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Every mother and baby is different and each set of girls (aka boobs) you use to feed your baby is different. For the fuller busted mama, finding comfortable breastfeeding positions takes some patience, creativity and experimentation to find what works.
When you have a fuller bust, what matters most is that you work to find a position that works for you and feels comfortable. When you work alongside a lactation consultant (IBCLC) they can assist you by demonstrating different positions. Here’s some suggestions to start with:
Laid Back
This position is the most instinctual and supportive of babies’ reflexes, the bonus here is that it works great for larger breasted mamas. Laid back nursing means that you are reclining in a comfortable position which allows the baby to approach the breast using their feeding reflexes vs attempting to get the breast into babies mouth as in many other parent led positions.
To practice this position:
- Recline back into a comfortable position, use pillows and adjust your bottom down as necessary.
- Your breast can just lie on your chest, no need to hold or adjust it in any way.
- Lay baby chest to chest on you, you will notice that instinctually you bring your arms by your sides to create a barrier effect as the baby explores the breast.
- Your baby will be guided to the nipple by the scent and will start to use their feet and hands to work to self attach to the breast. You can use your hands as desired to help them find the nipple and adjust as needed.
Football Hold
Also known as the rugby hold, this position is often demonstrated to new parents after birth and can be a major asset for fuller breasts. The football hold allows the opportunity to have more support for the baby and also allows parents to be able to have a better visual of the baby’s latch at the breast, which can be difficult in other positions when breasts are larger.
To practice this position:
- Utilise a breastfeeding pillow and pillows for support. The idea is that the breastfeeding pillow creates a ledge of sorts to provide relief for your arm from holding baby and it also helps to bring the baby closer to the breast vs hunching over which creates back pain.
- Move the baby to the desired side and position your hand on their neck and shoulders, being careful to not push on their head.
- Use your arm and forearm to “tuck” baby into your side, this allows the baby’s neck to extend and latch to the breast.
- You can use your other free hand to assist with latching or adjustments as needed in this position.
Cross Cradle
Likely the most commonly visualized position that is seen when thinking of breastfeeding is the cradle hold. The cross cradle is a slight variation that allows for more support to shape the breast and bring the baby in for a deeper latch.
To practice this position:
- Plan to use pillows or a breastfeeding pillow to provide a ledge in which baby can be positioned tummy to tummy with the neck, shoulder and hips all in alignment.
- If you are planning to feed baby on the left breast, use your opposite hand (the right) to provide a cradle at the baby’s neck and shoulders. This allows you to bring the baby into your breast to achieve a deeper latch.
- Using your left hand shape your breast into a “U” hold creating a sandwich effect to help baby bring more breast tissue into their mouth.
- To achieve a latch, bring baby to the breast and rub your nipple starting at their nose down to their mouth to trigger a wide open mouth and use your right hand to bring baby into a deep latch.
- Be sure to bring the baby into you vs leaning over to baby so your shoulder and back do not hold tension.
Side Lying
While side lying can be trickier while babies are small, there are some advantages of mastering this position as a mama with larger breasts. Not only is it comfortable to be lying on your side, lying on the bed allows for your breast to be supported by the mattress. In this position, depending on your breast size, most women can feed from either the breast that is on the bottom (resting on the bed) or the top.
To practice this position:
- Get in a comfortable position lying on your side, some mothers find that pillows between their legs or behind them can be helpful.
- Bring baby close to you and position them also lying on their side with head, shoulder and hip alignment.
- You can use your free hand to assist with bringing in the baby closer to the breast and assist with latch as needed.
More tips for busty mamas:
- Use a rolled towel under the breast. This works well for upright positions such as in the cross cradle or football hold as it can help prop up the breast.
- Use a nursing pillow. This is a must to help bring baby closer to you vs you hunching over to baby. When you’ve got a fuller bust you don’t need any other tension or stress on your shoulders!
- Find the right nursing bra to avoid plugged ducts, mastitis etc.
- This is an essential as your breast size changes during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Finding the right size and fit with a fuller bust helps prevent any pressure points which could lead to plugged ducts or mastitis (breast infection).
Whatever works for you, mama! Keep experimenting to find the perfect position for you and your baby.
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