Boobs, boobs, boobs…

[Saggyknockers]

For as long as I can remember I have never had ideal shaped breasts.

I started puberty younger than average (9yo) and was very embarrassed by my larger saggy breasts. I was never given a bra for years, not that it would have helped. Lots of weight fluctuation in my teenage years hasn’t helped.

I have to wear a bra all the time. I can’t wear strapless bras/tops or dresses because my boobs would be on the floor. Well, not the floor but they are very near my belly button. I can’t wear strappy tops because I have to always wear a bra and the straps would be on show too. Even in my wedding dress my DM commented that they looked “droopy”.When working out I have to wear a sports bra over top of my regular bra because they’re just so low. My upper back and neck constantly ache because of the weight of them. The skin on my breasts is really stretchy and wrinkles up like crepe paper. Think lots of skin with not much in there.

I’m currently breastfeeding my 7 month old DC2. I’m grateful and appreciate that my body is able to feed my baby. However, to feed I have to hold my boob up to their mouth because they’re so floppy and saggy, this doesn’t help my back much either. I’ve tried many bf positions and been to see a lactation consultant too.

It feels embarrassing and depressing that my boobs are not the acceptable, ideal perky breasts that society expects them to be.

Is it unreasonable to be sad that at 26 my breasts are this saggy and likely to get worse?😣

Friend was diagnosed used woth tubular breasts when she went to Dr about back pain. She had an augmentation and reduction on nhs but this was about 10 years ago

Go to your doctor. Explain how it’s effecting your mental health and day to day life with neck/back pain etc and try and go down the route of a reduction.

I agree with PP

I visited the GP about it quite some time ago primarily because of the back pain. Breasts were also checked too. I was basically told that I had bad posture and a reduction would not be considered because my BMI was not under 25 at the time and the NHS is already very stretched.

Mine are exactly the same. I'm 23 and they're just getting worse. I have a friend with them too so there's lots of women with it out there I think we're all just hiding it away.

In terms of breastfeeding you could try the 'rugby ball' hold if you haven't already. I was about a K cup while feeding and that worked - I had to have my foot resting up on something like the front of the buggy if out and then support the baby on my knee. You may have tried this already.

In your position I would also consider a reduction/uplift and see if the NHS will fund.

Mind you it's worth remembering there are loads of women out there without 'perfectly' shaped breasts, it's normal and doesn't make you weird or unattractive.

I suspect some of the issue is that you didn't get bought a bra when you needed it, when young. Wearing a good supportive bra from the offset is crucial. I am big busted 32F, and have never been anything below a B cup, and that was in my early teens. I have fluctuated between a 36C and my biggest a 40GG whilst pregnant. I always need to wear a bra, no matter what I wear. I have accepted that wearing a strappy vest, my bra straps will be on show. It's just one of those things. I can't really offer any advice, other than have you considered having surgery, to give them a lift? Sending you a big hug.

I’ve just measured and from top to bottom they’re 17cm in length. At the top of my boobs there is no tissue at all, just empty skin.

Get a colourful bra with interesting straps to wear with strappy top and dresses. I often looks cute. Many women who breastfeed, tend to end up with saggy boobs. Mine have always been one of my ‘best’ feature, even now into my 50s, but I couldn’t breastfeed. I know which one I would have preferred- 22 years later, I regret that.

Thank you for this. I’m currently about a K cup too. I’ve tried the rugby hold position when DC was newborn and it work well for a while but she doesn’t like it now. I do have to have to rest my foot higher too like you say to help support her feeding. I’ll try and pluck up the courage to go back to the GP. I was so embarrassed having to talk about my boobs before and then to get shut down because of BMI and bad posture. My bad posture is because of my boobs 🙈.

I was also a B cup for my first bra and should have had one earlier! I was 11. Then DD by 14 and G by the end of school, now a J. They aren't a bad shape considering, but bloody heavy and obviously I don't go strapless.

I highly recommend the Decathlon dynamic yoga bra for sleeping, wearing around the house etc for anyone similar, it's super comfortable and supportive.

Have you been into a shop like Bravissimo to get a proper fitting? Sounds like you’re wearing the wrong size bra

Yes agree with that suggestion.

