Breastfeeding with Larger Breasts
Breasts come in all shapes and sizes. Breasts of all sizes can make milk and size doesn’t necessarily correlate to milk supply. Everyone’s breastfeeding experience is unique but there can be some specific challenges that people with larger breasts face while breastfeeding.
Positioning Tips
Some parents with larger breasts are concerned about their breasts becoming a suffocation risk for their baby. Through creative positioning and support, you can take the weight of the breast off the baby to hold.
Try varying positions until you find one that works for you.
Sidelying is a popular position for those who had a c section, people with larger breasts or people who just need to rest more while feeding. Sidelying takes the pressure off your shoulders and back. You may need the assistance of a partner to help you line your baby up.
Football hold is also a helpful hold when learning how to latch with larger breasts because it gives you a free hand to assist with latching or manipulating breast tissue.
Reclined feeding allows you to lay back at an angle while feeding your baby. Your leg can support the weight of the baby and working against gravity assists when milk flow is too overwhelming for baby to manage.
Use a mirror to help you see how you are positioning and latching the baby.
Use the “C Hold” or “Baby Sandwich” to assist baby with latching by compressing the tissue behind the areola. Think hamburger when figuring our which way to compress.
Creative Support
Larger breasts are often denser or heavier than smaller breasts. Some creative support may be required to take the weight off the baby while feeding.
Remember if you move the breast or start the feed while holding the weight of it, you’ll have to continue holding it throughout. Use other supports to prevent fatigue.
Use a rolled up towel underneath the breast to support the weight of the breast and tilt the nipple into more of a visible position.
A bra with a cutout area, like pumping bras often have, can support the weight of the breast.
Commercially sold breastfeeding pillows may not fit your needs. Try using a bed pillow to support your arm or the breast. Bonus: you have pillows already, no need to buy a new or expensive one!
Feed with your baby supported on a padded table, like a changing table, to allow both hands to be free and both baby and breast supported.
Clothing
Wearing a well-fitting and comfortable bra is key to comfort. Your breasts may change size throughout pregnancy and afterwards. You may need a different size and not even know it.
The Two Shirt Method: This method can help you use clothes that you already have to feed without buying any new or expensive breastfeeding friendly clothes while giving you skin coverage for comfort. An outer-shirt and inner-shirt are all you need.
Wear a tank top or cami underneath your outer-shirt
Unbutton the outer-shirt or pull up from the bottom
Pull down from the top of the inner-shirt
Latch your baby
The inner-shirt covers your stomach and the outer-shirt the top of your breast
Feeding in Public
Feeding in public can be intimidating for many especially people with larger breasts that need a little more support.
Use a mirror to practice at home and see what support you may need before going out in public.
Use the Two Shirt Method to assist with body coverage if desired.
Sit crosslegged or with one leg crossed over the other to support your baby with your thigh or knee.
Roll up a blanket or burp cloth for additional support.
Find a chair with arms or use your changing bag for an armrest.
Feed in a carrier, sling or wrap to free your hands.
Still Struggling?
Schedule a visit with a Lactation Consultant for assistance. Find a local breastfeeding support group, other parents might have more tricks of the trade!
