Tip From A Size-Friendly Lactation Consultant

Ana Hill is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) with a background in birth. Since 2012, she has served families in Southeast Denver, Colorado, and online as an IBCLC. Ana is also a skilled doula trainer and educator.  

Preparing To Breastfeed

Studies show one critical thing to support lactation is to take a class.

Becoming educated allows you to prepare for what you might need along your bodyfeeding journey. An example is how much privacy you may want while feeding your baby.

Speaking of privacy, consider wearing layers while nursing. Having a tank top under a shirt means you don’t need to worry about exposing your belly.

You can also get some privacy while nursing your baby in a carrier. Thankfully there are many plus size babywearing carriers and wraps available.

If possible, work with a doula! They will support you and help connect you with size-friendly birth and lactation providers.

Consider reaching out to an IBCLC during pregnancy for a prenatal appointment to create a plan for success. This support is especially encouraged for parents with PCOS, gestational diabetes, planning for cesarean birth, or people who have struggled with breastfeeding in the past.

How Birth Impacts Breastfeeding

One of the biggest things we don’t talk about is the impact of IV fluids on breastfeeding.

Fluids tend to delay milk production, and people should be aware that this can occur. There is a study that looks at delayed milk production for plus size people. Ana questions how many people in the study had interventions and IV fluids.

In Ana’s experience, she sees a delay in milk production for people of all sizes when there are IV fluids.

Breastfeeding Tips

Ana emphasizes the importance of seeking help as early as possible with someone trained in lactation.

When it comes to feeding positions, you don’t need to sit up when nursing. Instead, lean back (45-degree angle or further back) and use pillows to help to make your body more comfortable. By doing so, your baby uses their natural feeding reflexes, and you’ll likely be more comfortable.

It can also be helpful to roll up a small hand towel to tuck under your breast to lift it.

Being able to relax is key!

You’ll also want to set yourself up for pumping by ensuring the flange is the correct size and selecting a pump that will meet your needs.

There’s a lot of misinformation and societal beliefs about larger bodies. As Ana points out, when people are busy doubting themselves, it can impact their feeding journey. She encourages people to hold onto the idea that their bodies are amazing just the way they are today!  

Tips For Birth Professionals

For birth professionals who support plus size parents, it’s so important to affirm people’s bodies!

Don’t delay a referral to an IBCLC if your client is struggling with bodyfeeding. We all need to stay in our wheelhouse and know our area of expertise. And when referrals are needed, make sure you’re recommending someone who is size-friendly.

For doulas, if your client has a complicated birth, be sure to refer out to an IBCLC early on if any lactation issues arise.

It’s important to understand the unique benefits and different levels of expertise of breastfeeding peer counselors, lactation educators, and IBCLCs.

Listen below as Ana shares even more bodyfeeding tips for families and birth professionals.

Recording & Show Notes: Plus Mommy Podcast Episode 154

Resources Mentioned On The Show:

• Connect with Ana via her website to learn more about her in-person and online lacation support services.
• You might also enjoy Plus Mommy Podcast episde 58, Everything You Want To Know About Plus Size Breastfeeding.

Over the years I began specializing in breastfeeding and completed my international board certification (IBCLC) in 2012. I love my work as a lactation consultant, and feel so blessed to do it. I am committed to providing respectful care for all individuals and families seeking lactation support within my scope of practice and professional ability.

The post Size-Friendly Lactation Consultant Ana Hill Shares Helpful Tips appeared first on Plus Mommy.

There are unique obstacles plus size people face while breastfeeding. From the lack of plus size nursing apparel to a delay in milk production and how plus size moms are sometimes mistreated in public – let’s talk about it all!

Disclosure: Plus Size Birth is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Read more about these links in my disclosure policy.

How To Prepare For Breastfeeding When You Are Plus Size

1. How To Find Plus Size Nursing Bras, Clothes, Pillows, And Other Apparel

When you’re plus size, options for plus size nursing bras and large breastfeeding pillows are limited.

Thankfully they do exist, and here are some helpful resources that include options for plus size pumping bras.

The Best Plus Size Nursing Bras And Plus Size Pumping Bras

7 Plus Size Nursing Cover Tips And Tricks

4 Mom Approved Plus Size Nursing Pillows

Along with the resources above, some of my favorite plus size nursing apparel tricks include making your own nursing bras!

You can order nursing bra clips online and watch YouTube videos on how to transform your regular bra to a nursing bra.

Are you worried about showing off your belly while nursing?

It can be helpful to wear a plus size nursing cami underneath your top. This way when you lift your shirt up, the tank top covers your stomach.

