19
Jan
I kind of struggled with how to hold my breast while my children ate. I didn’t know if I should use a pillow to prop my boobs on, hold them up the whole time they eat, or …. what? After two years of having babies and breastfeeding both, I have figured out what breastfeeding positions are most comfortable for me. I want to share these with you so you can try them out too.
These breastfeeding positions can be used by anyone; not just those with big breasts.
Top four ways to breastfeed your baby with large breasts are:
- side-lying
- laid-back
- football hold
- cradle hold
side-lying position
This position felt super uncomfortable and awkward for me at first. I actually just started not minding it now that our girl is a little older. When she was little, it felt like her nor I were happy with this position.
How to: Lie on your side with your lower arm tucked around your baby. Position baby alongside your body facing your lower breast. Bring her to your breast.
In the photo below, I am holding our daughters head and not wrapping my arm around her. This is more comfortable for me as I can see her latch. I am laying back on pillows and relaxed.
This position is also great if you have hemorrhoids or are recovering from an episiotomy or tear.
If you do not position yourself like I am with your arm a little out from your side and holding babies head, it can be difficult to see baby’s latch.
laid-back position
How to: Lay all the way back, lean back, or have baby straddle your leg while sitting upright. Have baby face you. If they are not capable of holding their head up quite yet, support their back with your forearm and neck and shoulders with your hand.
If your baby has any reflux issues, you have a strong letdown or a large volume of milk then sitting up straddling your leg (photo on the right) is the way to go. This will help your baby swallow the milk, help with reflux, and maybe keep away those ear infections as your baby is not laying down.
As she is getting older, she is becoming a very active breastfeeder.
football hold position
The football hold position is the position they will most likely teach you in the hospital. Did you know it is the best way for a large chested woman to breastfeed? You can see baby’s latch and be cosy doing it.
How to: sit or lay back with pillows behind you and under your arm. Place baby on the pillow under your arm. Babies feet should be toward your back with her head toward your hand. Your forearm will support the baby’s upper back while your hand and fingers support their shoulders, neck, and head.
In the photo below, I am lounging in a recliner. I am using the arm of the chair as the pillow for under his body so he is about the same height as my breast. His bottom is against the back of the chair and his legs are angled straight up.
Our boy was smiling while eating and tryin not to fall asleep. He was about 1.5 weeks old here.
cradle hold position
This position is my go-to and the traditional breastfeeding position that most moms choose. I pick up our girl when she is ready to eat, unlatch my nursing bra, lay her sideways and latch her on. She will knead to get the milk to come out more and normally stares and giggles at me more in this position.
How to: traditional way is to place baby’s head on the inside of your elbow while their belly and your belly touch. Your forearm will support your baby’s back and palm holds on to your baby’s bum or upper thighs.
If you are doing the traditional hold, don’t forget to relax your shoulder. Don’t hold it up high as it will make your back hurt and you can become irritated after a short time nursing.
This position is great for larger babies and babies that have mastered nursing.
Extra Tips for Feeding your baby with large breasts
- when milk comes in, breasts get heavy. Wear a supportive nursing bra to prevent back and neck pain.
- don’t always look down at your baby while they nurse. The chiropractor will be your best friend if you do.
- a pillow under your baby will help you relax, bring more comfort to the both of you, and give you a view of their latch
- Use a C-hold to help with latching. Hold your breast like a sandwich. Thumb on top of your breast and your other fingers under your breast.
- keep your baby and your breast level.
- keep underneath your breasts dry. Dry them off or “air dry” them when you can. Keeping them damp can bring yeast or skin issues.
Tell me what your favorite breastfeeding position is and if you have any other tips for breastfeeding with large breasts in the comments!
