Women With Large Breasts & Breastfeeding Problems

Most breast feeding challenges are unrelated to breast size.

Women with larger breasts often face unique challenges when breastfeeding, such as finding a comfortable position and discovering ways to nurse in public discreetly. However, simply having larges breasts does not lead to trouble with producing milk or the process of breastfeeding.

Significance

Breast size is based on the amount of fatty tissue in the breast, which is unrelated to the process of producing milk notes the La Leche League, a mother's cooperative. A woman's breast size does not interfere with milk quality or quantity and most large-breasted women are able to breast feed successfully.

Considerations

Women with large breasts must find a comfortable position for them and their baby for successful breast feeding. Women may choose to place a folded blanket or small pillow under a breast for support, hold their breast, with fingers gently lifting from underneath and the thumb on top for support, while the baby nurses or nurse lying down.

Warning

Large breasted women who have trouble breastfeeding or concerns about breastfeeding techniques should talk to a lactation counselor or medical professional for tips, techniques and advice on breastfeeding.

References

• BabyCenter: Will Being Plus-Size or Having Large Breasts Make It Harder to Breast Feed?
• La Leche League: Helping Large Breasted Mothers