The excitement of a first pregnancy is unparalleled. While subsequent pregnancies are certainly filled with wonder, the first is a whirlwind of new experiences and surprises. Each change in your body brings a unique thrill, and I remember my own first pregnancy vividly—until I discovered a lump in my armpit that was roughly the size of a kiwi. My mind raced with worst-case scenarios. Could it be cancer? A tumor? What on earth was happening to me?
During my ultrasound appointment, I anxiously stared at the monitor, trying to decipher what the technician was seeing. “What’s going on?” I asked, my heart racing. “All I can see is breast tissue. I’ll send the results to your doctor,” she replied. While I felt relieved to learn it wasn’t a tumor, the notion of having breast tissue in my armpit was perplexing. My OB/GYN didn’t provide much clarity either, stating it was normal for breasts to swell during pregnancy and that everything would return to normal after childbirth. However, as I glanced around, I couldn’t help but notice that no other expectant mothers appeared to be sporting a kiwi-sized lump in their armpit!
Eventually, a friend who was a lactation consultant suggested it might be an extra mammary gland. After the birth of my son, this theory was confirmed when another lactation consultant visited to check on my breastfeeding progress. “I think I have a third breast,” I exclaimed, and with the thoroughness typical of lactation consultants, she lifted my hospital gown to inspect the area.
She shared some fascinating information: milk lines extend from the armpit down to the abdomen, similar to how cats or dogs nurse their litters. Some people are born with extra mammary glands or nipples along this line, and unless there’s a visible nipple, it often goes unnoticed until pregnancy causes the breasts to swell. To my surprise, the consultant mentioned a woman in the hospital the previous day who had eight breasts! Hearing that made me feel a lot better about just having one extra.
She assured me that it would eventually shrink back after nursing since there was no visible nipple. However, she was mistaken. When my milk came in, I noticed something alarming: what I thought was merely a small brown freckle was actually a nipple that began to leak milk down my shirt. Yes, you read that right—my third breast was lactating!
Nursing became quite the adventure. While most moms used absorbent breast pads, I had to rely on a towel in my armpit, and I sported a large band-aid to manage the situation. To make matters even more entertaining, my son was born in June, which meant tank top weather. Talk about a fashion statement!
Between my first and second pregnancies, I made the decision to have the third breast surgically removed. Although some breast tissue remains, it no longer causes me any surprises during my pregnancies. I’ve come to accept and embrace my unique experience, recognizing that many women may feel self-conscious about their bodies after childbirth. Your stomach may bear the marks of motherhood, but at least I can say, “At least it doesn’t lactate!”
So, here’s a toast to my third breast. It has given me a humorous perspective on postpartum bodies and a fantastic story to share. Cheers to the unexpected!
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In summary, sometimes the surprises of pregnancy can lead to unexpected tales and a fresh outlook on life. Embracing these quirks can help us appreciate our bodies in all their unique glory.