Boob Fun Facts
because boobs aren’t just fun, they’re functional and incredible!
written with love by a postpartum newborn nurse, retired breastfeeding mama of two and soon-to-be IBCLC
One breast is usually bigger than the other. Most often the left is bigger than the right.
But what this doesn’t mean is that has any impact on future breastfeeding or milk production.
2. There’s a 5% chance everyone has at least one extra nipple.
Men are more likely to have an extra nipple too. It may look like an actual nipple like you’d think of, or it may look like a mole or skin tag. Most often there is no breast tissue behind it to produce milk, but still considered a nipple. This would be present since birth. There is what is called the milk line in our bodies. When you were an itty bitty embryo in your moms belly, the milk line regressed back into your body, with the exception of the two intended nipples, and any extra ones. Nipples with supporting glanduar tissue can actually produce milk and even leak during feedings.
There is nothing wrong with having an extra nipple, nothing at all!
3. Breasts start to make milk around week 16 during pregnancy.
So guess what that means, you may experience some leaking. Even if you are expecting it, it is still surprising. And it just may come when you really don’t need it to, like during sex (thanks oxytocin!)
Leaking doesn’t mean that there will be a high milk supply. And conversely, not leaking doesn’t mean there will be a low milk supply. Some moms leak milk/colostrum during pregnancy, others don’t, that’s all
4. During pregnancy, the areolas became darker and larger.
And nipples get bigger in diameter too, and often change shape.
The areolas darken so it is an easier landmark for baby to find when just born and their vision is only clear a few inches away.
5. The areola secretes a scent that smells just like the amniotic fluid.
Special glands on the areola help to bring baby to moms chest and the breast by smelling like home. When baby roots, they can slowly (not not so slowly) move their bodies closer to that familiar smell where the milk will be if mom is choosing to breastfeed.
1 in 5 moms actually secrete fluid from these glands on the areola.
6. Hair on or around the areola is normal
Plucking or shaving is not only not necessary, it is discouraged if you are breastfeeding. Any types of breaks in the skin can lead to unwanted infection.
7. Each nipple has around 9 milk duct openings on the face of the nipple.
That’s right! It’s not like a water bottle where there is one opening, there are plenty of holes to keep the milk flowing.
Not all are patent and not all open to the outside, but regardless boobs are amazing!
What boob fact above was most surprising to you?
Your postpartum & newborn nurse besties of Fourth Trimester Foundations here to support you during your pregnancy, birth and postpartum.
How we can support you:
Postpartum focused support in your inbox from our newsletter
1:1 Virtual RN calls where you can talk anything you or baby or both!
Taking Back Your Fourth Trimester Workshop on preparing for postpartum during your pregnancy in a self-paced format.
Bare Minimum Baby virtual self-paced workshop and basics you need for baby, so you can prioritize your prep.
