Breastfeeding with larger breasts?

Question

I was wondering how you moms with larger sized breasts manage breastfeeding in public (discreetly) when you have to hold your breast all the time to keep it from pulling out of babies mouth. Is there anything you can do to not have to hold your breast but still make sure enough stays in the babies mouth (my arm gets tired!)?

Mable- I hear you exactly! I always feed and then run out to do whatever I need to do. Or I feed in a dressing room or the car. My guy is 10 weeks old now.

Answer 1

No, I don't know of anything. I tried and it never worked out, but neither did breast feeding for me. I got to breast feed for only 3 weeks, then I had to stop.

Good luck! :-D

Ash

Answer 2

This works for me: First of all, my bra must have an underwire. It works better if it is NOT a nursing bra. The part of the bra that goes across the inside portion of your breast must be a snug fit. When you are ready to nurse, pull only a portion of your breast out and let that snug line of material support your breast instead of trying to hold it with your hand. It works like a sling or a crutch!

Also, no matter how "open" you are, I personally feel that it is still appropriate to move to a more private area and use a very lightweight blanket to cover yourself... those hand made crochet blankets with lots of holes are perfect, also those light cotton recieveing blankets. If I were in a resturaunt, I would request a seat at a booth away from the other occupants. If I were in a shopping mall, I would go to the upscale department store because most of the ladies' rooms in those places have a lounge area where you can sit comfortable and not need to be so discreet. On an airplane- window seat with your husband at your side. To each her own, and baby has every right to eat, but Mommy is still a lady who would under no other circumstance reveal her breasts in public!

Answer 3

When you figure this out- let me know! I'm breastfeeding my second child now (she is 2 weeks old- other daughter is almost 7) and I have the same problem. I get jealous of my two sisters who have breastfed all of their kids for over a year- when we can go to the store and they just hold them in one arm and walk around while they feed- I still resort to making sure baby is fed right before i leave- and if i have to feed while out- it's either go sit in the bathroom or go sit in the car- i'm not comfy whipping them out in public- and it seems to make too much of a scene to have someone help and throw a blanket over for privacy! It always takes two hands for me to feed- one to hold her and the other to hold my breast- 1. so she can get enough in her mouth to latch on- otherwise she is just trying to latch onto this monster wall of boob that is larger than her entire head- hah and 2. because if i dont hold part of the top of my breast back while she is nursing- it completely covers her nostrils. It doesnt matter what position/hold i feed in- i have to hold it back.

Answer 4

I had the very same problem. I wanted that free hand that everyone who breastfeed talks about - so much better than the two hands needed to bottle feed. For the first months I had to use 2 hands to bf and it made me mad! I found the answer that worked for me on a breastfeeding tip site. It was so easy I had to slap myself on the head, "Duh!" The site suggested using a pair of rolled up socks to prop up the breast and steady it. I actually use a thick burp cloth. I also stopped using a nursing bra. I use a regular one and pull it down which offers more support underneath. I don't often bf in public, but this makes it possible without having to prop up my legs and I get that free hand I wanted! Good luck!

Answer 5

You need to pinch your nipple and surrounding area a bit flat and make it available for the baby's mouth. Then you need to use the opposite hand to push down your breast fullness so that it doesn't block the babies nose. There is no way around it, you need both hands so that the baby can breath. And in public you need to drape a recieving blanket or something to cover your breasts.

Drink lots of water. Get plenty of sleep and healthy calories.

Answer 6

I'm a 40F and nursing a 2 month old...so I feel your pain! LOL I NIP all the time, and just use his blanket(not a receiving blanket, a larger one) to get the initial latch and then I uncover both of us. I like finding a bench, although if a fitting room is available I will use that as well. I am also(FINALLY) getting the swing of nursing wearing a sling. My little man a pretty high needs, so I wear him quite a bit. If you can find on I would HIGHLY reccomend buying one....they are great for NIP; and you can still walk around and shop while doing it!

Answer 7

I am a 42F and I managed to do it with no problem. Iused a receiving blanket to cover myself. I got baby latched on then supported my breast with my arm. and babies head. Tried to support my elbow with another blanket if I was out otherwise I would use a pillow...It was difficult at first but you get the hang of it after a while, and your arm doesn't get sore anymore.

Answer 8

i usually make sure i can prop my leg up on something....you know the leg of the breast she is on. or i usually make sure that i can sit in a corner so i can conceal with the wall. it takes some getting used to. you just have to find what is comfortable for you and your baby. i have to hold my breast away from my babys nose too...youre not alone girl

Answer 9

Buy a small inflatable pillow ( that way you can pack it away small). put it on your knee so it sort of supports your breast) put the baby on it cross your leg under the babys head, then lift up your shirt from the bottom dont unbutton.

Answer 10

No need to be discreet. You have rights.