Whether small or
large, breasts are made for breastfeeding. However, a mum with a DD
cup may have different challenges than a mum with smaller breasts.
If you are large-chested, here some considerations when
breastfeeding your baby:
1,
Mums can be much bigger than a DD, in fact they can be up to an M
cup. 2, being a larger size doesn't necessarily mean a mum will
experience 'different' challenges.
As a mum with a chest 8 sizes bigger than a DD cup, I am going to go through this article, that generalises, misinforms and ultimately misunderstands the lady with the bigger breasts, and dispel some myths & misconceptions.
Breastfeeding Tip #1: Get A Good Bra
During your final
months of pregnancy, go bra shopping at a good lingerie store where
you can be properly fitted. Keep in mind that when your milk comes
in, your breasts will likely increase in size. You’ll want
something supportive, in the right cup size, with wide, comfortable
straps and band. Your breasts will get heavier when your milk comes
in, and you don’t want your bra carving grooves in your shoulders!
Also, a bra that’s too small can cause blocked ducts or mastitis,
or even a decrease in milk supply, due to the pressure it puts on
the breasts. So absolutely make sure you’re wearing the right size
– even if it means being professionally fitted.
As I said on a friends FB wall. A pointless & expensive exercise! BAAAAAAD
advice! So bad my head hurts. No! DO NOT get
fitted BEFORE your baby arrives! If you do, the bra you buy will NEVER fit you! I have 2 children, who I nursed with my
enormous mams. I have wore that T-shirt TWICE! Bigger chested women
can't afford to do this for one thing, the other thing is, the
general rule is you go up 2 sizes, yes? WRONG! You can fluctuate
HUGELY once baby is here. I made this God awful mistake & it
cost me a small fortune, a fortune I couldn't actually afford! To
walk into Debenhams/Mothercare etc. you can pick off the peg a G cup
bra in a twin pack that won't break the bank. That's great but not helpful, if like
me you balloon past a G, a H, a J (see where I'm going) a nursing
bra, JUST ONE, will cost on average, £35.99. If you a looking for
support and comfort, you are looking at £50+. That is just for 1
bra remember. When you get to these bigger than a G cup sizes,
comfort seems to escape the manufacturer. It is incredibly difficult
finding a good bra when you are above a G cup.
My
advice, go for stretch over support! I couldn't have nursed without
my Carriwell drop cup stretchy bra's! They were fab! Easy to clean
as well.
In
the first 4-8 weeks (maybe more, maybe less) stretch over support is
vital! Maybe after this period, go out and find a good nursing
bra....if you want.
You may need a
stretchy bra for sleeping, to give you support throughout the
night – especially if you leak a lot. Don’t wear underwires
or you could end up with blocked ducts or a nasty case of
mastitis, and try to buy an all-cotton bra if you can (especially
if you are prone to rashes where your breasts touch your other
skin).
Sorry?
Don't use underwires? Er, how about mind your own business!!!!
There is a certain size in cup where you can
only buy wired bra's. I wore wired bra's. It was after the first
6 weeks & I made sure they were well fitting bra's. It was
far cheaper & comfier, for me, to buy regular bra's and
convert them. I NEVER suffered from mastitis & the only time
I had a blocked duct was due to over supply whilst I was still in
the stretchy bra phase. Saying things like “Underwires cause
mastitis” is not only inaccurate (if you are wearing the right
size bra) it limits mothers options. I'm not just talking about
big boobed mums either! ALL mums can suffer mastitis, regarldess
of that bra they wear, or don't wear. A 'nasty case' of mastitis
can effect every breastfeeding mum! STOP SCARE MONGURING it is
NOT helpful!
Breastfeeding Tip #2: Try A Variety Of Positions
Large-breasted
mothers can rarely put their baby in a cradle hold and just
nurse. The cross-cradle and football/clutch holds seem to be
easier for learning to latch while at the same time manipulating
a large amount of breast tissue. Side lying is typically easy for
mothers with large breasts, because the bed supports the breast.
If you decide to use football/clutch hold, be cautious as the
weight of your breast may put too much pressure on baby’s lower
jaw or chest.
If you need to
use pillows to get baby to breast level, do so. But many mothers
with pendulous breasts What? Are you 15?
I'm pretty sure if “fried eggs on a surf board” had have been
used, there'd be outrage! Don't use offensive terminology please,
you put off your reader! find that pillows lift the baby
too high. You may be able to lay baby on your lap for latching.
URGH!
