Big breasts and breast pumps, HELP!

Melissa - posted on 04/28/2010

I have H size cup and found the Medela pump worked as well, I found electric less of an issue and quicker. My daughter never wanted to nurse so I pumped 6.5 months and it was a great pump (I despised doing it after a while). If I didn't hold it still and sit a bit leaning forward it did leak a little, but this was an easy remedy!

Erin - posted on 04/28/2010

I also am "well endowed" (about 44eee) and used the Medela Pump in style with just the flange that came with it. The tip to lean forward will help, also I found if I pumped while the baby was nursing I was able to pump more, also if I couldn't pump at the same time it was still better if I pumped right after nursing rather than at a totally different time.

Shelly - posted on 04/28/2010

I have 32GG breasts. I have a medela pump & use the soft fit breast shields that mold to you better once you put them on.

I also took a sports bra & cut two small nipple holes in it so I would not have to hold the connections to my body. I would fit the breast shields to my nipples & then stick them thru the holes & put them on the connections.

My problem was big breasts & once the milk started coming in flat nipples. It is like they are trying to latch onto a beach ball.

You could also try fenugreek supplements to help your milk come in. No one ever tells you breast feeding is not easy, it's not!

Good luck.

Rachel - posted on 04/28/2010

Well if your milk hasn't come in yet, there may lie your problem. He may be fine when it does. Have you talked to the lactation consultant? Be a good idea. Also check and see if he is tongue tied My son was and we never knew it and it explained a lot when we found out years later!!!

Krista - posted on 04/28/2010

In my opinion, the manual worked better for me. I do have extremely large nipples. Think teacup saucer and that's about right.

Kirsty - posted on 04/28/2010

Thanks. I was pumping for my first child, and it worked, but my breasts are bigger this time! But with her, she got lazy, and she gave up in the end, after a month, so we switched to formula fulltime.

I am hopeful the milk comes in..but if not, I will get over it, just wanted to find a use for my boobs this time around!!

I am surprised at the comment about manual pumps, are they really better than electric ones?

Also, I do use the rugby hold/football hold with my wee boy.

:)

Krista - posted on 04/28/2010

Your child would not even understand the size of your breast. All he sees is nourishment and sustenance. That being said, contact a lactation consultant in your area to help you out.

Also, I have very large breasts/nipples. My son hadn't any problem with the size of them, but if you don't want to seek help then I suggest the Avent manual breast pump. It worked better than the electric ones I used at the hospital.

Also, to get a good fit into the pump, lean over and place the pump on your breast when it's hanging downward. It's a more natural shape.

And if I may give one more word of advice. Try different holds with your son. If he doesn't like the cradle hold, try the football hold.

Sheri - posted on 04/28/2010

It sounds more like practice. I have Large breasts and used the Medea (spelling?) pump. Talk to a leche person.... They can give you tips and instruct you on the proper way to pump. My children had no problem feeding... and by day 13 you should be producing milk. The flange must be pressed firmly against the breast, no air pockets or the pump won't pump right...so there is no room for "dribble"... It is easier for larger breasted women to have no air pockets that smaller breasted women... Good luck ;-)