Today's post on #BREASTWEEK is all about learning to love and know your own breasts. It is very important to look at/touch your breasts on a regular basis, then you will know if something is slightly wrong with them. Obviously, your breasts will change size, shape and feel throughout the years, but it is always a good idea to know if something just doesn't feel right. I feel it is also important to understand that all breasts are different and no two are the same. Learn to love them not matter what size and shape.

Getting to know your breasts is important. You need to understand what your breasts feel and look like, so that you can notice when something isn't right. Personally, I think checking your breasts should start from 16 years of age, but mainly from when your breasts have developed. For some people, this could be from 10 years old. 

The 'perfect' time to check your breasts is around 10 days after your period has finished, so that your breasts are less tender and less swollen. The chart above explain what you are looking for when doing a SBE (Self Breast Exam). However, don't be too alarmed if you find lumps, as it is common to have lumpy breasts, especially if you are young. 

The first part of a SBE is a visual exam. When looking in a mirror, ask the following questions;

1 - Do my breasts look and feel the same?

2 - Is one breast larger or smaller than the other?

3 - Are my nipples the same shape?

4 - Are there any indentations, bruises or bulges?

5 - Are the veins more noticeable on one breast than the other?

(Sometimes one breast is larger than the other, don't be too alarmed if your breast has always been like that.)

After looking the mirror, you will need to feel your breasts.

1 - Lie down with a rolled towel under your shoulder and the outer side of your breast. Always use the tips of your first four fingers of the opposite hand. 

2 - With the four fingers together, move in a 5-pence-coin-sized circle motion, 3 times in the same spot, moving from light to medium, to deeper pressure. When moving to the next spot on your breast, don't remove your fingers, gently walk them to the next spot. 

3 - Examine the entire breast area, from your breast bone to below your breast, all the way across to your armpit. 

4 - Starting at your breast bone, work your way down your breast and back up. The last line should be up your side, below the outer edge of your breast, finishing under your armpit.

5 - Final step is to gently squeeze your nipple. Now, this might feel weird or funny, but it is important to do. Your are looking for any discharge or pain. If you do sometime feel pain around your nipple, don't worry to much, as long as it is normal to you.

Always remember that you are looking for something different to what is normal for you. 

Do this monthly so that you become familiar to your body and how your normal breast feels. 

If you do notice something different, go to your doctor.

These are mine girls. The two babes I couldn't live without. And yes, here I am showing them on the internet (still in a bra though) because I am proud of them. One is a whole cup size bigger than the other. They sag slightly and yes, sometimes I find it difficult for certain types of tops to fit, but I LOVE them. They are 38E in size, can be a pain in the back to carry around at times, but I LOVE them. Yes, I can pick flaws about them but I can also find amazing qualities about them too. They balance out my hips, giving me an hourglass figure. They look amazing in low cut tops. I always get served first at a bar, if the barman notices them. ;) (haha! that point was just for fun!) I just LOVE them.

I know I would feel the same if they were smaller because I would love them for other reasons, such as being able to wear high-neck clothing, being able to buy cheaper bras and bras being easier to buy! Along with many other reasons. 

I guess what I am trying to say is, try and love what God has blessed you with. If you are truly unhappy, then there are ways to change them, i.e. losing weight/breast surgeries. 

But, try this first. Look in that mirror with no top or bra on. Instead of pointing out what you don't like about them, pick out 5 point of what you do like about them. You might surprise yourself that you do like some aspects of them. Do this everyday. Try and find 5 different points, or even say the same points. The constant repeating will stick in your head, then might actually start to believe it.