Findings from a study in the September/October 2008 issue of the Aesthetic Surgery Journal show that breastfeeding is not a likely cause of post-pregnancy drooping of the breasts.  We often see women in our practice that complain about postpartum sagging which many people believed to be linked to breastfeeding.  However, as this new study demonstrates it appears that other factors such as age, higher body mass index and a history of smoking are responsible for the sagging that some women experience after pregnancy.

“It is widely assumed that breastfeeding will adversely affect the appearance of the breast and this has been a major reason cited by women who choose not to breastfeed.  However, there has been very little objective data to support or deny this fact.  With this study we hope to shed some light on the subject, ” said Brian Rinker, MD.

The current study set out to identify risk factors associated with the development of breast ptosis (sagging breasts) and to determine if there is a correlation between breastfeeding and breast appearance.  The information showed that greater age, higher body mass index, greater number of pregnancies, larger pre-pregnancy bra cup size and a history of smoking were all significant  risk factors in the development of sagging breasts.  Breastfeeding was not, even as the duration of breastfeeding increased.

While furhter studies are needed to asses each of the factor’s effects on breast sagging this is a good start in providing information for those who are concerned about the potential effects of breastfeeding.