Breastfeeding: ‘Generous Breasts’

Breastfeeding with generous breasts can pose a challenge for some mums in achieving a comfortable fit and hold, and good symmetry at the breast. Some mums may experience pain as a result - not just at the breast and nipple, but also in their back and shoulders as they try to compensate by hunching forward and bringing the breast to the baby (rather than baby to the breast).

Firstly, big or small, it is important to note that positioning, attachment, fit & hold are equally as important.

Some challenges mother’s with generous (larger) breasts may experience include:

• Finding a position that is comfortable for you + baby

• Achieving symmetry at the breast

• ‘Lifting’ the breast by hand, and breast tissue drag

• Pain in the back/shoulders

• Concerns about ‘suffocating’ baby

Here are a few tricks you can experiment with that may make feeding more comfortable with generous breasts.

• Feeding in a semi-reclined position

  • Sitting at a semi-reclined angle allows for a deep breast bury and a good sized landing pad for baby to attach to the breast.

  • For those with generous breasts, reclining back can lift the nipple slightly, making it easier for infants to latch.

• Use a small rolled flanner, face washer or sock under the breast

  • When the nipple points downwards - placing a rolled up flannel/face washer (or even a sock) underneath the breast can lift the nipple slightly. This slight lift can make positioning more comfortable, and assist with achieving symmetry at the breast (chin into the breast, both cheeks touching etc.)

• Side lying feeding position

  • This position can assist with taking the ‘weight’ off the breast, and help with being able to bring baby in nice and close to you.

• Letting the breast fall naturally

  • Bringing your baby to your breast > bringing breast to baby

  • This can reduce the chance of breast tissue drag, which can cause micro trauma to the nipple, and pain.

• Well fitted, comfortable feeding bra

  • A supportive feeding bra, (that still allows for a good sized landing pad for baby to attach) can assist with positioning, and also provide support for mum.

If you are still finding challenges when feeding your baby, please reach out for support!

Ilumina Family Health