Positive and helpful stories and tips for breastfeeding with enormous breasts please!

[GuillotinedMaryLacey]

Long story but bf was a complete failure with DD. One of the reasons cited was that my breasts were too big (38G when not pg). And I believed them. Nothing to do with the absolutely shite, nay, non existent bf support but anyway...

Now I'm 30 weeks pg and starting to think about the birth and afterwards. Firstly, I assume they were talking rubbish and it is possible, despite what the bf counsellors told me. And secondly, is there anything I can do to prepare to tackle this head on? I don't mean like nipple-scrubbing or that sort of preparation but resources, or people I can talk to, classes etc?

TIA :)

Oh, that's a shame you weren't supported well the first time around :( and what nonsense that you can't BF because of the size of your breasts IT might be that you will find different positions comfortable than a woman with smaller breasts but of course it is possible for you to BF :)

Is there a LLL group near you? It's a really good idea to get a support network in place so that you know where to go for help. Kellymom is a great resource for accurate information.

have always had big boobs, but they were at an all time scale of ridiculous when i had my dc 2.....was a 32M in a feeding bra when dd was a week old. seriously. fucking. huge!!!! have bf 3 kids, dc3 until he was 2.

my tip would be to get yourself a flatish pillow and a comfy position you can feed in...i found cross legged worked well(like when you have to sit on the floor in primary school!) because i'm guessing your nipples are not high up on your chest iykwim, i found it easier to have the baby on my lap (lying on the pillow) nice and low, and then guide the baby to your nipple. that way you can use your own leg for support of your arm which is sort of cradling your baby in the crook of your elbow. does that make sense???

it can be done...

i wish you luck!

I have rather large breasts myself. One thing I found v. useful when starting out is the side-lying position.

Organisations that could help would be the Association of Breastfeeding Mothers, La Leche League and the NCT. They may have local groups or counsellors in your area, or at least can offer telephone/email advice.

There are some aids you can use to get a better position for latching (rather than having to use your hands if you find you need to support the breast all the time), such as a rolled up flannel under the breast. You can buy readymade foam wedges that do the same job or even a "boob sling" that attaches to a nursing bra. I sucessfully bf-ed with at least H cups but did get hand/wrist pain which I will be trying to avoid this time around. Lying down feeding was good as I could feed from both sides without rolling over.

It's great you are getting prepared early! Hope you have a good experience this time.

Oh yes, another post reminded me - a bf pillow is a good idea. I liked one that is foam so not too squishy & can be fastened around your waist so it stays in position. Definitely helps so you can concentrate on latching rather than having to hold the baby as well!

Thank you all, this is really helpful. So a pillow/wedge seems to be a must. I'll have a google and for groups as well. I'm sure size makes a difference as far as comfort/support etc is concerned but in the cold light of day I can't believe that it actually stops you feeding. They were extremely keen on me using formula, I should have been more suspicious. Am more bolshy better prepared this time!

I dunno, I went up to a 34GG during pregnancy and I never needed a pillow. It all depends on you and your baby :) you just have to find something comfy that works for you both.

Bolshiness is helpful in some cases

I've had feeding bras in the middle of the alphabet and fed both babies. Both times it was a bit of a struggle in the early weeks and months, but well worth persevering with.

Lots of really useful info about positioning on this thread. I think what gets forgotten in all the 'tummy to mummy' and 'nose to nipple' messages is that they are a guide not an instruction. It's all about finding the position that works for you and your baby. I found a pillow useful early on to make sure the baby was high up enough, I'm quite tall and found myself hunched over feeding sometimes (not great for yr back).

MN was great source of info and just general encouragement.

38JJ hear at there biggest never cause a problem with feeding. Hard to get good supporting Bra's though, it's made my :( when I went into mothercare and there nursing bra's only go upto G cup's when that's what I started out with at the beging of PG. I wore underwired bra's all though both PG and have now switched back after 10months with DS as had enough of unsportive nursing bra's and couldn't afored anymore nice Hot Milk one's. Bravisimo is a good place for bra's though, the royal one's I had where some of the best.

I've fed two succesfully DD till almost 3years and DS still going strong at almost 12months. I used plain ordinary pillows with DD that worked well as she took ages' to feed, with DS haven't needed to use any really.

forget getting nursing bras from mothercare.

go to leia lingerie or bravissimo. i bought royce bras from a lady in my local bupa clinic...i had to make an appt. look on ebay for cheaper ones once you know your size.

btw, zip ones and big boobs just dont go!!!! get one with a clip at the top of the cup...easier to just pull up from under your boob then.

oh, the joys!