Breastfeeding with Small Breasts: Concerns & Tips

As an expecting mother, you are sure to be full of doubts regarding the arrival of the baby. You might be evaluating everything around you, about its suitability and whether it is safe to be in the same environment as the baby. Pregnancy is characterised by such neurotic behaviour, and most of your worries turn out to be unnecessary.

The worries are not all about the items in the environment of your baby- you are sure to feel doubtful about your capability as a mother too. In many cases, women might have doubts about whether they will be able to feed their child owing to the small breasts they have. While small breasts might feel inadequate to nurse the baby for a long time, the reality could not be farther- the ability of a mother to breastfeed her child does in no way depend on the breast size of the mother.

In this article, let us clear some common doubts regarding this topic and delve deeper into it.

Does Breast Size Matter when Breastfeeding?

The short answer is- no. The size of your breasts does not affect your ability to breastfeed your child in any way. The size of the breasts is different in women who are not pregnant owing to the differences in fat content present in the breasts. The tissues which produce the breast milk are laid only after the woman gets pregnant, so they are not characteristic of the size in any way. While the breasts may increase in size during pregnancy, you might still be worried that they are not big enough- but your worries are unfounded. Having smaller breasts mean that you have fewer amounts of fat in your breasts, and does not mean that you have a less amount of milk-making tissue. Therefore, women who have small breasts are more than capable of being able to feed their child with a healthy supply of milk.

Does Small Breast Make Enough Breast Milk?

Having small breasts mean that you have a lesser amount of tissue in your breasts, which do not affect the milk-making capabilities in any way. The tissues which produce breast milk are laid only after the woman gets pregnant and it is this which causes the increase in size. Therefore, the size of the breasts does not indicate the milk making capabilities in any way, so you will be sure to make the required amount of milk for your baby regardless of the size of your breasts.

What Changes Your Breast Goes through to Prepare for Breastfeeding?

Your breasts, like most other parts of your body, go through a range of changes during pregnancy and even after giving birth. They will increase in size and will appear to be fuller and larger in a short time. The growth does not stop after you deliver the child- you might observe that they grow for a couple of weeks after the baby is born. The initial growth during pregnancy occurs because of the change in eating habits and the fact that the tissues which are supposed to be making the milk are being laid within the breasts. The size changes continue after delivery because they will be adjusting the production of milk according to the needs of the baby, and this growth will stop after a couple of weeks. You may notice the changes quickly, or might not notice them at all- in any way, you will definitely be able to breastfeed your child regardless of the size of your breasts.

What about Storage Capacity of Breast Milk?

Larger breasts can hold more milk at any given time, compared to smaller ones- therefore, you might have to feed your child more often, during his time of growth. They are just like containers- large breasts can store more milk.

How Often to Breastfeed with Small Breasts?

You will have many questions regarding small breasts and breastfeeding, and one prominent one will be how often you have to breastfeed your child. Compared to those with larger breasts, you will have to feed your child more often. You can choose to feed him on demand, rather than setting timings for breastfeeding him. So when he cries out for nourishment, feed him- even if it every hour, because it will ensure that your child gets the required amount of milk.

Breastfeeding Positions for Women with Small Breasts

You can feed your child in any position in which the both of you are comfortable, including the natural nursing position.

Tips for Breastfeeding with Small Breasts

Even though breastfeeding is generally easier with smaller breasts, you might still have a few difficulties initially. Here are some tips to help you navigate through those challenges:

1. Speak out to your doctor about your concerns in this matter- she will be able to help you and put your mind at ease.

2. You can try using the V-hold rather than the C-hold, as the C-hold was designed for larger breasts. Do keep your hands out of the latch, though.

3. Ensure that you feed your child at least three times a day, and help him latch on correctly.

4. Use both breasts while breastfeeding- this will help the baby get more milk while feeding.

5. Check whether your baby is getting enough breast milk, and always keep an eye on his wet diapers.

6. Always take him to the doctor for the scheduled appointments, as it can reassure you that the baby is growing fine. The doctor keeps track of the growth of the child, and if he gains weight consistently, it is an indication that you are feeding him enough.

7. You can also join a support group of similar women for advice and help on those simple doubts you have.

8. If you ever have any worry, call the doctor and talk to her about your problem.

When do you need to be Concerned?

If the size of the breasts does not change during the pregnancy or even after the delivery, it means that there is not enough of the milk-making tissue inside. This results in lactation failure, characterised by a low milk supply. You can still breastfeed, though- after consuming supplements.

What about Breastfeeding after Breast Surgery?

If the procedure involved damage or removal of the milk ducts of the breast, it might result in low milk production. You might still be able to breastfeed, though- you can consume supplements, and continue breastfeeding your child after consulting with the doctor.

Small breasts do not indicate an inability to breastfeed – it simply means that you have less fat on your breasts. However, you need to monitor your milk production with the help of the doctor to ensure that your child is getting enough milk while feeding.