Breastfeeding can be tricky on its own, but having large breasts can actually make the breastfeeding process more complicated! 

It’s oftentimes difficult to find a comfortable position to stay in for the duration of the feeding.  

Because experience is always the best teacher, we asked a bunch of "well-endowed" mamas who were successful breastfeeding for advice on how they made breastfeeding with large breasts work for them. 

They gave practical and actionable tips that may totally change the game for you.

Here's the inside scoop of how to breastfeed with large breasts…

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Does breastfeeding with large breasts affect milk supply?

It’s a total myth that having larger breasts means you’ll produce more milk. A woman with small breasts may have an oversupply of milk and a woman with large breasts can have low milk supply.

Milk supply is based entirely on the milk-making glands and continually removing enough milk, not breast tissue.

The best way to determine if you have a healthy milk supply is to look at your baby. If they’re having plenty of wet and dirty diapers for their age and growing and thriving, then your milk supply is probably just fine!

Breastfeeding With Large Breasts Tips

Tip #1
Invest In A Good Bra

Tips for buying a good bra for breastfeeding with large breasts:

• Avoid underwires. And find a bra that doesn’t cut or pinch into the breasts because it can cause future plugged ducts. (ouch!)  

• Buy the right cup size.  Your breasts will increase in size during pregnancy.  The best time to shop for a nursing bra is during the 3rd trimester close to delivery.  If you buy a bra too small it may put undue pressure on your breasts, again, possibly causing plugged ducts. 

• Find a bra that has wide, comfortable straps for support.  Trust us - your breasts will only get heavier when your milk comes in!

• If possible, find a bra that can also serve as a pumping bra for a double win.

Tip #2
Elevate Baby With Pillows

Feeding with larger breasts is all about being comfortable.  This may involve elevating your baby, supporting your breasts and getting creative with your positioning. 

Please don’t be tempted to lower your breasts to baby. That will just lead to shoulder and back pain for you. (and maybe even nipple pain from a poor latch). Instead use some pillows or a nursing pillow to raise baby. A good latch means having your baby and your breast at the same level.

-Julie

Tip #3
Support Your Breasts

If your breasts aren’t properly supported, you may get sore nipples or your nipple may eventually be pulled out of baby’s mouth.

You can roll a towel, washcloth or blanket, and place it under your breast in a way that elevates it. This way you won’t have to worry about the weight of your breast on the baby and to keep your breast from covering baby’s nose when they try to feed.

You can even hold your breast in your hand, and gently shape and mold it to help baby latch better.

Note: It’s important not to have any of your fingers near the areola as that will affect baby’s ability to get a deep latch.

6 moms shared genius tips on how they supported their large breasts while breastfeeding…

“In the early days I suspended my breast with a scarf on my neck so I didn’t have to use my hands to support it, as a rolled up muslin wasn’t enough for me. This way I could use both of my hands to hold my son in the biological nurturing position and he was not overwhelmed by my really fast let down. It only lasted a few weeks until my son’s head and body control improved.”
-Gabriella

“A loop of wide crepe bandage worn like a necklace can help support the breast. Placing the baby on a high pile of pillows, lifting the breast up to that height and turning the baby towards the breast can also help.”
-Deborah

"You have to be comfortable 100%. I use a big pillow and a small, rolled-up burp cloth under the boob."
-Laura

"An infant neck pillow works great for cleavage support while nursing."

-Barbara J.

"Honestly, I wear one of my regular bras and lift my breast out of the top and tuck the cup under. It holds my breast up, so once he's latched I can have one hand free."
-Crystal

Tip #4
Find The Right Position

Try lots of different positions.  There is no one perfect position for everyone.  And often the images you see of women breastfeeding is very one dimensional.  The breast is a 360 degree circle, so the options for positioning are endless!  Get creative…

Positions helpful for breastfeeding with large breasts…

The Football (Rugby) Position

While using your boppy,  place your baby in the football position. This position can make it easier to control the baby during latching and give you a good visual of their latch and how they’re feeding.  

The Side-Lying Position

Done lying down on your side, this is a popular position with those who have had a c-section or have large breasts.  It takes the weight off the breast (or stomach).  You may find it easy to get your breasts to their level in this position as well.  Also - this position is easier on your back and shoulders since you’re not hunched over.  

"Ultimately, don’t smoosh your baby with your boob. That’s the ultimate goal!  The next goal is finding a position that doesn’t make your arm burn from holding your boob up for so long. Best position for me and I’m a 34F…. laying down on my side in bed and letting the girls lay straight out and bringing baby to my boob. Works very well."

-Jerrica P.

The Laid-Back Position

We LOVE this position.  It’s very popular with new parents and those with babies who struggle to latch.  It’s also down laying down and back so it gives your body a much-needed break.  Bonus?  Do this position skin-to-skin and it will trigger baby’s feeding reflexes for a deeper latch!

The reason this position is great for breastfeeding with large breasts is because your neck, back, and shoulders are super supported allowing you to be comfy and leaning back allows your breast tissue to flatten away from baby’s nose.  

Tip #5
Keep ‘em dry

Women with large breasts are more likely to develop yeast infections and rashes in the folds under and between the breasts because of sweating and breast milk leakage. To discourage this from happening:

• Wear a cotton bra

• Change your bras often

• Use just water to wash your breasts (not soap)

• Dry your breasts thoroughly (some women even use a hair dryer or fan!)

• Keep fabric close to your breast to wipe off when necessary.

• Air out your breasts when possible

Tip #6
Bring in a mirror

If you’re struggling to see your nipples or to view your baby’s latch, you can bring in a mirror.  The mirror can give you a better view of your breast and your baby's latch while breastfeeding.

Tip #6
Soften your breasts if they’re engorged

If your breasts are full of milk or engorged, you can soften them by hand expressing or pumping some milk out before latching your baby.  This will help your baby latch on better.

Tip #7
Seek out advice and support

Parents are continually coming up with genius and novel ideas on breastfeeding!  If you ever want any extra tips on breastfeeding with large breasts, be sure to join breastfeeding facebook groups and ask your questions in there.  Parents provide so many helpful tips in those groups!

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🤱 3. If your nipples are sore, these are an absolute lifesaver. They’re super cheap, can be worn for multiple days (perfect when you’re trying to get a good latch), and are soooo soothing.

Related Article:
How To Breastfeed With Flat or Inverted Nipples

Related post: 8 Breastfeeding Myths You Might Not Know