Breastfeeding with Big Breasts: Tips to Make It Easier for You and Your Baby

Hey mumma! Breastfeeding with big breasts can be a little tricky at first. As a mum with big boobs myself, I found it hard at the beginning to find the right way to hold my baby because the usual tips didn’t quite work for us. But here’s the good news: with some helpful tips, you can make breastfeeding with big breasts easier and more comfortable for you and your baby. In this post, I’ll share some strategies to help you keep going on your breastfeeding journey without all the usual struggles.

Breastfeeding with Big Breasts: Finding What Works for You

Breastfeeding with big breasts might feel a bit hard at first. You might have heard that it’s more difficult, and yes, sometimes it can be. But remember, every mum’s body is different, and with the right tricks, you can make it work. Having big breasts doesn’t mean you can’t breastfeed; it just means you might need to try different ways than mums with smaller breasts.

It’s easy to feel disheartened when breastfeeding feels uncomfortable or when you’re not sure if you’re doing it right. But don’t give up! Breastfeeding with big breasts can be an amazing experience once you find what works best for you. The bond you build with your baby during breastfeeding is precious, and overcoming these first challenges will make you feel more confident and connected. Plus, the health benefits for both you and your baby are worth every bit of effort you put in.

Tips to Make Breastfeeding with Big Breasts Easier

Here are some easy tips to make breastfeeding with big breasts easier. These are simple things you can start doing right now.

1. Find the Right Position

Finding a comfortable position is key to making breastfeeding easier with big breasts. The football hold, where you tuck your baby under your arm like a football, can be great for mums with larger breasts. This position can help you see what’s going on which makes it easier to help baby get a good latch. Another good option is the laid-back or reclined position. Gravity will work with you, and your baby can latch more naturally.

If you prefer the cradle hold (traditional breastfeeding position), you’ll find that you need to hold your baby lower to be in line with your breasts. This might like a bit different to what you see in pictures, but if it’s comfortable for you and works for bub, that’s completely fine!

2. Get a Deep Latch

Getting a deep latch can sometimes be harder with larger breasts, but it’s so important for avoiding nipple pain and making sure your baby gets enough milk. You might find it helpful to use your hands to shape your breast into more of a “hamburger” shape, making it easier for your baby to latch on deeply. Think of it like giving your baby a big bite to latch onto. And remember, a good latch means baby’s nose is clear for them to breathe. Lots of mums with big breasts feel they need to press down on their breast to give space to baby’s nose, but this is a sign the latch isn’t quite right. Move baby towards their feet so that their head tips back slightly, giving their nose space for breathing.

Check out my free “How to Get a Good Breastfeeding Latch” guide for tips to help you get a comfortable and effective latch for you and your baby. It shows you how to position your baby, what a good latch looks like (with pictures comparing a good latch to a bad one—I wish I had this when I was having trouble!), and a checklist to help you get that deep latch. Download it here and see how it can make a difference!

3. Support Your Breasts If Needed

You might be wondering, “do I always have to hold my breasts while breastfeeding?” Not always, but it can help, especially at first. Using a rolled-up towel tucked in deep under your breast can help your breast to sit higher which can free up your hand, make it easier to see what you’re doing, and make breastfeeding easier. As you and your baby get better at breastfeeding, you might find you need less support. Also, remember to always bring baby to your breast, not move your breast around to reach baby’s mouth. Moving your breast around means you will have to keep holding your breast. Otherwise, when you let go, your breast will move pulling some breast and nipple out of baby’s mouth. This can make breastfeeding painful so we definitely want to avoid that!

4. Dealing with Nipple Issues

If you have large or flat nipples, you might worry that breastfeeding will be harder. But with some practice, you can make it work. For large nipples, again, getting a deep latch is important. Make sure your baby can get a good amount of areola (the coloured skin around your nipple) in their mouth on their chin side to help get the nipple far back in baby’s mouth. If you have flat nipples, try hand expressing or using a breast pump or for a few minutes before feeding. This can help make your nipple stick out more and make it easier for your baby to latch on.

If you’ve tried all these tips but are still finding breastfeeding hard or it’s hurting, get in touch with an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) to help you get breastfeeding feeling calm and comfortable for you and bub. You can book a home visit or video call with me here. 

Breastfeeding with Big Breasts: You Can Do It!

Breastfeeding with big breasts can be tricky at first, but with some patience and the right tips, it can be a great experience. Remember, you’re not alone, and it’s okay to ask for help or try different ways until you find what works best for you and your baby. If these tips were helpful or if you have questions, send me a DM on Instagram. I’d love to hear what you think and how I can help you more. Happy breastfeeding!