You have no idea how much this bull sh*t incensed me! It's
ridiculous advice like this that peddles the “you can't
breastfeed, your boobs are too big” myth! Ladies, BREASTFEED
YOUR BABY HOW YOU FEEL COMFORTABLE!! If you are most comfortable
in cross cradle, do that! If it's the classic cradle hold that
floats your boat, do that! If the rugby ball hold is your fave,
do that! If being laid flat on your back suits you and your baby,
do that! Do not let anyone, HCP, mate, stranger in the street,
dictate to you how you should position your baby! This goes for
ALL mums too. I know some mum's who were considerably smaller
than me in the chest department who couldn't ever feed in the
classic cradle hold. I on the other hand, had absolutely no issue
with it what so ever. It worked for my baby and I and that is
what mattered!
I
do wonder how many mums were told “big boobs, rugby ball hold”
and failed to breastfeed because it didn't suit them & they
didn't know there were other holds they COULD try?? Makes you
think doesn't it?
Breastfeeding Tip #3: Support Your Breast Throughout A Feed
Forget
multitasking, Why? especially with a
newborn. Seriously? You’re going
to need both of your hands for feeding, and not just for the
latch. Just your opinion honey! Keep
your fingers far back from the areola, and under all of your
breast tissue (shape your hand into the letter ‘C’ and put
your fingers under the breast against the chest wall, and the
thumb on top of the breast). If your breast isn’t supported,
gravity may pull the nipple out of your baby’s mouth, or you
may end up with sore nipples because baby is clamping down to
keep from losing the nipple to gravity’s pull. Another option
is to roll a towel, washcloth or small blanket, and put it under
your breast against your chest wall. This may allow you to have
one hand free once your baby is latched.
I
strongly disagree with this! No surprises there. Just because a
mother happens to be above a DD doesn't mean she can not feed
hands free without aids. Saying “forget multitasking” is the
equivalent of saying, “Forget feeding yourself, if you want to
live a normal life like us smaller breasted mums can” TURN OFF!
I know some mums, smaller than me, who had to hold their breast
whilst feeding their baby! I did have to hold mine for a little
bit but I was soon feeding hands free, without additional aids &
MULTITASKING, *shock horror*...oooh get me! Don't just assume
it's a big breasted issue, because it isn't. (as is 99% of this
article....*eye-roll*)
Breastfeeding Tip #4: Try Different Techniques When Latching
The weight of
the milk inside your breast being pulled down by gravity may be
causing flat nipples – even if your nipples are typically
erect. Breast support may help, as will frequent nursing. If you
can’t see what you’re doing when you’re latching (you can’t
even tell if baby is hitting the areola bull’s-eye because
you’ve got so much breast tissue), ask for help or nurse in
front of a mirror.
Headdesk
Headdesk headdesk!!! Who on earth did you talk to? “You can't
even tell if your baby is hitting the areola bull’s-eye because
you've got so much breast tissue” The phrases F* You & F*
Off come to mind! That is just rude! I am 8 sizes bigger than a
DD, I can see my nipple and areola just fine thanks! That comment
is so demeaning & insensitive, it's just beyond belief!! How
this bit was published is beyond me!
Flat
nipples don't just affect large chested mothers, they can affect
ALL mothers! Frequent nursing isn't always the best answer either
as this can cause over supply making the flat nipple issue worse!
Honest to God, this is poor advice for average sized &
smaller than average breasted mothers, let alone those of us with a bit more in our bra's.
Also, try using a ‘breast sandwich’ to create a firm structure for baby to latch onto. To do this, compress the breast tissue so that it’s parallel to the opening of baby’s mouth as you bring your baby to the breast. Keep your fingers back so they don’t get in the way of latching, and bring the baby in chin first. Can’t figure out what this means? Think about what you’d do if you were eating a big sandwich: you’d squish it down a little, then put it on your bottom jaw first and close the top of your jaw next. This is what you want to help your baby achieve.
OH
dear Lord! 1 technique offered, a technique many mums find
painful! It's appalling you didn't research other methods of
latching techniques and shows your lack of consideration and
empathy for bigger breasted mothers!
Ladies,
you can use the less painful 'exaggerated latch' technique as
well.
Place
the bottom of your areola on babies bottom lip, gently roll the
nipple into babies mouth. It may take a couple of times to get it
(like with any latching technique, it's all trial and error) but
once you do, pain free feeding here we come.
I
used this technique for both of my children, they gained a 1lb a
week :) it can be done.
