Your areola is the colored area around each nipple. Like breasts (and people!), areolas come in all shapes, sizes, and colors.⁣
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Areolas aren't just accessories for your nipples; they actually serve a function. Areolas have tissue and fiber that contracts so that nipples can get erect when you're chilly, aroused, or breastfeeding. When estrogen levels are elevated (during the follicular phase of you menstrual cycle or during pregnancy/breastfeeding), your areola can darken or grow. ⁣
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For new mamas, the areolas act as a "bullseye" for a baby to find your breast and get milk (because babies have horrible eyesight), so the stark contrast between the areola and the color of the breast helps focus the baby's eyes on where to look. ⁣
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(👆🏾That is def one of my Top 3 favorite facts about the female body! ) The body is incredible! ⁣
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I’ll be doing #HumpDayAnatomy weekly to explore the reproductive and sexual body, so let me know if you have any body part questions!⁣
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Yellow milk, golden milk, creamy milk, green tinted milk, watery milk. All milk is different because all babies are different. Our bodies modify the vitamin and nutrient levels in breastmilk (and thus the color, consistency, and even quantity) according to the nutritional and immunological needs of our baby. Aren’t our bodies amazing?! There’s absolutely no need to compare. No matter the color, quantity, or duration, you’re doing great mama! #atldoula #liquidgold #atlantadoula #blackbreastfeeding #doulaofcolor 📷: @paulalopezdroguet