Dear Dr Mitchell,
Is it really true that a woman's breasts will 'sag' after breastfeeding for more than six months? I want to know if this is a myth, because as you know, some women fear sagging, and so stop breastfeeding after three months. Is this true or false?
Chris

Dear Chris,
Breastfeeding DOES NOT cause the breast to sag and should be encouraged in all mothers as there are definite benefits to the newborn baby. Some of the advantages of breast feeding include:

.Improved mother to child bonding
.Reduced incidence of bowel infections (gastroenteritis) and allergies when compared with formula fed babies.
.Less constipation than is seen in formula fed babies
.Rapid return of the uterus to pre-pregnancy state.

This is also associated with loss of the excess weight gained in pregnancy with a faster return to pre-pregnancy shape and size. Breastfeeding is also easier than bottle feeding. It is also convenient as the breast milk is always available on demand. It is cheaper, and there is no need to sterilize bottles and refrigerate feeds as the baby is fed on demand.

This reduces the risk of gastroenteritis from dirty bottles and artificial nipples. The mother also produces substances that are present in the breast milk and this reduces the incidence of gastroenteritis.

It is advised that pregnant and breast feeding mothers wear firm, supportive bras that will prevent stretching of the supporting ligaments of the breasts and reduce sagging of the breasts. This is good advice even in women who have not had children.

Breastfeeding should be continued exclusively at least six months and should not be discontinued at 3 months because of fear of sagging of the breasts. The benefits are far too overwhelming and the baby will do better in the long term.
Best Wishes.

Dr Sharmaine Mitchell is an Obstetrician and Gynaecologist. Send questions or comments by e-mail to allwoman@jamaicaobserver.com, fax to 968-2025 or call 511-2461 to leave a 30-second voicemail message.

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