How your body changes
Did you know that your body has been preparing for breastfeeding right at the start of your pregnancy? At around fifth or sixth week, your breasts will be more tender and fuller. Your areolae will also be enlarged and a little darker. These physical transformations are actually the earliest clues that you’ve conceived.
Tissue, milk glands, and protective fat make up a big portion of a woman’s breast. Glandular tissues necessary to produce milk replace these fats as your pregnancy progresses. By the end of your second trimester, your body has fully transitioned to be a milk-making machine, fully capable of producing breast milk.
What can I do?
“As early as a month before giving birth, my OB already told me to keep eating healthy food, rest, hydrate, and supplement. These helped a lot in having a good start to breastfeeding,” shared Kelly Misa-Fernandez, TV host of proud mom of Tristan.
While your body is preparing, here are some things that you can do to assist:
- Research all about breastfeeding. The more you know, the better!
- Look for a lactation consultant or group. Getting an expert to help you will make everything easier.
- Participate in breastfeeding class or preparation together with your partner. Many hospitals and independent lactation support groups usually conduct these. Be on the lookout for these seminars.
- Don’t stress too much. Remember – a woman’s body is made to breastfeed.