The breasts can perform different functions. Glands inside the breasts produce milk for breastfeeding a baby. This can provide the baby’s first source of nutrition if a mother chooses to breastfeed. Breasts also are part of someone’s sexuality; they can be sensitive and can provide pleasure during sexual activity.

Breasts come in all different shapes, sizes and colors—all unique in their own way. Lots of girls worry that their breasts are too big or small or not shaped perfectly, but each girl’s differences are what make her unique and special.

The light pink to dark brown circle in the center of each breast is called the areola. Some girls also have smaller bumps in the areola, like goose bumps, and some have hair growing out of the areola—all of this is normal. Some girls have very large areolas while some are very small. Areolas can be different sizes. Each girl is different.

The raised up area at the center of the areola is the nipple. Some girls have nipples that stick out, and others have ones that are inverted (stick in). Nipples can get erect (hard) if a girl is cold, excited or sexually aroused. Girls don’t have control over when their nipples become erect.
It’s also common for girls to have one breast that’s bigger than the other.