This is simply not true. Parents with small breasts can absolutely breastfeed and produce a healthy milk supply for their child.
Small Breasts and Milk Supply
Your breast size does not determine your ability to breastfeed. Women with breasts of all different shapes and sizes can breastfeed successfully. The size of your breasts largely depends on how much fat they contain, not the amount of alveoli (milk-making tissue). People with larger breasts have more fat in their breasts, but they do not necessarily have a greater number of alveoli. While women with small breasts can make enough breast milk, they may not be able to hold as much milk in their breasts as women with large breasts. Small breasts are like small containers, so they may not have a large storage capacity. This simply means is that if you have small breasts, you may need to breastfeed more often, especially as your child grows. Breast milk production also relies on demand. To make sure you continue producing enough milk for your baby, breastfeed often. Newborns eat very frequently, about every one to three hours and at least eight to 12 times a day. It’s important to breastfeed on demand instead of following a clock or a schedule. When you feed your baby on demand, even if it’s every hour, it will help to ensure they are getting enough milk. Look for signs that your baby is getting enough breast milk (keeping track of your baby’s wet diapers helps). Take your child to their pediatrician for all regularly scheduled well-baby visits, so they can monitor your baby’s growth. If your child is gaining weight well, that’s the best sign that you’re making enough breast milk.
Breast Size Changes
During pregnancy, your breasts go through changes to prepare for breastfeeding. They often increase in size and fullness, appearing much larger than they did before. Your breasts may also grow during the two weeks after you have your baby. During this time, the production of breast milk is adjusting to your baby needs, so your breasts may become larger, swollen, and engorged with breast milk. But even if you don’t notice a change in the size of your breasts during pregnancy or the first few weeks after your baby is born, you can still breastfeed. Talk to a doctor or midwife about your breasts and your breastfeeding concerns while you’re pregnant. They can examine you and help you to feel more comfortable and confident about your ability to breastfeed. These conditions are not common, but when they do happen, there is no breast milk or very little breast milk after delivery. Breastfeeding is still possible, although a supplement will be necessary.
Breast Surgery
Small breasts that result from a breast surgery can occasionally cause breastfeeding problems, but it all depends on the part of the breast affected by the surgery. With breast surgery, there is a risk of damage to the ducts and nerves involved in lactation. A breast reduction often involves a cut near the areola, which may affect the function of the milk ducts. If there is damage to the milk ducts during the surgery, breastfeeding could be affected. Mastectomies, lumpectomies, or any procedure that requires the removal of breast tissue could also limit the amount of functioning breast tissue left to make milk. Overall, with any type of breast surgery, the amount of milk produced depends on how the nerves function and how many connected ducts remain after the procedure. If you will be breastfeeding after breast surgery, it’s important to monitor your baby and your milk supply. And again, even if aren’t able to produce a full supply of breast milk, you can still breastfeed along with supplementation.
How to Breastfeed With Small Breasts
It is generally easier to help your baby latch on when you have small breasts, so you can breastfeed in any position that makes you feel comfortable. The natural, laid-back nursing position is an excellent choice in the beginning when you and your baby are first learning to breastfeed together. These strategies may also help.
Breastfeeding hold: Holding your breast in the V-hold may be more comfortable than the C-hold if you have a smaller bust. Just be sure to keep your fingers out of the way of the areola. Frequency: Breastfeed at least every two to three hours (eight to twelve times a day). Breastfeed from both breasts at each feeding. Your baby will get more breast milk if they nurse from both sides rather than just one side. Latch: Make sure your baby is latching on correctly. Support: Join a breastfeeding support group for advice and encouragement. Contact a lactation consultant if you have any questions or concerns.
A Word From Verywell
Breastfeeding your newborn is an exciting time, and one that will pass all too quickly. Rest assured that you have nothing to worry about when it comes to breast size and your ability to breastfeed. Don’t make the mistake of buying a nursing bra that is a few sizes too big, hoping that your breasts will grow into it. You need one that fits well to provide support and comfort. It’s a good idea to get a nursing bra in your third trimester, when your breasts have probably starting growing. Choose one that fits when you buy it and has an adjustable band and plenty of stretch in the cups. Parents with large or small breasts can successfully produce plenty of milk for their infants, with frequent feedings and a little practice to ensure their baby is latching on well.
