Hi Belle, I am so glad to hear that you find crop tops  padded or unpadded suit you, I am a fan of these too. 

Vicki 🦄💖

Hi ❤️

That's a great question, and what you're describing is completely normal.

Your breasts and nipples are very sensitive to things like temperature, touch, hormones, and even emotions. When you're warm, the skin and tissues are more relaxed, which can make your breasts look a little fuller and your nipples appear flatter or less noticeable.

When you're cold, tiny muscles around the nipples contract. This makes the nipples stick out and feel firmer, and the skin around them can wrinkle or look a bit "crumpled." At the same time, the breast tissue may tighten slightly, which can make your breasts seem a little smaller.

You might also notice your nipples become erect when you're nervous, exercising, or if something brushes against them. That's just your body's natural response and nothing to worry about.

Breasts can change appearance throughout the day, and it's very normal for them to look slightly different depending on temperature, your menstrual cycle, and where you are in puberty.

Vicki ❤️

Hi ❤️

This is a really common question, and the answer is that there isn't a specific age or breast size when you have to switch to a bra.

If you find your breasts need a little more support when you're running around, playing sports, or being active, or if they feel sore or tender, you may find a proper cupped bra more comfortable. Some girls also choose a bra when they notice a crop top no longer gives them the shape, coverage, or support they would like.

That said, there is absolutely nothing wrong with continuing to wear padded crop tops if they feel comfortable and give you the support you need. Even many adults with fully developed breasts prefer crop tops, bralettes, or soft padded tops instead of traditional bras.

The best guide is how you feel. If your current crop tops are comfortable, supportive, and make you feel confident, there's no rush to change. When and if you decide to try a bra, think of it as having another option in your wardrobe rather than a replacement.

Vicki ❤️

Hi ❤️

That's a really good question, and the honest answer is that breasts can continue developing into your late teens and even your early twenties. Puberty doesn't happen overnight, and everyone develops at their own pace.

You may notice changes in your breasts for several years after they first start growing. Even once they're fully developed, their size and shape can still change throughout life. For example, some girls and women notice their breasts feel a little fuller before a period, and changes can also happen with weight fluctuations, pregnancy and ageing.

Breast size is mostly influenced by your genes, body shape and natural development, so there isn't a set age when everyone's breasts reach their final size. We are all different, and comparing yourself to friends can make it seem like you're behind when actually you're developing perfectly normally.

Vicki ❤️

Hi ❤️

That is completely normal and it happens to lots of teens! Sometimes we laugh when we're embarrassed, nervous or unsure what to say. It's actually one of the ways our brains deal with awkward feelings, even when nothing is funny.

From what you've said, it sounds like talking about bras, periods and puberty makes you feel a bit self-conscious, so the laughing is probably just your body's way of coping with those nerves.

Try not to worry about it. You don't need to force yourself to suddenly have serious conversations if they feel awkward. If you start laughing again, that's okay. Give yourself a little time to calm down, and then perhaps send your mum a text later saying something like:

"Sorry I kept laughing earlier. I do want to talk about bras/periods, I just get really embarrassed talking about it face to face."

You may find that texting first makes the conversation much easier. Once you've broken the ice, chatting in person often feels a lot less awkward.

And honestly? Most mums expect these conversations to be a bit giggly and embarrassing. Chances are she remembers feeling exactly the same at your age!

Vicki ❤️

Hi ❤️

Some girls and women choose to wear a bra to bed, while others prefer not to. There is no medical reason why you need to wear a bra at night, so it really comes down to what feels most comfortable for you.

If you enjoy the support a bra provides, you might prefer a soft, non-wired sleep bra. If you'd rather have a break from wearing a bra, bedtime is the perfect opportunity to go braless and let your skin breathe.

Whether you sleep with a bra on or off, it won't affect how your breasts grow, their size, or their shape. The most important thing is that you're comfortable and able to get a good night's sleep.

Vicki ❤️

Hi ❤️

The simple answer is that there isn't anything you can do to make your breasts grow larger naturally. Breast size is mostly determined by your genetics and your body's own development during puberty.

It can be hard if it seems like all your friends have bigger breasts than you, but try not to compare yourself too much. Girls go through puberty at different times and at different speeds, so it's completely normal for some girls to notice breast development earlier than others.

From what you've said, it sounds like you're worried about not developing as quickly as your friends. The chances are that over the next year or so, you'll start to notice changes in the shape and size of your breasts as your body continues to mature.

And remember, your breast size doesn't define you. There is no rule that says bigger breasts are better. We all have different body shapes, and what's most important is learning to feel confident and comfortable in the body you have.

Vicki ❤️

Hi ❤️

Lots of girls wonder this! Breast size is often influenced by genetics, so looking at the women in your family can sometimes give you a clue about what your breasts might be like when you're older.

However, it isn't as simple as inheriting your mum's breast size. You may take after women on your dad's side of the family instead, or you may develop a completely different body shape from everyone else. ❤️

Breast size is affected by a mixture of things, including your genetics, body shape and natural development during puberty. That's why sisters can even have very different breast sizes!

