Breastfeeding with Large Breasts:

If we were designed for this, why is it so hard?

Most of the time,

but we also have to deal with sore nipples, breast infections, embarrassing milk leaks, backaches, and WAY bigger boobs (which is great unless you're already huge).

It's a common myth that women with large breasts have an easier time nursing. This just isn't true!

One of the most important things a well-endowed mommy can own is a nursing bra designed specifically for a full figure.

There are a lot of nursing bras out there, but only a select few can give the support and comfort that we need. Know what to look for when shopping for a nursing bra.

To answer this question it's important to understand some breast anatomy. A woman's breast is composed, of fat, lactiferous ducts (milk ducts), mammary glands (the milk bags), and connective tissue like collagen.

During nursing, the mammary glands fill with milk causing the breasts to grow larger.

That's the simplified version, but you get the idea. Breasts grow during pregnancy because they are transforming from fashionable accessories, into full blown milk factories.

Do large breasts produce more milk?

Nope.

This is a common misconception. Breast milk is produced by mammary glands. A woman with a bra size of 32A can have just as many mammary glands as a woman with 38DD's, therefore producing just as much milk.
There are other factors that can influence the amount of breast milk production, but breast size alone usually isn't one of them.

Sore nipples, prolonged engorgement, and feelings of frustrations can result.

Some large breasted women also suffer from flat or inverted nipples. Flat nipples can either be caused by heredity, or reportedly by the weight of the breast.

No matter the cause, flat and inverted nipples are quite common, even among males

(men don't have to breastfeed, but they do face going topless at the beach, so we women should send a little sympathy their way).

Because it is so common, there's nothing to be embarrassed or ashamed of. It is quite possible to breastfeed with this condition, and there are tips, exercises, and products that can make it easier.

Nursing Positions

TV and the media can make nursing seem so easy. Hold the baby to the chest and Viola, instant breastfeeding. This is rarely how it works for any woman. Holding a newborn and trying to juggle two large breasts can be a daunting task.

There are recommended nursing positions that can help make mom comfortable and make it easier for baby. The football hold is one of them.

Breast Pumps

This can be a lifesaving piece of equipment that can help you to continue breastfeeding when you have to return to work, have engorgement, or if you just want to give dad a chance to experience a late-night feeding.

There are a whole range of breast pumps available from terrible to terrific. Some come with special features for added comfort if you're nursing with a big bust.

Public vs Private

although my personal opinion is that 'it' shouldn't be whip out in church, at public eating areas, or during presidential debates.

This raises yet another challenge of being large chested and nursing. For those of us who desire some privacy while breastfeeding, how can we hold the baby, hold the breast, cover ourselves with a blanket (if desired), and see what we're doing, all the without drawing the attention of a crowd?

"Hey everybody, gather around! The large breasted woman is trying to nurse!"

Return from Breastfeeding to Homepage