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Your Breasts

It doesn’t matter what you call them and it doesn’t matter what size and shape they are, ALL breasts are mammary glands. Your breasts have one TRUE purpose…making milk for your baby.

How Do They Do That?

Milk is made in your breasts and is released through your nipples as your baby breastfeeds. The more your baby breastfeeds, the more milk you will make.

What To Notice

During your pregnancy you will probably notice changes in your breasts as they prepare for breastfeeding, including:

• Increasing size

• Your areola changing color (getting darker)

• Montgomery glands appearing

• Increasing tenderness

Know Your Breasts

Alveoli – the cells that make milk in your breast. They are often pictured grouped together like a cluster of grapes, called lobules.

Areola – the darker area of the breast, surrounding the nipple.

Nipple – contains many openings through which milk will flow to your baby.

Milk duct – transports milk from the alveoli to the nipple opening.

Montgomery glands – small pimply bumps on the areola. They produce oil to help lubricate and cleanse the nipple and a scent that attracts your baby to the breast.