Firstly, I was wondering what happens after you've given birth. Obviously my breasts have grown and will continue to do so until I give birth, but what happens after that? Do they go back to their normal size? I'm planning on breastfeeding so will this affect it?

Secondly, I was wondering how long you have to stay in hospital for. Some people have told me that you can be out in a matter of hours and others are saying that since it's my first pregnancy they'll keep me in for a few days, assuming that everything goes according to plan. Can anyone shed some light on this please?

Thanks x

Thanks for all your replies. What happens after you've finished breastfeeding then? Do they go back to their normal size? Sorry if I'm being a bit thick! x

Hiya

I think everyone is different - some stay larger after breastfeeding, some go back to normal and some - and I hope this is me - shrink smaller than they were before! My sister did (she was also quite big) and I'm hoping for the same, to save me a reduction op (which I've wanted for ages, but argued over with my partner, lol).

Is there any pattern in your family? Are you a similar shape to your mum, and if so, how did she change shape when pregnant? Might be worth asking.

K x

Hi

I asked the MW these same questions just a couple of weeks ago!

Breasts - they will get larger once your milk comes in (about three or so days after the birth). This scares me, as am already absolutely huge! (34G, can they GET any bigger?)lol

Hospital - generally they like to keep you in around 24 hours after a normal healthy delivery, particularly for your first, to give you time to sleep and get adjusted to your baby with their support. This probably depends on the NHS Trust, hospital policy and the availability of a bed!

Hope that helps x

heya when i had my first i was in labour for 1 hour 40 mins and i was home and in my own bed 6 hours later, it all depends on how the baby is after birth and how you are afterwards aswell, i was up and walking about within 5 mins of having all 3 of mine (god how i wanted to be at home)and i intend to do the same with my 4th too, with my second tho he had low blood sugars so we had to stay in for 2 nights so they could monitor him, but some hospitals like to keep first timers in for one night regardless of if you and baby are doing well

good luck with everything

i've been wondering about the hospital thing too, my friend had her baby in january, she had quite an easy 3 hour labour and had baby at 3.30 in the morning and she was home by lunchtime the same day!!! i suppose it depends how you feel, if you're tired out after a long labour they might keep you in. i'm really hoping i dont have to stay long cos my hospital is a bit grotty and would feel much better at home!

If you are planning on breastfeeding then your breasts will stay large whilst they continue to produce milk etc.

As for staying in hospital. As it is your first they will probably keep you in at least one night - if everything goes well and you are confident about everything they may send you home after one night - otherwise they may keep you in a couple of nights.

Every hospital is different in how they offer their postnatal care but i would be suprised if they sent you home on the same day as you gave birth on your first child

Hope this helps - Good luck