BabyNovember 19, 2018

7 Breastfeeding Tips When You Have Small Breasts

Rachel Watson

No one said that being a new mother is easy. Small issues to some may feel like much bigger issues to others. Whether you are having trouble deciding your baby’s outfit or doubting your capability as a new mom completely, there will be many new experiences and trials you will have to face, but you aren’t alone!

If there are any small issues new mother’s, tend to have it’s the seemingly bigger issue of having naturally smaller breasts. If your cup size is in the A range, don’t panic. You can breastfeed just the same as other mothers.

Breasts come in various sizes and shapes. Some women have big breasts while others have small ones. Women with bigger breasts never think much about whether or not it will be possible to nurse their babies. On the other hand, women with small breasts often find themselves wondering if their breasts will be able to produce enough milk to feed their little one.

The good news is that having small breasts does not spell gloom and doom to your dream of wanting to nurse your baby. Women with large breasts often have to worry about positioning, engorgement, and latching on – the infant’s mouth is really small and may not be able to latch on to the large nipple and areola. Heavy duty bras are also a must-have for nursing moms who have large breasts as the breast tissues become heavy when full of milk.

Your ability as a mom to breastfeed your little one has absolutely nothing to do with the size of your breasts. Just like women with large breasts, if you have naturally smaller breasts, you also have the tissue that produces breast milk. The tissue is just smaller, but once you deliver your baby, you will have the milk making abilities to produce enough milk to nurse your little one.

If you are having trouble breastfeeding with your smaller chest, here are some tips on how to get through breastfeeding with small breasts

Talk to Your Doctor During Pregnancy

If you are feeling worried about your breasts and breastfeeding, seek your doctor’s advice while you are still pregnant. You will be examined and advised accordingly if at all there is a problem. Otherwise, the doctor will reassure you and help you feel confident about your ability to nurse your infant. Your physician may also recommend that you purchase a conducive breast pump as well, so just be aware of your options and what is ultimately best for you.

Furthermore, this is a great time to check in with your doctor if you notice any abnormalities or discolorations in your breasts during pregnancy. While the size of your breasts may change while you are pregnant, it is always good to get a second opinion if you feel like there are any concerning issues.

Hold your Breast in the V-hold

Nursing moms with smaller breasts will find it more comfortable to V-hold their boob than the C-hold that is normally recommended for most other moms. While using the C-hold, your breast rests on your palm as the thumb lies on top of the boob and the other fingers hold it at the bottom to cradle the breast.

For mothers with smaller bust sizes, the V-hold, or the scissor grasp as others would call it, works by placing your middle finger and index finger around your breast in the shape of a V. Your hand will be shaped like a pair of scissors and lie against the area of your areola. The V-hold is a great way to help your baby latch on and will feel more natural to you.

Alternate Nursing From Each Breast

The size of your breasts does not necessarily determine the amount of milk it can produce. It is recommended that you nurse your baby from each breast every time you feed him. Your little one is likely to consume more milk if nursed from both sides rather than one side. Also, be sure to begin nursing with a different breast each time to make sure that no residue milk is left in any breast.

Breastfeed 8-12 Times a Day

Regular nursing of 8 to 12 times a day is recommended to make certain that the little one is well fed and is taking in adequate nutrients. To achieve this goal, you ought to breastfeed your little one after every two or three hours. Also, be sure to feed properly as what you eat determines the nutrients the little one derives from you.

Make Sure Your Baby is Properly Latched

For nursing to be successful, you should make sure that your little one is latching onto your breast properly. To check to see if your infant has latched on properly, you should be able to see their tongue when you lift the lower lip and can see and hear them swallow. It is also imperative that you make sure you cannot hear clicking or sucking sounds. If you hear these types of sounds, this is a sign that your baby is not latched on the breast correctly and may not be feeding properly. Try using the V-hold as mentioned above to adjust.

Look for Feeding Signs from your Baby

One of the signs to look out for when you are trying to determine if your baby is feeding correctly is paying attention to the baby’s weight gain. After birth, your little one is bound to shed off some weight. However, after a few days, the weight should be more consistent. This is the best way to confirm that your infant is getting enough nutrients. If you have concerns regarding noticeable weight loss speak with a doctor.

Another sign to pay attention to keep track of is your baby’s bowel movements. A newborn baby will at first have two or more bowel movements every day. If they are less, then maybe the baby is not breastfeeding enough. Be sure to ask your partner about diaper change frequency if you are trying to keep track.

Join a Support Group

If you are still feeling down on yourself for having smaller breasts and trouble breastfeeding look for groups you can join on social media or online forums where you can join in a discussion. Join a support group with moms who can relate to your high and low moments as a mom. Getting advice and encouragement from someone who understands will help you get through the challenges that come with motherhood.