Breastfeeding Tip #5: Beware Of Itchy Skin
Mothers with
large breasts may have itchiness and stretch marks just from
their breast growth causing skin stretching. Try using a gentle
lotion to relieve the itch – something natural like organic
virgin coconut oil (which also has anti-fungal and
anti-bacterial properties), olive oil or sweet almond oil, since
baby’s face and hands will be right there much of the time.
Well-endowed
women are more prone to yeast and bacterial infections or heat
rash in the folds underneath the breast or between the breasts.
Wear a cotton bra, and change bras if it feels especially sweaty.
When you bathe, wash the breasts with water (not soap), and dry
them thoroughly, especially underneath. Some mothers even use a
hair dryer on low to get the area fully dried.
“Well-endowed
women are more prone to yeast and bacterial infections or heat
rash in the folds underneath the breast or between the breasts.”
And again, WHO are you talking to? I have NEVER had any of these
issues in my life & I've had big boobs for a long time!!
“Mothers
with large breasts may have itchiness and stretch marks just from
their breast growth causing skin stretching.” No, Mothers of
Breasts, Not large or small, ANY sized breasts may experience
this! I didn't & my ample bosom is bigger than most!
Breastfeeding Tip #6: Learn To Breastfeeding Anywhere
Public
breastfeeding may be challenging with large breasts, as more
breast may be exposed than you’re comfortable with. It’s not
as simple as gently lifting your shirt with your baby cradled in
the crook of your arm. Try nursing in front of a mirror until
you’re comfortable with how much breast is being exposed.
Holy Crap, you
really know how to rile a big boobed mother! Breastfeeding in public
can be challenging full stop! It makes no difference what size
breasts you have. Some smaller than average mums may be crippled by
public feeding because of what they 'have' to expose to feed! Feeding
in front of a mirror is good advice for ALL mums (I wonder how many
times I've said ALL mums??) who feel self concisions/shy/lacking in
confidence. Feeding in public can be difficult for ALL mums. “It's
not as simple as lifting your shirt” Actually, for me it was! I
found I could show off less boob than some of my fellow smaller
boobed feeders! The thing is, this type of talk, targeting big
breasted mums & pretty much saying they ARE going to struggle,
especially in public has the opposite effect than what you are
wanting. They don't see the point in trying because they are made to
feel it's going to be harder! Well it isn't! Big boobed mums don't
need to read horse sh*t like this!
Breastfeeding Tip #7: If You’re Worried About Milk Supply …
Some mothers
with large breasts never feel engorged when their milk comes in,
and they never seem to feel full between feedings. This can cause
a lot of unnecessary worry about milk supply. The best way to a
strong milk supply is nursing your baby often. You’ll know he’s
getting enough if he has plenty of wet and dirty nappies/diapers
every day. And you can call yourself lucky for not having to deal
with painfully hard breasts!
You
have GOT to be kidding right? Who the hell did you talk to?
Seriously because this is just completely untrue on every level!
There are mums with tiny breasts who have no let down sensation
or engorgement issues yet feed a healthy baby just fine! Again
you generalise. I on the other hand, had engorgement and my let
down was like hot glass/knives rippling through my breasts. It
was so painful I would cry!
What
you need to do with this article is remove the 'large' from in
front of 'breasts'. What you have written here affects ALL
mothers, some more than others, some not at all. To target and
scare larger breasted mothers is just unforgivable.
I
fear you have put larger breasted mothers/women off
breastfeeding in the future with this article. It's shameful
really.
Breast size is
determined by the amount of fatty tissue, but the amount of milk
a mum can store in her breasts between feedings is determined by
the structure of her milk making glands. Small breasted women may
have a large storage capacity and vice versa. Storage capacity
affects how long you can go between feedings without compromising
your milk making capabilities. Just because you have large
breasts doesn’t necessarily mean you can go long periods
between feedings. So nursing your baby often remains the best way
to ensure a good milk supply – whether A-cup or DD-cup or more.
It's
narrow minded to state to just a DD cup!
This
article angered me so much, I had to respond. I am a big breasted
mother of 2 who I breastfed & who I expressed for.
The
'problems' you tagged onto larger breasted mothers are universal
issues that can affect every single one of us, regardless of the
size of our milk units.
I
would personally like you to retract your article, do some proper
research & then re-write it. It is too narrow minded, too cut
and dry & frankly, plays right into the myths surrounding
breastfeeding with larger breasts.
Ultimately,
if you want to breastfeed, you can do it. The size of your
breasts doesn't matter. Your attitude however does matter.
If
you read this article and were put off because you have bigger
boobs, please don't be.
FactualMama
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