I’m back with another huge myth about breastfeeding (pun intended):
Myth 2: Breast size matters.
This one was made up by a man, right? Always so concerned about size…
Are you well-endowed? Or maybe barely making it into a AA?
Guess what? IT DOESN’T MATTER!
Breast size has nothing to do with your ability to produce milk. But why? Doesn’t it just make sense that large breasts have more room to store milk?
That would totally make sense - if breasts were nothing more than storage containers. But breasts are WAY cooler than just acting as milk jugs.
The size of your breasts is determined by how much fatty tissue they have. Larger breasts are made of more fatty tissue; smaller ones have less. Your milk production is happening behind the scenes of that fatty tissue - in your glandular tissue. That’s something completely different! And while we previously thought of breasts more like containers, the truth is that they are more like an amazingly efficient machine. They’re continuously working to provide just the right amount of milk for your baby’s needs based on a supply and demand system.
Ok, but what about nipples? They definitely have an influence on breastfeeding don’t they?
This one is a little more complicated. Truly, babies can learn to feed on just about any nipple. Large? That works. On the smaller side?? NBD. Flat or inverted? Those can totally work, too! You may need some extra support to get it figured out, but you can do it!
If you find yourself struggling to get your baby to latch, whether you’re not sure how to manage a baby with your large breasts or are looking for the best techniques to help your baby work with an inverted nipple, it’s best to connect with the breastfeed experts - International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLC). IBCLCs go through rigorous evidence-based education and training to become the boob wizards who make breastfeeding possible for so many families! If you’re local to the Greater Lansing Area, I always recommend Abbie Mullins - she’s the breast whisperer, and she can come right to your home! In other regions, connect with your midwife or OBGYN, your doula, or your pediatrician to get some recommendations in your area.
Stay tuned for more breastfeeding myths in future posts!
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