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Expert Q&A

	By Ann Calandro BSN, RNC, IBCLC Lactation Consultant

I have large, pendulous breasts. I have two kids and am trying for my third. I didn't have great success with breastfeeding my first two. I had to use a breast shield every time I nursed and it was a chore. Milk would build up behind it and then the shield would get pulled off and get my clothes and the babies' clothes wet. I could go on and on with the unpleasantness using the shield caused. It just wasn't a lot of fun. You can tell when I'm cold, so I don't feel my nipples are inverted. I just feel my breasts are so large (especially with milk in them) the baby has a hard time having anything to latch on to. Please help.

Sounds like you had quite a time getting started with breastfeeding with the last two children. Hopefully things will be easier with your third. I would like to recommend that you make an appointment during your pregnancy with a board certified lactation consultant. She can examine your breasts and tell you if there is truly a problem or not. Sometimes the nipples are very thick, or they appear to come out, but when compressed by the baby, they depress instead.

She can show you ways to hold your baby and your breast that will maximize your success. Many of the mothers I work with who have large breasts much prefer the football hold. Baby tucks his feet up under her arm, and looks up at the breast. Mom can see what is going on much better in this position.

If your baby is alert and unmedicated when he is born, and if you have learned a good position, chances are that he will learn to latch on to your breasts from the beginning without using a shield. If he has had a lot of chance to practice before your milk comes in, usually on the third day, he will be ready to handle the breasts as they fill with milk and become a bit harder to latch onto initially.

If your lactation consultant feels you will need a shield, be sure that she teaches you the correct way to put it on, flipping it inside out and then using it in a way that it adheres to your breast by itself. If you can avoid using one, it will be much easier for you in the long run.

The good thing is, it sounds like you have a great milk supply with your children! And you have a very positive attitude. Hopefully with a little assistance, things will go much more smoothly for you with your third baby. Let us know how things go!

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