i think dd who only turned 9 in jan may be developing?......

[blighter]

can a petit girl of 9 (only turned 9 in jan) be developing (breasts)? she just said to me that one of her nipples hurt when she touched it, had done for the last few days. i told her to lift up her nightie. her nipple didn't look like a little girls nipple, the other one looked the same as the other one. when i touched it it actually felt swollen/lump, they both did, i can't believe that she may well be developing. i am totally freaked out. should i go to dr? if she is developing early then i feel ridiculous. she is only small/skinny too so the last type of kid that i would have thought would develop early. anyone else know of a petit/small i height 9 year old that has started to develop breasts?

Don't panic!

Yes it possible - I can remember this happening to me at a similar age and I was very skinny - took til I was 13 to start my periods and develop 'properly' though.

I wouldnt make a big thing of it, just keep an eye on her (as you would anyway) and perhaps get yourself a copy of this book - What's Happening to My Body'
tweenparenting.about.com/od/physicalemotionalgrowth/gr/WhatsHappeGirls.htm
My daughter has it - I read it first so I would be prepared for her questions.

If you are still worried take her to your GP

There's a thread on the go about the same thing.

Don't panic

Yes, lots of girls in Y4 seem to start developing breasts. DD's started around then but she didn't start needing a bra until Y6. it does seem to be perfectly normal these days - normal too for girls to start periods in Y5/6 as well.

breasts do seem to develop from a kind of "bud" immediately behind the nipple - but it can take ages for them to become noticeable bumps. All sounds very normal !There are some fab books on Amazon to explain all this in an age-appropriate way eg:
www.amazon.co.uk/Girls-About-Periods-Growing-up-Stuff/dp/0340878282

thanks for all your advice, it has helped alot. i will take it all on board! was just a shock, that's all as i had no idea they developed so young as i didn't until i was 11