Keep ‘em up: breastcare in pregnancy

From about 36 weeks onwards, your breasts will start producing colostrum (this is what your baby will have until your proper milk comes in) and, sometimes, this leaks from your breast late in pregnancy. It’s nothing to worry about, but if you leak a lot, you may need to start wearing breast pads. Not very sexy I’m afraid, but there you go.

All these changes bear little relation to how your breasts will function, when it comes to supplying milk to your baby. This is because, contrary to popular belief, breast size does not affect milk production. Large breasts are large because they have more fatty tissue in them than small breasts, not because they have more milk producing cells. So, do not despair if your breasts seem a bit small and feeble. Even the smallest of breasts can produce an enormous amount of milk.

Once your baby is born

• Expect to feed little and often in the first few days
• Expect your milk to come in anytime from day 2-5
• Your breasts may become swollen when your milk first comes in, but should settle down after about 24 hours
• After a week or so, most mothers have breastfeeding fairly well established and find that their breasts are comfortable before, during and after feeds
• Mothers with large breasts will probably need (and want) to wear their maternity bras 24 hours a day
• Mothers with small breasts may find that a lightweight sleeping bra is more comfortable to wear at night.

Remember that every mother is different, and don’t worry if your breasts don’t follow the pattern I’ve described.