My go-to nursing bra is the nursing wrap sleep bra as it’s so comfortable. While it’s probably not supportive enough for you to wear it alone while out in public, it’s perfect for around the house and when you’re sleeping.

When you’re going out in public, I have the nursing bra resource above and below is the most popular plus size pumping bra among plus size moms.

By having access to nursing apparel and breastfeeding essentials designed for larger bodies, plus size women feel appropriately supported.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Plus Size Birth (@plussizebirth) on Apr 28, 2020 at 5:35pm PDT

2. Put A Support System In Place For Breastfeeding Success  

Connect with an IBCLC, tap into community support groups, and get your family involved with your breastfeeding plan.

Studies show that connecting with a lactation consultant (specifically an IBCLC) can improve breastfeeding outcomes for plus-sized women.

An IBCLC can help make sure you’re confident in your ability to breastfeed. If needed, they can recommend items like a nipple shield or supplements to help with milk production.

From local breastfeeding groups like La Leche League to spending time with other breastfeeding moms, community support is incredibly beneficial.

By reading breastfeeding books (like the ones recommended here by an IBCLC) and taking a breastfeeding class, you can have the support and knowledge you need to feel prepared to nurse.

Also, be sure to talk to whoever lives in your home about your breastfeeding plan, and share how they can best support you.

3. Plus Size Breastfeeding Positions And Pumping Needs 

There’s no one position that is best for breastfeeding when you’re plus size.

Be sure to try different positions and pillows to find what works best for you and your baby!

Besides finding what position works well, you also want to ensure you’re using the correct size flange when pumping.

A flange fits over your nipple to form a vacuum seal that allows for milk extraction from your nipple.

Talk to a lactation consultant about what size flange is best for you.

4. Your Milk Might Take One Day Longer To Come In When You’re Plus Size

On average, it takes 2 – 3 days for milk production, but it can take an additional day for plus size people.

Laurel Wilson is a highly respected IBCLC who presents around the world. During episode 58 of the Plus Mommy Podcast, Everything You Want To Know About Plus Size Breastfeeding, she goes into detail of how hormones impact breastfeeding.

It’s essential for anyone who struggles with their insulin levels or has Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome to be aware that breastfeeding can be more challenging.

To encourage milk production, keep your baby skin to skin on your chest often. This releases oxytocin, the love hormone that helps your body to produce breast milk.

Even though you’re probably not producing breast milk immediately after giving birth, you will have colostrum to nourish your baby.

Work with your care team to ensure your baby is getting all they need in those first few days. Don’t feel defeated if supplementation of formula or donated breastmilk is recommended.    

5. Take Care Of Yourself 

Have you heard of the 4th trimester? As a society, we are so focused on pregnancy, and then the focus shifts to the baby following childbirth. But what about the mom?

The 4th trimester is the 12 weeks following childbirth.

During the 4th trimester, your hormones are shifting, and organs are returning to their original place. You’re bleeding, have swollen breasts, you might experience postpartum hair loss and other physical changes.

All the while, you’re also caring for a tiny human who is 100% dependant upon you.

Everyone wants to hold the baby, but who is holding mom?

We know that how you’re caring for your body during this time can directly impact breastfeeding.

For example, if you’re not drinking enough water and become dehydrated, that can impact your milk production.

Be sure to do all you can to take care of yourself during this time, regardless if you’re breast or bottle feeding.

Below are some helpful tips for taking good care of yourself during the 4th trimester.

Drink Water
Keep a water bottle with you at all times, one with a straw that’s easy to bring to your mouth while you’re holding your baby.

Eat Nourishing Food
For breastfeeding, you need about the same additional 500 calories as you were taking in during pregnancy. Be sure to fuel your body with nutritious food and take vitamins and supplements recommended by your care provider.  

Rest And Recover
Now isn’t the time to be a host when people come over to meet your baby. Now is a time for you to be pampered and rest!

Rest as much as possible.

The saying, “sleep when the baby sleeps” can sound annoying, but it’s true!  

Monitor Your Mental Health
Your mental health matters! You can’t be everything for everyone else if you’re not taking care of yourself.

Be aware of signs to look, and talk to your loved ones about how they can also know if you’re struggling with your mental health.

Don’t Focus On Weight Loss During Breastfeeding
There’s this misconception that you’ll lose weight by breastfeeding. The reality is that not everyone does.

Stop focusing on the number on the scale!

Nourish your body with all it needs to help you feel healthy, from eating a balanced diet to being physically active following your six-week postpartum checkup.