So, while having a mum with larger breasts might increase the chances that you'll have larger breasts too, there's no way to know for certain because we are all different.

Try not to compare yourself to anyone else. During puberty, breasts can grow and change for several years, and they often develop at different rates too.

Vicki ❤️

Hi ❤️

Those little bumps you can see on and around your nipples are called Montgomery glands, and they're a completely normal part of your body. Every girl and woman has them, although they can be more noticeable at some times than others.

These tiny glands produce natural oils that help to moisturise and protect the skin around the nipple. As your body changes during puberty, you may find that your breasts, nipples and the area around them change too, and that can make the bumps easier to see.

So if you've noticed these little bumps, there's no need to worry. ❤️ They're a normal part of breast development and nothing to be embarrassed about.

If you enjoy learning about puberty, breast development and body changes, why not visit my blog below.

Breast Development & Breast Buds

Vicki ❤️

Hi ❤️

Breast milk is pretty amazing. It can change in its thickness, consistency, and even the nutrients it contains depending on what a baby needs.

So it won't always look like the milk you pour on your cereal or into tea and coffee. Sometimes, when breast milk has been sitting for a while, the cream can separate and rise to the top, making it look thicker or a bit like yoghurt. That's completely normal and doesn't mean anything is wrong.

Your mum is right that breast milk is very nutritious for your baby sister, and it can look slightly different from one day to the next.

Vicki ❤️

Hi ❤️

If you're a teen, or just starting puberty, this sounds very much like it could be the start of breast development. As your breasts begin to develop, it's common for your chest and breast area to feel sore, tender, tight, or achy. That's completely normal.

The skin and tissue in this area are starting to stretch and grow to make room for breast buds, which are often the first sign of breast development. The soreness usually settles down after a few weeks, although it can come and go as your breasts continue to grow.

You may find that gently applying a moisturiser helps the skin feel less tight. If you don't already wear one, a crop top or training bra can also provide a little extra support and make you feel more comfortable.

Sore, tight breasts are a very common part of puberty. If you'd like to learn more, check out my blog "Breast Buds and Breast Development" which explains the different stages of breast growth and what you can expect during puberty.

Breast Development & Breast Buds

Vicki ❤️

Hi ❤️

Yes, that's completely normal. Nipples come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes and directions, both before and after breast development. Some point forwards, some slightly downwards, some outwards, and some nipples may not look exactly the same as each other.

If you haven't developed breast buds yet, the way your nipples look isn't usually a sign that anything is wrong. As puberty progresses, your breasts and nipples will change shape several times, and you may notice differences as they grow.

The good news is that there is no "right" or "wrong" way for nipples to look. We are all different, and breast development doesn't happen in exactly the same way for everyone.

If your nipples have always pointed downwards and you have no pain, lumps, or other unusual changes, this sounds perfectly normal from what you've described.

Vicki ❤️

Hi ❤️ and good morning to you too!

What you've described sounds very normal for early breast development. Breast buds can take a couple of years to fully develop, and at first they often feel like a small, firm disc behind the nipple. Sometimes there can seem to be a lot of soft tissue around the area before the breast starts to fill out and grow.

The dull ache and soreness you're feeling is also very common during puberty. As your breasts begin to develop, the skin and tissue stretch, which can cause aching, tenderness, or sensitivity.

Puffy nipples are another normal sign of puberty and are often one of the first changes people notice before their breasts become more obvious. It's not unusual for your nipples to look larger or more swollen than they used to.

The good news is that, from what you've said, this sounds like a normal part of puberty. Try to be patient with your body. Breast development happens gradually and can sometimes feel like it's taking forever, but these changes are a sign that things are progressing. Check out my blog below for more advice.

Breast Development & Breast Buds

Vicki ❤️

Hi ❤️

If you're in your pre-teens or teens, then a dull ache in your breast can be a completely normal sign that breast development is beginning. Breast buds don't usually appear overnight. The changes happen very gradually, and for some people, soreness or tenderness is one of the first things they notice.

A little tip in case you didn't know: it's very common for one breast to start developing before the other. One side may ache first, develop first, or be slightly bigger for a while before the other catches up. That's completely normal.

Keep an eye on it, but try not to worry. If the ache becomes severe, you notice redness, swelling, or a lump that doesn't feel like normal breast development, then it's worth mentioning it to a parent, carer, or doctor.

The good news is that breast tenderness is often one of the earliest signs of puberty, so from what you've described, this may simply be your body starting that journey.

You may find my blog on breast buds and breast development helpful too. 😊

Vicki ❤️

Hi ❤️

The good news is that breast size has nothing to do with whether you can produce breast milk. 😊 People with small breasts, large breasts and everything in between can all go on to breastfeed their babies.

Your breasts contain milk-producing glands, and these are there regardless of breast size. When a baby is born, your body's hormones signal that it's time to make milk, and the milk glands get to work.

