How many days of pregnancy will the breasts become soft?

Many expectant mothers will experience some changes in their breasts after pregnancy, such as softening of the breasts. The breasts have already started to refill with water for breastfeeding a few months into pregnancy, so the breasts will not become soft, but only hard, and will become more upright and larger. The breasts of many women can develop secondary during pregnancy, making the breasts fuller.

Pregnancy care

When the pregnant mother is 5 to 6 weeks pregnant, the mammary glands begin to grow and the mammary lobules will proliferate accordingly to meet the needs of breastfeeding after delivery. The degree of development of the mammary glands at this time is closely related to the amount of milk secretion in the future. Therefore, pregnant mothers should choose comfortable and loose underwear to lift the breasts. This can facilitate blood return to the mammary glands, reduce pain, and prevent sagging breasts.

During the 6th to 8th week of pregnancy, pregnant mothers can clean their breasts with warm water every day, or use 40% alcohol to wipe the nipples and areola area. This can promote blood circulation in the areola area and prevent the occurrence of acute mastitis.

Pregnant women with inverted nipples should insist on pulling the nipples outward with their fingers or using an instrument to suck the nipples every day to make the nipples turn out and become erect, making it easier to breastfeed. Be gentle when pulling and do not pull hard to avoid damaging the nipple.

Lactation care

After a pregnant mother gives birth, due to the decrease in estrogen and progesterone levels, the oxytocin level will increase accordingly. With the stimulation of the baby sucking on the nipples, the mammary glands will continuously secrete milk. Pregnant mothers should pay attention to proper rest during breastfeeding, eat more rich foods, and keep a happy mood, so that the milk supply will be sufficient. At the same time, attention should be paid to breast hygiene, which should be cleaned frequently to reduce bacteria on the nipple and areola skin. Pregnant mothers should wash their hands before breastfeeding to reduce contamination of the breast.

Also, be sure to pay attention to the baby's oral hygiene to prevent the baby from getting stomatitis and contaminating the nipples, leading to breast infection.

The correct breastfeeding methods include sitting, semi-sitting, and side-sitting positions. When breastfeeding, pay attention to feeding both breasts alternately, feeding one side first and then the other. If the milk is not completely fed, you must find a way to drain the remaining milk. You can use a breast pump or artificial expression, because residual milk accumulation can easily cause inflammation, and emptying the milk will actually promote milk secretion.

Do not let your child play with the nipple while sucking on it, and don't let your child sleep with the nipple in his or her mouth, otherwise it will cause nipple epidermal ulcers and mastitis. If breast pain or lumps occur, you can apply hot compresses and squeeze and massage the breast towards the nipple to try to empty the accumulated milk. If this does not work, go to the hospital immediately.

During the breastfeeding period, you should wear a loose, suitable, soft, clean and highly absorbent bra to avoid vibration and collision due to excessive fullness of the breasts. More importantly, lifting the breasts is beneficial to local blood circulation of the breasts, which can reduce the feeling of breast swelling, prevent breast sagging, and is beneficial to breast recovery.