Breast Buds: Everything You Need To Know

BREAST BUDS

#askvicki , #breastbuds

Developing breast buds is one of the first signs of puberty and a lot of girls find this part of growing up awkward and confusing. To help you learn everything there is to know about budding boobs, we’ve put together a few facts that will make everything feel clearer and more normal.

Every girl develops breast buds at different times to her friends. Some girls notice breasts starting to grow as early as seven years old, and for others, it can be in the later part of her teenage years.

Breast buds are the first indication that something is going on in this area…but what is a breast bud? Breast development, or to give it its technical name ‘thelarche’, starts with a small lump being noticed under the skin and behind the nipple about the size of a ten pence piece.
A breast bud can feel quite hard to the touch and is often tender or sore.
Budding boobs are made of tissue, milk glands and fat.
The nipple and areola (that coloured ring surrounding the nipple) may start to protrude and even look a little swollen as the bud starts to grow. Breast buds can feel itchy during this time as the skin starts to stretch and grow.
Breast buds don’t always develop at the same time and lots of girls can mistakenly think this lump is something more serious because it has only happened in one breast. This is not something to worry about. It can take up to six months for the other breast to start developing and this is completely normal.
Budding boobs don’t need support during this time, so there is no need to wear a bra. But if you experience tenderness, you may find a soft cup bra or crop top helpful.
Breast buds are not replaced by anything else, nor do they disappear. They simply continue to grow into the breast shape we all recognise.

For more help and information, check out our boobs and bras advice blog

NEXT BLOG

Add your Comment

YOUR NICKNAME:

YOUR COMMENT:

CHOOSE YOUR AVATAR:

ARE YOU HUMAN:

Comments

Gigi

This has been helpful as I am 11 and I have had breast buds for around 1 1/2 years.

Emili

This helped a lot. I am 11 years old and have start to notice them for a few mounths now. Thanks a lot.

Bella

Ive had breast buds for about six months now and they are not continuing to grow. i am 13 and at the start of the year everyone was at the same stage as me but now there so much ahead of me. I only really have one question, how long does it take for the breast bud to expand and grow to something that looks like a breast.

Mika

I've had breast buds since like 9 year old and I'm 12 turning 13 in August I have like 3 in each one lol (I know this from slightly pinching around to see) is it normal that mines still aren't that big even tho my mom's and my sisters are/were?

MELODY

I LOVE this site I’m ten years old and I got discharge I was scared started developing breast at 9 I’m scared for my period but I should be prepared ima make a period kit :)

To Anna

Don't worry if you have not yet gotten your period. I had discharge for 3 and a half years before I got mine. I know it is hard but don't stress, your body is incredible and knows what it is doing. Hope that helps, Cassie Coconut

Kate

This website helps me so much because I am 10 and going thourgh puberty so this helps a lot.

ASK VICKI

If you have a question about periods, changes to your body or how you're feeling and can’t find the answer on here, ask Vicki for some advice. Just type in your question and press submit.

SUBMIT QUESTION

If Vicki can help you, she'll post an answer in the ‘Your questions answered’ page, so don't forget to keep checking it
(and the best thing is nobody will ever know it was you that asked!)