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?😣

They sound like tubular breasts. Is there a gap in between them? I have them too. It affected breasffeeding for me so it’s great you’re able to.

mine look good in the right bra (full cup balconette suits me).

and one plus side is that now in my early forties I’ve no issues adjusting to saggy breasts since they’ve always been like that since puberty 🤷‍♀️ 😆

Thank you for the lovely comment.

I saw a female GP as I thought, like yourself, that perhaps she might be a little more understanding to my situation.

That’s my plan to get my BMI below 25 and pluck up the courage to revisit the GP again. Being in a calorie deficit is a struggle for me whilst breastfeeding as I’m having to still eat 1800 calories (as recommended by my midwife and Le Leche league) to maintain my supply ,however, because I’m on the shorter side 5’4 my maintenance and deficit calories are well below this so it’s a bit trickier to lose weight and not working out.

I have the same issue. What do people think is the better option. Scars from an uplift or saggy boobs?

Yes I have a gap at the top of my breasts which is around 4cm. Then the gap widens to 14cm at the bottom. Is there not supposed to be a gap? 😭🙈

I like the balconette style too but I get the crepe paper skin ripples in them ! Breastfeeding has been a real struggle (lots of crying) because of the size and shape but we’re finally doing okay.
At the minute I’m wearing a breast feeding bra that doesn’t have an underwire but I’m going to purchase a bravissimo one with underwire!

That is the one plus side I suppose, I suspect I’ll be chucking them over my shoulder come old age 🤣

OP, I'm sure you're boobs look good and you're just being critical - but if it bothers you I would save up for a lift & a reduction. I would recommend losing weight first before you do though - because loosing weight will make your boobs smaller & saggier. Makes sense to do it once you're at your ideal size, so they don't get saggier if you then lose weight after

I'm late 20's and currently in exactly the same place with my 3 month old. They're especially droopy now with my second.

They did bounce back after about 4 years following my first, but here we are again. Anyone would think I like them!

This is the best nursing bra on the plant for big boobs:

https://www.bravissimo.com/products/molly-nursing-bra-el101/

I have two and they have lasted 16 months of daily use.

Often cheaper on the elomi website.

Don’t stress about calorie deficit for now, try some Pilates type exercise (home YouTube bits) and lights weights for chest muscle strengthening.
Then when baby is bigger (post 6 months) you can be stricter with diet.
Swimming aha always been my friend cardio wise with a big bust (no sports bras to worry about).

Also don’t be too hard on yourself, no one’s boobs are perfect (bar internet retouched photos). Yours have done an amazing job
loose the weight see how you feel about yourself and then see if you would consider surgery (NHS criteria these days are very tight you may have to consider private) it is major surgery though.

You’re not unreasonable for your feelings as society does continually highlight young, svelte bodies, which aren’t everyone’s reality.
I also needed a bra at 9/10, I was embarrassed for a lot of years until i worked out paying more money for a decent fitting bra made me feel so much better.

I was wearing a 38dd when in fact i was 36ff.
the difference in the lift of my ladies was noticeable immediately. The bra fitter I went to was an independent, trained in working with women who’d had mastectomies and she said she could see right away I was wearing the wrong bra size! Don’t use M&S as they measure in a completely different way, hence my wrong bra size!

Also, I used to worry about my strap being seen when wearing a strapped top - again I no longer worry about it because the ladies are well supported 😍

I can see why they want your bmi under 25 though, every time my weight fluctuates my boobs change too.

An inlaw went private, didn’t lose weight and they came back within a few years.

They do sound like tubular breasts, OP. I also have them and I struggled with milk supply like a PP so I’m glad you are able to breastfed. It’s not a well known condition and most GPs won’t have come across it, although I’m surprised the lactation consultant didn’t mention it.

I’ve just lost quite a bit of weight and mine have gone from small and droopy to tiny and droopy, and I have to wear a bra as otherwise they look appalling even at their size. They have drooped since day one.

To be honest, I really would consider surgery in your place. You’d so young. Look for recommendations online for surgeons who specialise in tubular breasts as it requires someone who understands them.

I had big boobs when I BF and I used to find it easier to lie on my bed on my side with the baby lying on the bed next to me - and then I had a reduction once I'd finished having children. Best thing I ever did!

The back pain really sounds rough and like something a doctor should take seriously.

