Unraveling the Myth: Small Breasts Means Small Milk Supply

Does small breasts = small milk supply and not enough milk? This is such a common worry for pregnant mummas with small breasts and even some mums whose baby is already here. You might have even had comments from concerned family members or friends making you doubt how much milk you’ll be able to make. (Not helpful, right?!) So, let’s dive in and unravel the mystery together. In this post, I’ll debunk the myth that breast size dictates milk supply and provide insights into what truly influences a good milk supply.

Small Breasts: Size Isn’t Everything

Let’s address the elephant in the room: small breasts. There’s a widespread belief that larger breasts equate to a better milk supply, but research and experience tell us otherwise. The size of your breasts doesn’t correlate with the amount of milk your body can produce. Whether you’re an A cup or a D cup, your body is designed to adapt to your baby’s needs.

Understanding Breast Anatomy

To understand why breast size doesn’t matter, let’s take a closer look at anatomy. The amount of milk you can make is determined by the amount of glandular tissue in your breasts, which can’t be seen or estimated from the outside. Glandular tissue is where your milk is made and is present in all breasts regardless of size. These glands respond to hormonal signals triggered by your baby’s sucking, telling your body to make more milk. It’s a beautifully orchestrated process that highlights the incredible capabilities of the female body. The size of your breasts is decided by the amount of fat tissue you have in your breasts. This is what you can see from the outside and has nothing to do with milk production.

Supply and Demand: The Key to Supply

Your breast milk supply works on a simple principle: supply and demand. The more milk emptied from your breasts, the more milk your body produces. This is why it’s so important to follow your baby’s lead when it comes to how often they want to breastfeed. Trying to encourage your baby to go longer stretches between feeds means less milk is removed from your breasts, so your breasts don’t get the message to make more. Over time supply decreases and then we run into problems. Your baby communicates with your body, signalling the need for nourishment. Following their lead will help your body match their needs. Regardless of breast size, your ability to respond to your baby’s hunger cues is what drives milk production. So, embrace those frequent feeding sessions—they’re not only bonding moments but also essential for maintaining a good milk supply.

Overcoming Doubts and Challenges

As a new mum, it’s natural to have doubts and face challenges along the way. You might wonder if your small breasts can sustain your baby’s needs or if you’re producing enough milk. Remember, breastfeeding is a learning process for both you and your baby. Get support from an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) if you’re worried, and trust in your body’s ability to nurture your little one. Your confidence and perseverance will carry you through any obstacles you run into.

To wrap up, the size of your breasts does not decide your milk supply or the success of your breastfeeding journey. Small breasts are just as capable of nourishing a baby as larger ones. By understanding the intricacies of milk production, embracing the supply-and-demand dynamic, and getting support when needed, you’ll be able to navigate breastfeeding with confidence in your supply. Remember, whether you have small breasts, large breasts, or something in between, your love and dedication are what truly matter in nourishing your little one. Trust in yourself, mumma—you’ve got this! 

Ready to learn more about breastfeeding? The doors to my Breastfeeding Basics: From Prep To Pro course will be opening soon! In this course we’ll delve deeper into how breastfeeding works, how to prepare, how to help baby breastfeed well, share tips for overcoming common challenges, and foster a supportive community of mums. Together, we’ll empower each other to have happy and fulfilling breastfeeding adventures! Don’t miss out—get on the waitlist today!