Female breasts are unique. No two pairs are the same from one woman to the next. And even within a pair of breasts there are usually small differences in shape and size. It can even be the case that one breast looks pertly upwards, while the other gently curves forwards. But this is not the only thing that makes breasts so remarkable that they have been a frequent motif in artistic depictions since antiquity.
Above all, the female breast (Latin: mamma) symbolises sensual femininity and nurturing motherhood. Because this multi-talent can do both: the breast can give a woman (and a man) sexual arousal - and it can provide a baby with optimally composed milk. These abilities are due to its structure, which is always the same regardless of the cup size and aesthetic appearance of the breast.
Anatomy and functions of the breast
In the human body, a distinction is made between primary and secondary sexual characteristics. Primary sexual organs are used directly for reproduction. In women, these include the vagina and the uterus (in men, the penis and testicles).
The female breast is now one of the so-called secondary sexual characteristics. These develop during puberty and complete the sexual appearance of a woman or man. Secondary sexual characteristics are also associated with reproduction, but do not directly serve it.
In girls, the visible development of the breasts begins between the ages of nine and 13 and is completed by the age of 16 to 18. At this point at the end of puberty, the mammary glands are already fully developed.
Let's take a closer look at our breasts. Externally, the pair bulges forwards and plays a decisive role in shaping the silhouette of our female body. The elongated furrow between the two "hemispheres" is called the bosom, which makes our décolleté even more attractive.
Each nipple sits relatively in the centre of our breast in the areola surrounding it. The shape of the nipples also differs from woman to woman. Some have large nipples, others have small ones. Some "nipples" protrude widely, others are as flat as the areola or even slightly retracted inwards. But don't worry: a baby can be breastfed with any shape of nipple!
Another great thing about the nipples is that they are usually very sensitive to touch and are valued by many women as an erogenous zone. This is no coincidence, as stimulating the nipples also releases the pleasure-enhancing hormone oxytocin.
The female breast sits on the large and small pectoral muscle at the level of the third to sixth rib of the ribcage. The centrepiece inside the breast is the mammary gland. It is surrounded by fatty and connective tissue, nerve tracts, lymph and blood vessels. The breast itself has no muscle mass. The connective tissue is responsible for its shape and firmness.
The size of the breast in turn depends on the amount of fatty tissue present. This is controlled by our genetic make-up. However, if you gain or lose a significant amount of weight, this will also affect the size of your breasts. Their size is also influenced - temporarily - by your monthly cycle and pregnancy. Above all, however, it is important for you to know: The size of a breast has nothing to do with how "well" a woman can breastfeed!
So how does this best source of nutrition of all work? It's simple - after birth, the mammary gland system produces milk for the breast's natural purpose: to feed the baby. So that milk can flow into the little mouth, milk ducts are arranged in a star shape around the nipple. They all end in a larger duct in the nipple. Numerous so-called glandular lobules, which are equipped with milk vesicles, sit on these milk ducts like leaves on branches. This is where the actual milk production takes place.
The female breast in the menstrual cycle
During your monthly cycle, your breasts prepare to produce milk so that you can breastfeed. For example, after ovulation, the milk ducts dilate and the tissue around the glandular lobules swells. At the same time, the increase in the hormones oestrogen and progesterone causes the mammary gland tissue to retain more water. The fine blood vessels are now supplied with more blood.
These changes cause the female breast to temporarily become slightly larger and firmer shortly before bleeding. You may also feel that your breasts are a little tight. Some women also feel the changes in the tissue as uneven or lumpy. When your period starts, the swelling goes down again as the stored water is flushed out. The breast tissue then also becomes softer again.
The female breast during pregnancy
If an egg cell is fertilised, it nests in the mucous membrane of the Uterus in. If the Placenta The breast prepares intensively to produce milk to feed the baby. Now the breasts increase in size. By the end of your pregnancy, this can be up to two cup sizes. Your breasts will also become more sensitive - they may also tighten, tingle or itch. A gentle massage with lavender or almond oil, for example, can help with this. Make sure that your bra fits well and provides support, but above all does not squeeze or constrict your breasts.
Many women notice changes in their breasts even before they know they are pregnant. This is because their hormones are working at full speed from the first day of pregnancy. Oestrogen, progesterone and the pregnancy hormone HPL (human placental lactogen) ensure that your breast tissue continues to develop and grow noticeably during pregnancy. In doing so, it increasingly displaces the fat and connective tissue. The cells in the glandular lobules are prepared for milk production. In the second half of pregnancy, the breast is developed to such an extent that the mother can already breastfeed if the baby is born prematurely.
It is also possible that a little colostrum will come out of your breast before the birth towards the end of the pregnancy.
Your breasts may also feel harder or more lumpy than usual during pregnancy. Some women immediately think of breast cancer. But I can reassure you: This is usually only due to changes in your breast tissue. However, if you are unsure, talk to your midwife or doctor about your concerns.
During pregnancy, you will also notice that the nipple and areola become larger and darker. Nature has come up with a clever idea for this: the increased pigmentation should make it easier for the baby to find its food source after birth. In addition, certain glands in the areola produce a fatty substance and secrete it. This serves to keep the nipples supple and prepare them for the strain of breastfeeding. However, I cannot emphasise this often enough: The child should not suck on the nipple alone when drinking, but should always have part of the areola in its mouth at the same time!
The flow of milk
Prolactin levels also rise sharply during pregnancy. This milk production hormone is "slowed down" somewhat by oestrogen and progesterone before the birth - but after the birth, together with the hormone oxytocin, it stimulates the flow of milk and milk production "unchecked".
This allows the baby to drink the rich colostrum in its first days of life, which provides it with a good all-round supply. Two to four days after birth, regular latching on and vigorous sucking by the baby then encourage the so-called milk let-down. This means that the "actual" breast milk begins to flow. This can manifest itself in different ways in the mother: For example, milk may leak uncontrollably. In most cases, the breasts also swell and may feel temporarily firm or hard. However, this usually passes after one or two days.
If your breasts feel swollen, hard or painful again weeks or even months after the birth, this may be due to engorgement. The hard areas may also be reddened or significantly warmer. The mother may also find it painful to suckle the baby. One possible cause may be that milk has accumulated in the milk ducts and is not or cannot flow out. However, a milk blockage is often also a sign that the mother has too much stress and too few recovery phases or insufficient sleep and that things are - literally - not "working" properly.
However, there are a few "first aid measures" you can take to remedy the situation. The first piece of midwife advice is: breastfeed, breastfeed, breastfeed. Let your baby drink away the milk build-up. Warmth before breastfeeding in the form of cherry stone cushions, warm compresses or flannels on the breasts stimulates the flow of milk. You can also gently massage or stroke the hard areas while your child is drinking. After breastfeeding, cold supports your breasts. This can be a cool pack, curd compress or even a cabbage leaf. Rest and self-care should also be emphasised at this time.
It is important to act quickly so that a milk blockage does not turn into an inflammation of the breast that needs to be treated by a doctor. Your midwife can help you in any case if you have problems with your breasts or breastfeeding. You are also welcome to contact me at my Online counselling contact.
