Breastfeeding?

Question

My issues are that I am a fairly large woman and my breast are huge, right now I'm wearing a size H and am gradually getting bigger.  My fear is that my breast are so large that I will 1) soffocate my child with my huge breast
2) that my breast are going to get so big while breastfeeding that I'm going to not be able to wear a bra or find a bra to fit
3) my breast are so big right now, that trying to find a bra suitable for breastfeeding is impossible

My husband comes from a family of breastfeeders and I come from a family of women who tried, but were unsuccessful due to not enough supply. So needless to say my husband really wants me to breastfeed and my OBGYN really wants me to give it a try, but deep down I really don't want to due to my fears and insecurities.

So my question is: is there anyone out there not breastfeeding or anyone out there that can give me some suggestions on what to do? I'm a complete emotional mess and don't know what to do.

Answer

Have grace for yourself and don't let guilt/ fear take over! If you're able to breastfeed and feel comfortable with it that's great ( doctors will help you with all the logistics) and if you end up formula feeding that's great too!! you're only job is to feed your baby- no matter what that looks like! You're gonna be a great momma💗 try to relax and don't stress too much about it! I really don't know for sure if I'll be able to breastfeed either( I guess no one really does) but no matter what I'll know I'm feeding my baby so that's what's important- some people have extreme views about it but I just ignore them☺️

Answer

I have a large chest as well and have breastfed all 3 of my children and will this baby as well. I actually took a picture of my youngest nursing because my breast was bigger than his head. However, I don't think that it's actually possible for you to hurt your baby. I would maybe reach out to a lactation consultant or go to a breastfeeding class in your area to get more information and ease your fears. Breastfeeding creates an amazing bond with mama and baby. However if you choose another option- a fed baby is a happy baby! Good luck!

Answer

Look up Breasteeding Without Fear and The Leaky Boob. They both have huge presences online and in social media and are incredibly supportive and show that there are breastfeeding moms of ALL sizes and backgrounds.

I ended up in a 34J/K nursing bra when my milk came in and believe me, they make bras even bigger than that! Just Google and order online :) Or if you're in a large city you may be lucky enough to have a private boutique that carries high quality nursing bras. You probably won't have luck with bigger brands like Motherhood, but honestly their bras suck (no pun intended) anyway.

Answer

I had the same fear with my first and ended up exclusively pumping breast milk for him for a year. The second time around I was a little more relaxed and it turned out great! He breast fed for 18 months and weaned when I became pregnant with this baby. My personal experience says my breasts were tender and more hard when my milk came in but not all that much "bigger". Maybe get a great supportive nursing bra or nursing tank, watch what you're doing for the first few months closely (but babies know what to do)! There are a lot of positions to nurse in that you'll be able to try and find what makes you comfortable. Once your milk supply regulates I think you'll find not much has changed size wise!

Answer

First relax and take a deep breath! It's going to be ok, whatever you chose to do it is the right decision!.

I have the opposite, small breast but with pregnancy they become around C size. This is my second pregnancy. The first one I was very apprehensive about breastfeeding, only did it for a month and the pump usually did not work for me either (a crappy pump, as I found out years later).

I was very scared and tired after the baby, that I did not enjoyed the experience. Always worrying about if he got enough to eat.

The baby will eat enough and will let you know if he is hungry. Don't get discouraged, do a google search for large size breastfeeding bras, I'm sure there are out there.
Best of luck.

Answer

I think you could probably manage with some trial and effort. I'm a 36i and want to breastfeed if at all possible.  My mom breastfed so I think it's possible with some trial and error. I plan to ask my doctor for some tips but if you really don't feel comfortable doing it don't let anyone pressure you into it. If you're stressing the whole time you're trying to breastfeed it's going to make you miserable. Do what feels right for you :) Best of luck!

Answer

I have large breasts for my frame (petite 5'1") - typically around a 34D. With my first, I went up maybe one cup size. It was more that they were more "full"  than bigger... If that makes sense.

As for your specific concerns, you will not smother your child. A full breast actually maintains shape pretty well.

I wish I had some good hints for you about bras. I have trouble even finding my size. It's ridiculous how the clothing industry doesn't account for all body shapes.

In general, I recommend taking your time and trying as many options as possible. Pressure points in the sides or from wires that are just annoying normally can become immensely irritating when BFing and even cause blocked ducts.

I recommend finding a lactation consultant. They can help a ton. I know plenty of women much larger than me that have BF with no issues.

Answer

I'm going to try to breastfeed, but am prepared to use formula if need be. Everybody says babies on formula develop differently but honestly I don't think that's true. I know plenty of kids who were fed formula as a baby and are some of the smartest & healthiest kids I know. If you're not comfortable with breastfeeding then don't do it. Nobody can make that choice for you except yourself.

Answer

I think although you will certainly have a harder time than most finding a breastfeeding bra for your size, you will most certainly be able to find one (probably online). Your situation is in no way unique, and I am sure a product exists out there to suit you (it might just be more expensive than for most!). And failing that, you can always have one made- find a good seamstress in town, and ask her if this is something she's capable of. I several seamstresses who have made custom bras for women in need. 
And in terms of you somehow harming your baby with the size of your breasts... Well I'm not quote sure how to address that concern, because I'm not sure how your foresee this being an issue. Your baby will latch to your nipple, which is presumably on the front facing part of your breast- and if not, you would still then left your nipple to meet their mouth- and so it would be impossible for them to get under or be crushed by your breasts. But let me know if you're picturing some other scenario that isn't occurring to me.

Breastfeeding?

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