Parenting
By: Jamila Morgan
Updated: Jan. 30, 2020
Originally Published: May 31, 2018
Prior to becoming a mother, I must admit, I never fully appreciated my breasts. They were youthful and firm, yet I took them for granted. I breastfed my child until just two months shy of his fourth birthday, ultimately deciding it was time to end this chapter of our lives. Over those three and a half years, I nursed on demand, often feeling the weight of nursing aversion as I longed to reclaim my body. However, once I stopped, I faced a new challenge: reconciling my self-image with my post-breastfeeding breasts.
As a single mother in my early thirties, I realize that at some point, I may wish to pursue dating and intimacy again. Yet, my breasts have changed so drastically that they make it difficult for me to feel attractive, even when looking at my reflection without a bra. The struggle to embrace my body after nursing has been profound and complex.
Curious about whether other mothers felt similarly, I reached out to fellow moms to discuss the realities of our breasts after weaning. One interesting finding was that many women had little regard for their breasts before breastfeeding. For instance, Sarah Thompson, a mother of two, remarked, “I didn’t pay much attention to them. They were somewhat small, but not completely flat. I had no idea how much I would come to value them during nursing.”
Conversely, many women experienced a newfound appreciation for their bodies as they nurtured their children. Jessica Lee, a mother of three, expressed awe at her body’s capabilities: “I carried and birthed a human being, and then my milk sustained him for the first several months of his life. How incredible is that? Breastfeeding deepened my admiration for my body.”
Weaning can stir a whirlwind of emotions. For some, it’s a bittersweet transition. Alex Reed, a non-binary parent, shared, “My child weaned unexpectedly due to illness, which left me feeling heartbroken. I started seeing my breasts as obsolete and resented them for their presence. It was only when I was actively using them for nursing that I felt they served a significant purpose.”
Rita Johnson, a mother of four, candidly described her experience post-weaning. “When I stopped breastfeeding, I felt liberated, but I was shocked at the physical changes. My breasts didn’t just shrink; they deflated completely. I could see my ribs peeking out, and filling a bra has become a challenge. The thought of a breast augmentation is tempting, but it’s prohibitively expensive.”
For those with smaller breasts, the post-weaning changes can be even more striking. I often joke that I will never be seen without a bra again; my left breast, which was the exclusive source of milk, has sagged and lost volume, while my right breast remains somewhat perky. The difference in size has been hard to accept. Transitioning from a full C cup to an awkward A/B cup left me feeling self-conscious.
When I switched from nursing bras, the asymmetry became even more pronounced, prompting me to buy a push-up bra to boost my confidence. It’s not a perfect fix, but it brings me closer to my pre-breastfeeding self.
Acceptance of our bodies after weaning varies significantly. Some women, like Willow Torres, loved their breasts while breastfeeding but felt devastated upon seeing their post-weaning appearance. She plans to pursue breast augmentation when possible. In contrast, Debi Lewis, a writer and mother, noted the loss of sensation in her nipples post-weaning, saying, “I no longer felt a sexual connection to them, and I was amazed at how quickly they shrank. They became just ‘skin and the memory of milk,’ and that’s how I perceive them now.”
There’s no singular way to navigate feelings about our bodies after nourishing a child. Each experience is unique, and it’s okay to have mixed emotions about the changes we undergo. It’s natural to feel sadness about the loss of youthful fullness, but it’s crucial to remember that our bodies accomplished something remarkable.
For more insights into the journey of motherhood and related topics, check out this article on artificial insemination kits or explore success stories in home insemination. Additionally, this resource on pregnancy can provide further assistance for those considering motherhood.
Summary:
The experience of weaning from breastfeeding can profoundly alter a woman’s perception of her body, particularly her breasts. Many mothers share a complex mix of emotions, from feelings of loss to newfound appreciation for what their bodies accomplished during nursing. While some may seek surgical solutions to address their post-breastfeeding appearance, others come to terms with the changes in their bodies over time. Ultimately, it is important to recognize the beauty in the nurturing journey and accept the transformations that accompany motherhood.