You may find that if you ever become pregnant in the future, your breasts change in size as your body prepares for breastfeeding. Some people notice quite a big change, while others notice only a small change. We are all different.

So try not to worry. Having a smaller bust at 13 does not mean you won't be able to produce milk in the future.

Vicki ❤️

Hi, yes, what you're describing sounds very much like breast buds, which are a normal part of breast development during puberty. Breast buds can feel like firm lumps underneath the nipples, and it's completely normal for them to feel tender, sore or a bit achy as they're growing.

As your breasts continue to grow, the breast buds will gradually develop into breast tissue and will usually feel less hard and tender over time.

My tip for anyone experiencing breast tenderness during breast development is to gently massage the area with a moisturiser or body oil, which some people find soothing. Wearing a well-fitting bra or crop top can also help provide extra comfort.

Breast buds can feel a bit strange when they first appear, but they're a completely normal sign that your body is developing.

Vicki ❤️

Hi ❤️

What you're describing is called an inverted nipple, and it's actually much more common than many people realise.

It's also completely normal for your breasts and nipples to be different from each other. One nipple might stick out while the other is flatter or turns inwards slightly. Breasts are rarely perfectly symmetrical.

If you're still going through puberty, it may be that the inverted nipple will gradually pop out more as your breasts continue to develop. Or it may stay the way it is throughout your life, and that's usually perfectly normal too.

You should get it checked by a doctor if: 💖 The nipple has only recently become inverted when it wasn't before. 💖 You notice discharge (especially if it's bloody). 💖 There's a lump, pain, or changes to the skin around the nipple. 💖 You're concerned about any new changes.

But if one nipple has always been like this, and you're otherwise healthy, it's usually just a normal variation in how your body developed.

Remember, nipples come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, and having one inverted nipple doesn't mean there's anything wrong with you.

Vicki ❤️

Hi ❤️

It can definitely feel confusing when you've always thought of yourself as having a smaller bust, only to be measured as an E cup. But cup size and cleavage aren't actually the same thing.

Cleavage is mostly determined by the shape, position, and spacing of your breasts, not just their size. Some women have breasts that sit closer together on the chest, which can create a natural cleavage line. Others have breasts that are more widely spaced, meaning they may have little or no cleavage even with a larger cup size.

PCOS itself doesn't necessarily determine whether you'll have cleavage, but everyone's body develops differently, and breast shape varies enormously from person to person.

It's also worth remembering that many of the photos you see on Instagram aren't showing a completely natural look. Cleavage can be created or enhanced by:

• Push-up or Plunge bras
• Bra inserts or padding
• Certain poses and camera angles
• Photo editing and filters

So please don't compare yourself to what you see online.

The important thing is that bra size is calculated from both your band size and the volume of breast tissue, not by how much cleavage you have. It's entirely possible to be an E cup and have wide-set breasts with very little visible cleavage.

There is absolutely nothing unusual or wrong about that. In fact, many women with medium or large cup sizes have little or no natural cleavage at all.

Try to think of cleavage as a feature of breast shape rather than a measure of breast size. Your breasts are simply built differently from the images you're comparing yourself to, and that's completely normal.

Vicki ❤️

Hi ❤️

If your breast is extremely sore, hurts when you move, and you've noticed discharge coming from the nipple, I'd really recommend telling your mum, dad, or the person who looks after you as soon as you can.

It may be something simple, such as a hormonal change related to puberty or your period, but pain, redness, warmth, swelling, or nipple discharge are symptoms that should be checked by a doctor, especially if the pain is severe.

Please don't panic. Breast problems in teens are often harmless and can usually be treated once a doctor knows what's causing them. However, because you're in quite a bit of pain and you've noticed liquid coming out, it's important not to ignore it.

In the meantime, try to avoid pressing or squeezing the area, and wear a comfortable, supportive bra or crop top if that feels better.

Please speak to a trusted adult today and ask them to arrange a GP appointment. If you develop a fever, feel unwell, or the pain becomes much worse, let an adult know straight away.

Vicki ❤️

Hi ❤️

There really isn't a "normal" bra size for a 13-year-old. Everyone develops at their own pace, and breast size is influenced by things like genetics, body shape, and when puberty starts.

A 30E would generally be considered a fuller bust size on a smaller band, but that doesn't mean there's anything unusual or wrong about it. Some girls are still wearing crop tops or beginner bras at 13, while others may need larger cup sizes. Both are completely normal.

Try not to compare yourself to your friends. Breasts come in all shapes and sizes, and there is no 'right' size to be at any age. Puberty can continue for several years, so your body may change quite a bit as you grow.

If your bras feel comfortable and supportive, that's far more important than what the label says. And remember, a bra size is just a measurement, not a reflection of who you are or how mature you should be.

Be kind to yourself. Your body is developing in its own unique way, and that's something to celebrate. ❤️

Vicki ❤️