, tips and measures to be aware of that you didn't even anticipate. Reverse cycling is a term used to refer to an infant's nursing pattern, during which the feeding frequency is much greater in the evening than in the daytime. Your baby may be mixing up day and night, which can happen at this age. Here is some information…
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Breastfeeding when you're sick

Many mums worry about breastfeeding when sick and question whether it's safe for their babies. However, breast milk contains a significant amount of antibodies that are essential in keeping the baby's immune system from most diseases acquired by the mother. For example, when a mother has mastitis (inflammation of the mammary gland in the breast, usually caused by a bacterial infection due to a damaged nipple) the baby is left unharmed, even when in direct contact…
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Is it safe to reuse expressed breast milk?

Many women tend to conserve their expressed milk for as long as it lasts. They value the milk so much that throwing it out makes them feel guilty of wasting a very precious substance. Unwittingly, though, they are putting child’s safety at risk every time they reuse leftover expressed breast milk. How long does expressed breast milk last? At present, no guideline is formulated for reusing expressed breast milk. In this case, it is best that one's…
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How to deal with recurrent mastitis or plugged ducts

According to a certain study, 20% of mastitis cases reoccur. Re-occurrence of mastitis may be triggered by the same conditions present during the first onset. In most cases, mastitis is more likely to recur due to irregular breastfeeding patterns (i.e. skipping nursing or pumping sessions, and bottle feeding instead of getting baby to latch on). Recurrent episodes of mastitis may also mean that mum's immune system is taking a back seat, mostly due to stress and tiredness. What causes a breast…
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Nursing 101: Breast pumping tips

Breast pumping refers to the manner of manually expressing milk through the aid of a pump. Many mums these days choose to pump their breast milk for a number of reasons. (For one, it means daddy can feed the baby too when you need a quick catnap!) If you've just begun nursing, here are some breast pumping tips to get you started. Buying your breast pump Breast pumps come in manual and electric versions. They vary in…
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Plugged ducts and mastitis while breastfeeding

Mastitis an infection of the breast that may occur as early as the seventh postpartal day or when the baby is weeks or months old. This is caused by an organism that enters the mother’s breast through the cracked or fissured nipples. According to Betzold, author of the An Update on the Recognition and Management of Lactational Breast Inflammation, mastitis refers to the inflammation of the breast, with or without infection or redness and may be…
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Breastfeeding to sleep and other comfort nursing

Comfort nursing, also known as non-nutritive sucking, does not only refer to an infant’s satisfaction from breastfeeding, but it rather focuses on the mother and child bonding. Nursing quenches an infant’s need for soothing, familiarity and educational parent-child exchanges as well security reassurance and bonding. Through nursing an intimate bond between infant and mother is established. And the passage of breast milk during nursing allows for the transport of maternal hormones that promote comfort to an…
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Using antidepressants while breastfeeding

Almost every woman notices some immediate feelings of sadness, otherwise known as postpartum blues, after childbirth. This probably occurs as a response to the anticlimactic feeling after birth and is related to hormonal shifts as the levels of oestrogen, progesterone and gonadotropin-releasing hormones in her body decline or rise. Antidepressants and breastfeeding: Dealing with postpartum depression In some women, postpartum blues may last longer than one year. In addition to an over-all feeling of sadness, a woman…
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Can I drink DOM while breastfeeding?

After nine months of giving up many foods, drinks and activities, new mothers often want to get back into their normal swing of things. However, if you're breastfeeding, there might still be certain things you can't do. The question of whether it's okay to drink alcohol DOM while breastfeeding. Experts from Thomson Medical Centre answer. RELATED: 5 drinks you should have in moderation while pregnant Q: Can I drink alcohol or DOM if I am breastfeeding? You may do…
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Different positions for breastfeeding

Many mums wonder what are the different positions for breastfeeding. Thomson Medical Centre helps to answer about the best positions for nursing. 3 common positions for nursing are: 1) Football hold 2) Cradle 3) Lying down This article about different positions for breastfeeding is brought to you by Thomson Medical Centre. Disclaimer: Information shown is to serve as a guide and for educational purposes only. Please consult your doctor or seek help from medical professionals when in doubt. Thomson Medical Centre Ltd and its…
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How do I store expressed breast milk?

