Will my breast size prevent me from breast feeding? MOMS ONLY!?

Question

Im in the last few weeks of pregnancy.. I have small A cup breasts and small inverted nipples... Will I still be able to breast feed or should I pump and use bottles?

Answer 1

You absolutely can breast feed! I won't pretend that it will be the easiest thing in the world, not because of the size of your breasts, but because it's not always easy anyway, and inverted nipples can make it more difficult. I had problems at first with DD breasts and one side with a nipple that wasn't even inverted, just a little more flat. What really helped was pumping for a few minutes before I was going to feed the baby, which helped to pull the nipple out and made it easier to latch on to. Anything that will bring the nipple out, like ice, will help.
Don't feel bad if you don't get it right at first...it took us several weeks to get it right. I did give her a bottle of pumped breastmilk once or twice when I felt really wrung out and depressed from trying and failing. She didn't get nipple confusion, and in fact, won't even take a bottle now!
If you have continual trouble, try a nipple shield. It's a silicone nipple that fits over your own, elongating it so that the baby can suck easily. They are made by Medela, and can be bought in Target stores and hospital pharmacies. I'm sure that you can get them other places too, those I'm just sure of!
To wean from the shield, just cut one of the little holes in it a little bit bigger each week, until you just snip the whole nipple off and the baby is really just sucking on you! The shields only cost $6-10, so it's not a huge loss when you cut it up. Good luck,and feel free to contact me for more info or for clarification!

Answer 2

Breast size has nothing at all to do with your ability to breastfeed. Breast size is all about fatty tissue, which has nothing to do with nursing. The plumbing that is inside your breasts is more important than breast size.

You mentioned inverted nipples. Do your nipples become errect if you are cold or aroused? If so, you are less likely to have a problem nursing. Otherwise, you might want to try wearing breast shells in your bra between nursing sessions to help draw out your nipples. You can also talk to a La Leche League Leader or a Lactation Consultant about nipple shields if you have problems latching on.

Answer 3

Hey,

Congratulations!! You are in for some fun.

I know that having small breasts doesnt affect breastfeeding. I dont know about the inverted nipples though. You can find out from the hospital. They usually have a team of nurses to help new Moms with breastfeeding. Give them a call. Good Luck!!

Answer 4

You will be able to breast feed with an A cup now it may be tricky with inverted nipples at first. While at the hospital they sould beable to give you a nipple sheald (looks like a bottle nipple) to pull yours out and pumping will help pull them out too. I heard that if you pump a little to get the nipple out before you feed it will be easier. I have well had flat nipples and had no luck with my first but my second is doing good.

The main thing is to be patent and keep trying. Also look for support groups threw your hospital wich may be able to help you when you get stuck. Good luck and happy holidays

Answer 5

Contact the Le Leche League...they can give you support..also many hospitals have breastfeeding consultants. You can breastfeed with inverted nipples..just be patient and don't give up too quickly. Women who say the can't breastfeed usually just don't want to put forth the effort. If the percentage of can't really couldnt then the population of the planet would be much smaller as millions of babies would have starved to death. I am a mother of four all breastfed and all healthy and happy. You are awesome for doing your research now, it will make things better when baby come along and frustration will be easier to deal with if you know what to expect.

Answer 6

cup size doesn't effect breast feeding but inverted nipples do sometimes they tell you that you can try pumping or nipple shields and it doesn't help much and you have to do it for the hole time you are nursing. it might even not be an issue one you have the baby and start nursing.
but your spouse or significant other can help you now by simulating suction until you have the baby it makes it easier for you to start and a lot less painful.

Answer 7

As for the inverted nipples, they may come out more once you start to lactate. If not, there are these little things you can wear on them to get them to come out, they sell them in maternity stores. The hospital nurses will help you out with that. As for your breast size, that has nothing to do with your milk supply. Your body's structure is built to grow and nurture a child. Just make sure to eat the right foods and drink adequate amounts of liquids and calories to keep up your milk supply. Good Luck!

Answer 8

Just continue breastfeeding. The more you breastfeed, the more milk your breast will produce depending on your baby's capability. Your breast size is not an issue there. It's just what you think - but it's the other way around. That's what I also thought before, that my breast size hinders my child getting enough milk from me.

Answer 9

You can do it! Nipple shields will help you at first with inverted nipples. The size of your breast doesn't matter where milk production is concerned.
It may be difficult at first, but stick with it. You'll be glad you did!

Answer 10

you should have no problem breast feeding. i tried it in the hospital when i had my 1st child but it hurt too bad so i just bottle fed and i never even thought of trying it again with my 2nd child. but the size of your breast wouldn't be a problem with breast feeding. shortly after u have the baby like the next day you'll be a cup size bigger.