Breastfeeding and Sagging Breasts: Sorting Facts from Fiction

Mercy Abu, a 26-year-old mother of three residing in Abuja, has chosen not to breastfeed any of her babies. She’s concerned that breastfeeding might lead to sagging breasts and impact her appearance, possibly affecting her relationship with her husband.

Mercy’s perspective reflects a common belief shared by many women about breastfeeding and its perceived link to breast sagging.

This fear of breast sagging drives some women to explore alternative ways of nourishing their babies, such as using infant formula, cereal, or other substitutes instead of breastfeeding. In some cases, they even resort to purchasing breast milk from donors.

The concern over breast shape has led some women to consider surgical procedures to enhance the appearance, size, and firmness of their breasts.

However, these procedures can come with risks, and sometimes they don’t yield the desired outcomes.

Nutrition experts, on the other hand, challenge the notion that breastfeeding causes sagging breasts. They argue that factors like age, exercise habits, diet, and proper support, such as wearing a well-fitting bra, have a more significant impact on breast firmness than breastfeeding itself. Dr. Temidayo Odebunmi, the Head of Infant and Young Child Feeding at the Federal Ministry of Health, dismisses the misconception that breastfeeding is a primary cause of breast sagging.

She explains that breasts naturally undergo changes with age, and breastfeeding is not a significant contributor to sagging.

Similarly, Mrs. Grace Mogekwu, Chief Scientific Officer at the Social Behavioral Change Communication division of the Ministry of Health, points out that breast changes are a natural part of aging. Hormonal shifts during menopause and factors like weight changes, genetics, gravity, pregnancies, and smoking can all contribute to breast sagging.

While some women opt not to breastfeed due to these concerns, experts highlight the importance of breastfeeding for infant health. Avoiding breastfeeding during a baby’s first six months can lead to issues like malnutrition, stunted growth, higher child mortality rates, and other health challenges.

According to Ms. Patricia Deworitshe, Director of Media and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Health, only a small percentage of infants under six months are exclusively breastfed. To address this, she emphasizes the need to achieve higher coverage of breastfeeding-related interventions, especially in nutrition-sensitive areas.

Balancing work and breastfeeding can be challenging for many working-class women. Myths, misconceptions, and lack of proper support systems often hinder effective breastfeeding.

Mr. Babajide Adebisi, Deputy Director at Nutrition International, encourages nursing mothers to prioritize healthy lifestyles, proper nutrition, and supportive clothing to maintain breastfeeding success.

The benefits of breastfeeding are extensive. It fosters a strong bond between mother and child, protects infants from various illnesses, and supports their physical and cognitive growth. Recognizing these advantages, the government and stakeholders advocate for exclusive breastfeeding, even up to two years of age.

Efforts are underway to create supportive environments for nursing mothers. The Nigerian Governors’ Wives Forum (NGWF) calls for extended paid maternity leave and support for breastfeeding mothers. UNICEF and other organizations stress that breastfeeding is a fundamental right of children and crucial for their development.

In conclusion, while concerns about breastfeeding and breast sagging exist, experts emphasize that breastfeeding is a healthy and essential practice for both mothers and infants. Proper support, understanding the real causes of breast changes, and dispelling myths can empower women to make informed choices about breastfeeding. (NAN)….[CONTINUE READING HERE]>>