How big is big in the boob department?

Re: How big is big in the boob department?

• willashbaby member

  September 2015

  I think it will always be a blurry line if you're somewhere potentially in-between. D is big but not massive, but they may get larger when your milk actually comes in. Most likely your hospital will have lactation consultants on hand and they can give you "live" advice. I think for most of us it's trial and error no matter what.

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• anightintunisia member

  September 2015

  I am in the G department you aren't really considered large.

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• ntyravgsp member

  September 2015

  willashbaby said:

  I think it will always be a blurry line if you're somewhere potentially in-between. D is big but not massive, but they may get larger when your milk actually comes in. Most likely your hospital will have lactation consultants on hand and they can give you "live" advice. I think for most of us it's trial and error no matter what.

  STM here, and I agree with this.
  I don't know what is considered "large" that you're referring to either, but I consider myself average. I think it doesn't matter what size you are, engorgement is going to be painful to some degree. As far as nursing itself goes, it will be trial and error to find a holding position and support level that works for you and LO. Definitely make sure to read up on BFing beforehand, or take a class so you can learn about some of the holds before you have a newborn in your arms. The LC in your birth center will come visit and may offer suggestions/advice. That's a great time to ask questions too.

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• Blueyedsky member

  September 2015

  I was in the 36c/34d category pre pregnancy, and consider myself average. I haven't gotten measured for a new bra yet, but even though it's bigger I still consider myself pretty average.

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• emcarl24 member

  September 2015

  Hmmm. I'm an E or F regularly and am up to a 34H now. I don't really know where they draw the line. I guess it will just be good to read up and be ready to try a few different options.

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• Emott13 member

  September 2015

  Women's bodies are so versatile and varied. A woman with H breasts but who is also 6ft with a long torso and long arms may have no problems, whereas a 5ft woman with shorter arms who reaches a DD might have trouble finding a comfortable hold.
  
  I guess moral of the story is I agree with PP. Read up on breastfeeding and take some classes, to prepare and educate yourself. But ultimately until your milk comes in and you know how late your breasts are going to be while you breastfeed in proportion to the rest of your body, there's really no way of knowing what will and won't work for you and LO. Don't worry about it, you'll find your fit as long as you go with the flow and talk to LCs if you run into any trouble.

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• MrsB915 member

  September 2015

  I wouldn't worry about deciding what hold you like best now. Read up on the different holds, maybe practice with a doll. But once baby is here and you get comfortable holding him/her you'll know what works best for you. I definitely agree that you should ask to be seen by the hospital lc before discharge, maybe even a couple of times. In person help is great. I also recommend going to a local LA Leche meeting once you bring baby home. They great source of in person advice and can help you trouble shoot and problems you may have.
  
  I'm decidedly large breasted, especially since I'm only 5'1" and football hold wasn't for me. I liked having the baby in my lap. Every woman is different and I'm sure it is may be different with each child I have as well.
  
  Good luck.

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• Hipshaker member

  September 2015 edited September 2015

  I worked as a bra fitter actually, in a boutique that specialized in big and extra small sizes. And in that year I discovered that a lot of people have not a clue to there correct band or cup size. Most people are wearing band sizes that are too big and cups that are too small. A 36 b and a 34 c hold the same amount of breast tissue in each cup. It depends on your body type which will fit best. Your style options from bra manufactures start to dwindle once you go above h or I cup. Most special orders start at j, jj, and k cups. I have only ever measured one j and two lady's with k. I started at a 36e/dd and at 9m I was a 40 g. After two years of nursing and returning to my pre pregnancy weight I wore a 36 H in most brands. I would say that for most people's body type anything I and above turns heads, lol.

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• LilyCovello23 member

  September 2015

  I went to the bravissimo store, was measured at 36N previously 36KK. They told me I should use a sling to hold my boob up and make feeding easier since a maternity bra would not fit me feel like they just wanted to get rid of me cause they didn't know.
  I ask my obgyn she said that I may find it easier to go bra less around the house and feed laying on my side
  Then when I have to go out I use bottles I've prepared earlier
  

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• nanamp member

  September 2015

  Can someone explain how boob size affects ease of breastfeeding?

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• Hipshaker member

  September 2015

  If you have big breasts it may be awkward at first getting used to them being out and handling them because the weight. Finding bras and nursing tanks can be a pain. I nursed in public without a cover using super loose v necks and my carrier. Whatever floats your boat. I wore loose sleep bras most the time. But you shouldn't have any problem nursing.

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• ntyravgsp member

  September 2015

  nanamp said:

  Can someone explain how boob size affects ease of breastfeeding?

  I don't think it does.

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• enkb member

  September 2015

  @nanamp, I'm sure it doesn't always, but from a couple of different things I've been reading it can be harder to see if the baby is latched correctly because your boobs are in the way (my interpretation of what things have said anyways) and certain ways of holding the baby can be more difficult than for a smaller chested woman, just because of the angle and distance from your body.  I've also heard different breastfeeding support pillows work better for larger breasts - some just don't get the baby in the right spot on a larger boob. 

  
  

  I'm probably overthinking this whole thing, I've just seen it mentioned in a few places now and wanted to feel like I had as much info as I could get!

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• mg137 member

  September 2015

  nanamp said:

  Can someone explain how boob size affects ease of breastfeeding?

  Breast size does not affect supply or anything but I've heard from women with very large breasts that it can be a bit of a challenge when the baby is little to find a comfortable position.
  
  But when I read the topic, my answer was "something a lot bigger than my boobs!" So I certainly don't know from experience. If anyone has difficulty with this, an experienced busty friend or family member or a lactation consultant can probably give great advice.

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• andreachristine81 member

  September 2015

  I miss my 32D!!! I am petite and only 5'4 and two months ago was already in a 32DDD. Those bras no longer fit... Going to get some new ones tomorrow. I am not loving these boobs and I definitely plan to breastfeed for a year... So I guess I better get used to them.

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