As for the look of them, I don't want to jump on with irrelevant advice but since breastfeeding mine have gone from traditionally desirable to saggy and droopy. It's actually been very liberating for me and changed how I think about my breasts. I bought a load of beautiful colourful bras that don't hide their natural shape and try and wear my body with pride. It's hard sometimes when I catch a glimpse in the mirror and see how far they've fallen compared to before, but I try to remind myself that this is the shape of my body and it's nothing to be ashamed of. I completely understand that there's more going on here with the pain, so please forgive the comment if you don't feel it's relevant - I just think as women we're so conditioned to think of how our bodies look in relation to how society might want them to look, when really I'm sure that your body is beautiful, and it has done amazing things, like nourish your prescious babies.

Since I've started chest exercises mine (30GG) look much, much better. I'm not saying it's the one and only solution, but building muscle will really support your boobs and help to reduce pain.

That’s amazing you can feed your child. I have tubular breasts and sadly could never exclusively feed my child. Saw all the specialists, had all the prescribed supplements, fed and pumped every 3hrs for months and it honestly nearly killed me. Giving up breastfeeding was the best thing I ever did (although the amazing encouraging comments on here I got were outweighed by the devastating comments on how I should have tried harder), even though I was depressed about it for ages.

I would say, my breasts are very small, so any reconfiguration for me would be pretty pointless. If you have a reconfiguration you may have large noticeable scars and although your breasts will be smaller, could still be droopy as it’s hard to manoeuvre the existing breast tissue.

My friend had this procedure on the NHS and she was happy in the end as they didn’t droop as much, but she didn’t like the scars and you can’t make tissue.

Also, there is absolutely no evidence regarding bras and droop. All the evidence points to is people with extensive breast muscles tend to be able to hold up the fat better. There was even evidence to support the opposite that the more the muscles have to work to keep the fat and tissue up results in stronger and firmer muscle support. It’s like imagining having a bottom bra, the bum bra won’t keep your bum pert and firm - if it did everyone would wear one!!

Also, your bad posture will get better with lots of core exercise. I used to have lots of back pain and walk with an overly curved spine, but now I can do 50 sit-ups the pain is gone 💪

I agree with this. So sorry you’re experiencing this, I’m in the same boat and saving up. Keep trying the GP in the meantime and it may be a long slog if you have to wait a while, but could you be in a position to get a loan or save towards a reduction/uplift in the meantime?

I know how this makes you feel and how much it impacts daily life, just from deciding what clothes to wear each day! Especially in this weather too, it just brings it home again! You’re not alone 💐

go back to your GP once you’re done breastfeeding, this sounds like it’s been bothering you for ages and really impacting you. If you get no joy, could you save up and have a reduction privately (or pay for it in instalments)? The only thing it might be worth thinking about is whether you are finished having children - I’m no expert but I wonder if you had surgery before you’d finished having children you might struggle to breastfeed in the future or if you do breastfeed they’ll sag again and you’ll be back at square one (i don’t think smaller boobs necessarily means they won’t sag post breastfeeding).

There’s no correlation between breastfeeding and saggy boobs. Plus, the OP said she’s had them since she was a teenager. Pointless comment.

In regards to breastfeeding, roll a muslin up and put it under your boob. 2 if you must. It will make the position more sustainable and lift the breast.

When you're done breastfeeding, I would consider surgery if you are unhappy.

I think everyone should find happiness in their bodies but if you are caused pain by your breasts and the NHS won't help you must prioritise your own health and go private. You're too young to live a life in pain and all the accumulating age related issues that are caused as a consequence of untreated heavy breasts.

Thank you so much! This is really kind and encouraging. I have actually just ordered this exact bra so I’m now very excited to try it! Someone on here did ask for my BMI and I’ve calculated it to be 29.8, not great 😕 I know I’m capable of losing the weight as I lost 4 stone a couple of years ago. However, the result of such weight loss is even saggier empty boobs for me. I’ll be onto the YouTube for some workout ideas to ease myself back into a routine and work my pectoral muscles like others have said. I’d love to swim but I’m a poor swimmer, I have tried lots of times with it being easier on my joints.

What exercises do you recommend?

Can you recommend or list the exercises you’ve done?

How did your surgery go if you don’t mind me asking ? And how are your scars ? I would have breast reduction/lift surgery if it meant that my posture/back and neck pain would be eased but would be quite anxious about scars and pain.

@CareerChange24& @AdviceNeeded2024 - weights, and taking up a martial art that involves punching and throwing people 😅

I like being physically strong, would recommend listening to Sturdy Girl Club (BBC) for inspiration on various sports.

Thank you. I just wondered if there was a particular set of exercises for sagging, I will try anything before having surgery! Although I look at my mum and can see they are inherited the big size and sag