6. Be Aware That People Can Be Cruel To Plus Size Breastfeeding Moms

I wish this point didn’t need to be here. Sadly, the reality is people of all sizes who breastfeed can deal with rude confrontations from strangers. Yet, when you’re plus size, you face another layer of societal bias.

People might stare.

Cruel comments might be said.

It’s crucial to take care of your well-being, set healthy boundaries, and lean on your support system to shake off any negative experiences.

Hopefully, you won’t ever have anything happen, but knowing what you can face is helpful, so you’re not caught off guard.

7. Accept That The Way You Feed Your Baby is BEST 

While all the tips above will help you feel prepared to breastfeed, sometimes things don’t go as planned.

You might still need to formula-feed your baby – and that’s okay!  

What’s most important is that you feed your baby and do so in whatever way works best for you and your family.

Hopefully, that can be breastfeeding! But if it isn’t, or if it starts off that way, and then ends up being exclusively pumping or formula feeding, know that you’re not alone.

If you’re unable to breastfeed exclusively, you might feel disappointed. Be sure to talk about those feelings with your loved ones and consider getting therapy if you need further support.

Whatever path your journey to breastfeeding while you are plus size takes, from breastmilk to formula, know that you are an amazing mom.

We’re all doing the best we can – and it’s enough!

In honor of World Breastfeeding Week, Jen McLellan shares the detours along her breastfeeding journey, and what she wishes she would’ve done differently during episode 110 of the Plus Mommy Podcast.

Recording & Show Notes: Plus Mommy Podcast Episode 110

Be sure to subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify, Stitcher, or iHeart Radio. I’d be incredibly thankful if you took the time to leave a review. Follow Plus Mommy via your favorite social media outlet (Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter). Thanks for being part of this community!

Resources Mentioned On The Show:

• Additional Plus Mommy Podcast episodes about breastfeeding when you are plus size include Sam’s Plus Size Pregnancy And Breastfeeding Story, Does Being Plus Size Make It Harder To Breastfeed? and The Breastfeeding Complication We’re Not Talking About Enough 
• My Breastfeeding Detour: When Expectations Meet Reality
• No One Prepared Me For A Baby Blues Postpartum Experience

Thank You To Our Sponsor:

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The post 7 Things You Need To Know About Breastfeeding When You Are Plus Size appeared first on Plus Mommy.

The answer is it doesn’t automatically make breastfeeding harder. With that said, there are unique obstacles people of size face while nursing. From a lot of misinformation to a lack of nursing bras and apparel – breastfeeding can suck (pun intended).

I’m joined by Suzanne of Plus Size Breastfeeding to dig into this topic with helpful tips and resources. We’re answering the most commonly asked questions.

Answering – Being Plus Size Make It Harder To Breastfeed?

Related: Sam’s Plus Size Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Story

Recording & Show Notes: Plus Mommy Podcast Episode 78

Thanks for listening! Please rate and review the show via your favorite podcast app – it truly makes a difference and means a lot. If you’re a big fan, be sure to tag us on Instagram stories while you’re listening to the Plus Mommy Podcast for a chance to be featured. 

Resources Mentioned On The Show:

• Resources for nursing bras, nursing pillows, and 6 Things Every Breastfeeding Mom Needs.
• Listen to even more Plus Mommy episodes on breastfeeding.
• Connect with Suzanne of Plus Size Breastfeeding via Facebook and Instagram.

Below you’ll see images of nursing positions talked about during the episode beyond the standard football hold.

Thank You To Our Sponsor:

Plus Size Birth 

Use coupon code PlusMommy to receive 20% off the My Plus Size Pregnancy Guide that covers everything you could want to know about having a plus size pregnancy.

The post Does Being Plus Size Make It Harder To Breastfeed? appeared first on Plus Mommy.

Breastfeeding Complication

Overall breastfeeding can work for you and your baby 75% of the time. For those in the 25%, there are issues that should be addressed.

As an ear, nose, and throat doctor Dr. Dahl found a connection between tongue-tie and breastfeeding struggles after listening to the concerns of lactation consultants.

Clipping a true tongue or lip tie has resolved many complications. However, over the years, Dr. Dahl has watched the harm caused by the overdiagnosis of tongue-tie.

Related: Everything You Want To Know About Plus Size Breastfeeding

Watch the video below that shows all that needs to happen for a baby to be able to latch. We discuss this a lot throughout this episode.

Moms can self-diagnose breastfeedings issue most of the time. Yet, they don’t have the resources or expertise to fix the problem. Parents should watch for how wide their baby can open their mouth.

Beyond working hard to encourage and support breastfeeding, Dr. Dahl addresses that a mother’s mental health during postpartum is critical and often overlooked.

