I've got breasts!
The development of breasts in girls is one of the first signs of puberty and most girls eagerly anticipate this slight swelling of breast tissue, even though some can be a little anxious.
All shapes and sizes
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At the tip of the breast, is a small pink or brown bump called the areola. During puberty this becomes larger and darker. In the middle of the areola is the nipple. This small, raised button is sensitive to variations in temperature and to touch and can be soft around the outside or quite hard.
Despite what some people may say, exercise can't really change the size or shape of the breast as they're composed of glands and fatty tissue and have no muscle. Breasts can be pointed, trumpet-shaped or round like oranges. It's up to you to get to know them!
Why we have breasts
Breasts contain the mammary glands that cover the pectoral muscles. Although they have an erotic function in sex, the primary function of breasts, irrespective of their shape or size, is to produce milk to nurture babies and infants. The mammary gland consists of fifteen to twenty lobes that are, in turn, divided into lobules. The lobules contain the alveolar glands that produce the milk. The milk ducts carry the milk from the lobules to the nipple where it emerges in a thin stream.
Buying my first bra
A network of fragile ligaments attached to the skin supports your breasts. If these ligaments get torn or stretched, the breasts will sag which is the reason women wear bras. So, once you develop breasts, you will need to get a suitable bra, especially if your breasts are large or you play a lot of sport.
It's up to you to choose the style that you like best. Just be careful that it doesn't squash your breasts, that the straps don't dig into your shoulders, but that your breasts are well supported, particularly if they are large. You should change bra size whenever you need to, particularly when you first start wearing a bra, as it will change often. Don't be shy about it, as a trained shop assistant in the bra section will help you get the right size.
How can I work out my bra size?
If you do need to buy a bra on your own, you can take your measurements at home before setting out.
The band size measurement (34, 36 etc.) is calculated by measuring around the rib cage, just underneath the breasts, and then adding 4 inches (12cm). To work out the cup size, you measure around your chest at the fullest part of your breasts, without squashing them. If the measurement is the same as your band measurement, you need cup size A; if it's an inch (2.5cm) more, you need cup size B; 2 inches (5cm) more, cup size C, 4 inches (10 cm) more a D cup and so on...
This is a general guide, but bra sizes do change according to manufacturers, so you should always try on a bra before buying.
Copyright © 2010 Doctissimo
Posted 30.06.2010
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