Does Breast Size Matter When Breastfeeding?

In a word, no.  Here’s why.

It’s a myth that needs to be debunked when you have larger breasts, you will make more milk for your baby. Just because you have a bigger head, doesn’t mean you are smarter than someone with a small head.  

This is incorrect as it all depends on the milk ducts and nodes rather than the tissue.  Larger breasts however may be able to store the milk for longer – think Tupperware. If you have smaller breasts you will be able to make enough milk for your baby and or twins but you may need to feed on a more regular basis.  

Does size matter?  

In many cases, the woman with the larger breasts may have more trouble breastfeeding than those with smaller breast.  Some problems she may encounter are:

• Difficulty latching on because of the larger areola and nipple
• Trouble finding supportive nursing bras that fit
• Breastfeeding positions that suit
• More likely to develop mastitis

Whether you have large breasts or small breasts, the size and shape of the nipple can have a greater impact on whether or not you have difficulty breastfeeding or not.  You can have inverted nipples; flat nipple, large nipples or they could be a different matching pair altogether. If you have problems latching then you may need to discuss options with your lactation consultant.

Some other issues that you may encounter will have nothing to do with you.  Your baby may have difficulties latching due to bad habits from when he was first born or they may have a tongue-tie or some other reason for not being able to latch.

If you are lactating then you will be producing milk.  Your baby will deplete your stores by approx. 75% to 80% when feeding and then you will continue to create milk.  If you have larger breasts, you may be able to store a greater amount of milk, but this does not mean you will be producing any more than someone with smaller breasts.  There is a condition out there called IGT and this can occur in 1 in 1000 women. This is where there is ‘Insufficient Glandular Tissue’. Usually the woman’s breasts will be a different size to each other.  The insufficiency has normally occurred in the woman’s development process by a hormonal or stress imbalance. If you have IGT then you may not be able to produce as much milk on a regular basis and may need to feed your baby more often or supplement their feeds with formula.

If you do have smaller breasts and have concerns about your milk supply, there are some ways that you can increase this such as:

• Feed your baby more often
• Never miss a feed
• Make sure your baby is having a full feed
• If you’re not able to feed your baby as much, pump for every other feed
• Drink more water
• Feed or pump in a non-reclined position
• Wear stretchy and non-restrictive bras

As we hear men say a lot of the time, it’s not the size of the tool, but how you use it.

Everyday women wear underwear. Katie wanted to create for fashionable young mums bras for nursing that were cool and affordable, whilst lasting the distance. Katie Brooker is the designer for Charley Maternity and understands what young moms need and more importantly, what they want. See how she’s combined the 2 cleverly together at CharleyMaternity.com and follow @charleymaternity to see how the brand was breathed into existence as Cake Maternity’s little sister.