Many mums wonder how they can store expressed breast milk. Thomson Medical Centre helps to answer.

How do I handle breast engorgement?

Breast engorgement usually occurs during the third or fifth day after baby's birth due to the 'coming in' of milk supply. RELATED: Ouch! What do I do about my sore nipples while breastfeeding? Uncomfortable engorgement can be minimized or prevented if baby is latched on properly and breastfeeding is carried out regularly If breasts are engorged or feel firm and heavy, massage breasts gently in a circular motion to soften breasts and stimulate letdown Breast milk may also be expressed…
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How do I ensure that baby is latched on properly?

Read how to ensure your baby is latched on properly and other breastfeeding tips brought to you by Thomson Medical Centre

Do you have nausea when breastfeeding?

There are three possible reasons for a woman to be nauseated during breastfeeding. One of which is the rise of oxytocin level in a woman’s system. Another is due to nutritional deficiency. And lastly, it may indicate an impending pregnancy. Oxytocin is the hormone released by the posterior pituitary gland that stimulates contraction of the uterus during childbirth and ejection of milk during nursing. It usually rises during lactation period. As a systemic reaction to its…
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Bottoms up! How to use expressed breast milk

As with any other milk, breast milk can spoil easily if it's not stored properly. Spoiled milk can give off a funky smell and should never be fed to your baby. Sometimes, though, you might not be able to tell if your expressed breast milk is spoiled or not. So, instead of feeling unsure about what you're feeding your baby, here are some guidelines on how to store expressed breast milk: RELATED: How does your body know…
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Why has my breastmilk supply decreased?

After your baby is born, your breasts will normally feels fuller and firmer. This feeling is called primary engorgement, which happens due to the sudden rise in prolactin level, a hormone responsible in regulating the secretion of milk in the breast after childbirth. The congestion subsides in one or two days, and once the newborn starts suckling, your body's hormones continue to signal for more milk secretion. RELATED: What you should know about breastfeeding when you're sick This will…
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How do I get started on breastfeeding?

You are encouraged to initiate breastfeeding soon after birth if both mother and baby are well.. Here are some steps on how to get started on breastfeeding.

Study: Breastfeeding helps mum's heart

We all know that breastfeeding is important for babies health, but an amazing new research has now proved that it is vital for mothers’ health as well!

Parenting mag editor calls breastfeeding creepy

Leading online British parenting magazine has been slammed by parents and critics everywhere for a provocative article published by the deputy editor, Kathryn Blundell, entitled “I formula fed. So what?” RELATED: The pros and cons of breastfeeding In the article, from the “Mother and Baby” magazine, Blundell wrote about how she bottle-fed her baby since birth because she "wanted [her] body back...(and some wine)." “They’re part of my sexuality, too…and seeing your teeny, tiny, innocent baby latching on where…
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Q&A: Will my flat nipples affect breastfeeding?

Every woman's body is built differently, and other than being too skinny or too heavy (medically speaking, of course), there is no "perfect body" to have a baby. Of course it's natural for women to question, what they assume to be, abnormalities on their bodies and whether they will affect having and caring for a baby. Here we answer one woman's question about whether flat nipples affect breastfeeding. Question: My nipples don't point out like other women's.…
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Will breastfeeding change my breast shape & size?

Yes, breastfeeding will probably change both the shape and size of your breast. So does pregnancy as well. For some women they will have fuller breast after breastfeeding and for others, the breast shrinks. It is difficult to predict what will happen for each individual. Generally, after pregnancy, your breast will hang lower, this is due to the stretching and strain placed on the ligaments as they grow. One way to minimise this is to…
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