UNEQUAL BREAST SIZE

It’s normal for one breast to be bigger than the other during puberty. As you grow, the breasts usually even out over time without needing any special treatment.

   

Why Does It Happen in some teens, one breast may develop more than the other. In others, the smaller breast might not grow as much. However, if by around age 16 (or near the end of puberty), your breasts are still noticeably different in size, they’ll likely stay that way. About one in four adult women have some degree of breast asymmetry.

·      During puberty, there’s no urgent need to see a doctor just because your breasts are uneven. But if the difference persists at the end of puberty, seeking advice is a good idea. An endocrinologist (a hormone specialist) might be recommended.

Breastfeeding and Uneven Size:

• If you’re a mom with uneven breast size, don’t worry! The difference is usually due to fat layers, not the milk ducts.
• You can still breastfeed from both breasts as usual. The amount of milk produced should be similar from each breast.

Breast Cancer Risk:

• Uneven breast size doesn’t affect your risk of breast cancer. So, no need to stress about that.
• If you have any worries, chat with your doctor—they’re there to help!

Cosmetic Options:

• If you’re bothered by the appearance, there are treatments that can improve how your breasts look. These focus on cosmetic changes.

Breast reduction

• Surgery to reduce breast size is done as an operation under general anesthetic (where you are put to sleep) by a plastic surgeon.
• Breast reduction can affect milk production if breast tissue is removed. Nipple placement is also important to ensure future breastfeeding goes well. Discuss all risks and benefits carefully with a plastic surgeon.

Cosmetic Options:

External Prosthesis: Realistic and risk-free.

Breast Reduction or Implants: Plastic surgery options for cosmetic improvement.

Breast implant

 What? Breast implants are a surgical procedure performed by a plastic surgeon.

 How? They’re filled with saline (salt water), which is safe for the body.

Why Not Silicone? Silicone implants are no longer used due to concerns about potential leakage and immune system impact.

Breastfeeding? Breast enhancement doesn’t usually affect breastfeeding.

Important: Discuss risks and benefits with a plastic surgeon.

Key points to remember

• It is quite common for breast size to be unequal during puberty. If they are different sizes near the end of puberty, they are likely to stay unequal. 
• There is no medical need for treatment for unequal breast size. Unequal breasts won't affect breastfeeding or increase breast cancer risk.
• An external breast prothesis looks and feels realistic and has no associated health risks.
• A breast reduction or breast implant are plastic surgery options that can improve cosmetic appearance. 

For more information

• See your doctor, pediatrician or endocrinologist.
• Talk to a plastic surgeon to discuss treatment options.

IMPORTANCE OF BREASTFEEDING

 Importance of breastfeeding for your baby

• Breast milk is a complete food for your baby. 
• It is a living fluid, constantly changing according to your baby’s needs, and 
• Packed full of nutrients and antibodies to boost your baby’s immune system.

Importance of breastfeeding for you

• Breastfeeding may assist the bonding and attachment between mothers and babies.
• Breastfeeding promotes faster maternal recovery from childbirth, and women who have breastfed have reduced risks of breast and ovarian cancers later in life.
• May assist mothers to lose weight after baby’s birth.

Importance of breastfeeding for the family

• Breastfeeding is free, safe, convenient and environmentally friendly. No preparation required, ready anytime, anywhere.
• Risks of not breastfeeding
• Breastfeeding can help protect your baby against illness and diseases.
• Breastfeed babies have a lower risk of asthma, obesity, diabetes and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS or cot death).

Importance of early uninterrupted skin-to-skin contact after birth for all babies

• Holding close after birth keeps babies warm and calm. Promotes bonding.
• Babies can hear their mother's heartbeat.
• Baby's heart and breathing is normalised.
• Necessary procedures and checks should wait until after the first feed.

How to recognise when baby is ready to attach to the breast for the first feed

• When a baby has skin-to-skin contact after birth there are nine observable newborn stages, happening in a specific order, that are instinctive for the baby. 
• Within each of these stages, there are a variety of actions the baby may demonstrate.
• These stages are the birth cry, relaxation, awakening, activity, rest, crawling, familiarization, sucking and final stage is sleep.
• No other food or drink to around the first 6 months

 WHO, UNICEF RECOMMENDATIONS:

• Early initiation of breastfeeding within 1 hour of birth.
• Exclusive breastfeeding to around 6 months of age.
• Exclusively breastfed babies do not require additional fluids up to 6 months of age.
• Continue breastfeeding until 12 months of age and beyond, while introducing complementary (solid) foods at around 6 months of age. 
• First foods need to include iron-rich foods
• Getting breastfeeding off to a good start
• Breastfeeding problems are most often caused by baby not attaching well; ask for help when you are starting out.
• Positioning involves holding your baby close to you (chest to chest). Lying completely on you, with the baby's chin to the breast, with a wide open mouth.
• Effective attachment is recognized by no significant nipple pain.
• Babies are fed according to their needs in response to feeding cues / signs, as long and as often as baby requires.

Importance of rooming in

• Keeping your baby in the room with you, with beside you, day and night means: 
• You can cuddle your baby whenever you want
• Get to know your baby before you go home. 
• Breastfeed when your baby shows feeding signs.

Signs of baby is getting enough milk

• Anywhere from 8 to 12 feeds per 24 hours can be normal.
• The first week is different to any other time.
• 5 to 6 wet diapers each day after the first 5 days.
• Most breastfed babies will poo at least 3 to 4 times a day by the end of the first week, and poo will be yellow and runny.