Have you tried either doing a measurement on Boob or Bust, or going somewhere like M&S for a bra fitting? I have similar problems, but I am old enough to be your grandmother, so it is to be expected, I suppose, but they reckon something like 90% of women are wearing the wrong size bra (I know I am currently) so it could be worth a try.

I also agree, a doctor's consultation is a must - it is affecting your physical and mental health.

Good luck xxx

Agree with so many PP. See you GP, and when you are done breast feeding, is a private breast reduction on the cards?

Hi OP, just commenting to give you a hug and say that I really feel for you.

Is your Dr male or female? Thinking a female one would likely be more sympathetic.

After baby stops feeding can you work on your weight, to get your BMI down, so they can't say no?

What is your BMI?

I know loosing weight is 100x easier said than actually done. But that is probably where I'd start get your BMI down. Then you can go back to the GP.

I assume you're still on mat leave and it's summer, get pram pushing.

Where did you get measured? Your bra should give you enough support without a second sports bra if it is the correct fit and bra shape.
Most places measure incorrectly so you won't be getting the right fit.
I'm sorry you feel down about them, your mother speaking like that about your body would have contributed.
Have you don't back strengthening exercises/seen a physio for your back?

If you strengthen your pectoral muscles that will help lift them a little, and when thinking of your posture imagine aiming your collarbone to the sky.
I basically live in bras 24/7, and also need to double up if doing any exercise, though I use a max support sports bra and then a compression crop top on top. I wear an underwired bra during the day, wire free for the evening once home from work, and then a sleep bra. The aim is to prevent any movement as much as possible, and also be comfortable as it's incredibly uncomfortable for me to be without a bra.
Unfortunately once your ligaments have stretched your boobs will no longer be the same and as you weren't provided with a bra when younger you had no opportunity to prevent the damage.
You can get a boob lift, but it is expensive and is not without risk. I've also seen recently that you can get a thread lifting procedure that can help a bit, but it only lasts until the threads disolve. I would wait and do your research if it's something you think you'd want to do, so once you've finished having kids and breastfeeding you'll be prepared to make a decision.

Thank you. I think you’re right about wearing supportive bras. I never had a proper bra fitting when I was young. I had to actually ask for a vest type bra in primary school because getting changed in the classroom was very embarrassing. For as along as I can remember they have been droopy and saggy. As an adult I’ve always had a bra fitting and brought from bravissimo or M&S.

Need to share with everyone on this thread that there is an amazing company that makes clothes you can wear without a bra no matter how big your boobs are! Manners London! I didn't believe it either but it's true, watch these to see!
https://www.instagram.com/reel/C7yfdOLNP1r/?igsh=MThmZWxhNzF4OW9vOQ==
https://www.instagram.com/reel/C8RUHMPsO5w/?igsh=MTZkaXh4aWE0b2ZxYw==

The clothes are expensive but life changing. And it's owned by a woman with big boobs and bum etc who wanted for make clothes that looked and felt amazing foe any type of body. Love them

Very similar size to you but much older and really sick of mine too. Currently on holiday and still stupidly self-conscious on the beach and unable to wear pretty tops.

People talk about reductions but I’ve never been brave enough to do that. Someone I know did and it is major surgery.

I’ve had these HHs since I was about 13 - so over 40 years. Absolutely sick of them in summer, but in winter they are at least easier to cover up.

Sorry, no words of wisdom but I feel your pain 💔

Yes as an adult I’ve always had a proper bra fitting at M&S or bravissimo. I love bravissimo bras.

Surgery. You are only 26, that's so very young to be struggling so much with this. I just think if you had a reduction / lift (or whatever is recommended) then you'll be happier and more comfortable in the long run.

I have had breast surgery myself and very glad I did. I was early 30s and I'm so pleased I don't have to live the rest of my life with the boobs I had before. I went private and yes it is expensive - I took on overtime and had no luxuries or holidays for quite a while. Worth it.

Hey op, I have boobs that are awkward for feeding positions too and the best one a feeding midwife showed me was to lay back with pillows slightly propping you up behind back/head but mostly layer back. And pillow for support under the arm of whichever boob you want to feed with. Have baby lying on top of you. Bring them to the boob and let them latch themselves (game changer) then rest them in the nook of your propped up arm so kind of having them go onto their sides but once they are on.

My nipples don’t exactly point up/forward anymore 😅 so till that point I’d been trying different ways of shoving them in at the right angle and it was a nightmare.