It can be a challenge to find a comfortable position where you can see your baby’s mouth and your nipple, making it harder to get the baby latched on correctly. It can also be awkward and uncomfortable to hold your breasts and your baby, especially if you are in pain from the delivery. Plus, you may be worried that your breasts are so big that they will block your child’s nose. All of these concerns are normal. However, with a little help from the beginning, you can get breastfeeding off to a good start. Once you’re feeling more comfortable, your baby is latching on well, and you establish a healthy milk supply, breastfeeding will become easier.
Large Breasts and Breast Milk Supply
Your breast size does not determine the amount of milk-making tissue you have or how much breast milk you will make. Women with large breasts could have a healthy supply of breast milk, an overabundant milk supply, or a low supply of breast milk.
Low Breast Milk Supply
Certain conditions such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), obesity, hypothyroidism, and insulin resistance can affect production of breast milk. It’s important to have your baby monitored by a doctor to ensure that they are gaining weight and growing well.
Too Much Breast Milk
An overabundant breast milk supply can cause issues for both you and your baby. Too much milk can lead to breast engorgement and pain. Severe engorgement can make it very difficult for your baby to latch on. Your child may also gag and choke from a strong milk let-down and/or become fussy and gassy.
Tips for Breastfeeding With Large Breasts
Getting breastfeeding off to a good start begins with the very first breastfeeding. Breastfeeding in a comfortable position is important for all moms, but it’s especially important for moms with bigger breasts. The weight of your breasts alone can put excess strain on your back and neck. Breastfeeding in an uncomfortable position will add to that. Ask the hospital nursing staff, a lactation consultant, or your midwife to show you which positions work well for breastfeeding with larger breasts and learn how to use bed pillows or a nursing pillow for additional support. The football hold and the side-lying breastfeeding position are good choices to start out with. These tips can also make breastfeeding a little easier.
How Breast Surgery Affects Breastfeeding
Whether you’ve had implants to get your breasts to the size they are now, or you’ve had your large breasts reduced in size, breast surgery is another issue that could cause breastfeeding problems. So, if you’ve had any type of breast surgery, tell your doctor. In many cases, breastfeeding with implants can be done successfully. However, any surgery that involves cutting the nerves and milk ducts surrounding the areola is likely to have a negative effect on breastfeeding. You’ll need to keep a close eye on your breast milk supply and your baby’s growth if you’re breastfeeding after breast surgery.