When breastfeeding struggles occur a push for “breast is best” can cause more harm than good. To sum it up, If breastfeeding doesn’t work out, there are many ways to bond with your baby. Many parents enjoy doing skin-to-skin with their infants. Above all, Oxytocin is the best!

Listen in as we discuss all of the above and well beyond!

Recording & Show Notes: Plus Mommy Podcast Episode 66

Resources Mentioned On The Show:

• You can learn more about Dr. Dahl via her website dolcenter.net, author page, and Clinician’s Guide to Breastfeeding.
• Haberman feeder is one of the best nipples for bottles that can be beneficial for this breastfeeding complication.

Dr. Dahl lectures in a myriad of settings: Screen Actor’s Guild, Actor’s Equity, lactation conferences, medical conferences, and hospitals. She educates residents from Beth Israel Hospital, New York University Hospital, and Weill Cornell Hospital. She has also written and co-written articles published in scientific journals Dr. Dahl recently published a Clinical Guide to Breastfeeding through Springer International. She has appeared on numerous television and radio shows discussing ear nose and throat issues.

Thank You To Our Sponsor:

This episode is also brought to you by Plus Size Birth! Use coupon code PlusMommy to receive 20% off the My Plus Size Pregnancy Guide. This guide covers everything you could want to know about having a plus size pregnancy.

The post The Breastfeeding Complication We’re Not Talking About Enough appeared first on Plus Mommy.

Plus Size Breastfeeding

IBCLC stands for International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, and it’s the highest certification for lactation consultants. Studies show that support from an IBCLC can improve breastfeeding outcomes for people of size.

ILCA is one of the best ways to find an IBCLC in your area.

Breastfeeding looks different for everyone. Some people nurse with ease, while others pump and bottle-feed like we learned about during episode 14 of the Plus Mommy Podcast, Sam’s Plus Size Pregnancy And Breastfeeding Story.

“Don’t define your breastfeeding journey by amounts!” – Laurel Wilson, IBCLC

I found the words above incredibly healing as I struggled to breastfeed my son.

I wish I would’ve prepared for breastfeeding. Unexpectedly, I went into labor early with my breastfeeding book on my nightstand open to chapter two.

As Laurel shares, during our prenatal education, we focus heavily on preparing for birth. Birth only lasts 12 – 36 hours on average. So little time is spent preparing for breastfeeding when it can last years!

Without a doubt, it’s critical to have prenatal education for pregnancy, birth, and breastfeeding. We should just stop putting breastfeeding last and spend so little time becoming educated. I speak from experience so let’s go deeper with plus size nursing tips!

3 Ways To Prepare For Breastfeeding

1. Take A Breastfeeding Class

When you are pregnant and planning to breastfeed, Google “breastfeeding classes near me.” Look for a class that’s at least three hours long. Shorter classes won’t cover all you need to learn about nursing.

2. Read Breastfeeding Books

Laurel recommends Ina Mays’s Guide To Breastfeeding and Breastfeeding Made Simple.

3. Get Your Basic Hormonal Levels Tested

Early testing can help if you end up having hormonal challenges with breastfeeding. An IBCLC can recommend testing once you’ve had your baby and make some comparisons. Hormonal testing is especially beneficial for people who have PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome).

When Will My Milk Come In?

When you are a person of size, it can take longer to lactate (Laurel explains why during the podcast episode linked below). For some, it can take an additional 24 – 48 hours. The best thing you can do is a lot of skin-to-skin with your baby!

One great clothing item you can wear is a nursing tank top. Tuck your baby into the top and do a lot of skin-to-skin while relaxing and recovering from childbirth.

Related: PCOS And Pregnancy: Megan’s Plus Size Pregnancy Story 

PCOS And Breastfeeding

About 1/3 of people who have PCOS have significant struggles breastfeeding; from undersupply to oversupply. This is another reason why connecting with an IBCLC is so important!

One thing that helps is nutrition during breastfeeding. If you have PCOS, your body will crave sugar because of how it’s processing insulin.

Focus on foods that address the sweet cravings but also help to stabilize the insulin levels (yams, beets, raspberries, etc). A book recommendation is The New Glucose Revolution.

Breastfeeding Positions When You Have Large Breasts Or Are Plus Size

When it comes to plus size breastfeeding positions, there’s no perfection position aside from the position(s) that work best for you and your baby.

A laid back or reclined breastfeeding position can be helpful, but your breasts can fall to the side. To assist with breastfeeding lying down, Laurel recommends wearing a nursing tank top, nursing bra, or even a scarf around your neck to help sling your breasts in an upright position.

You can even breastfeed in a plus size baby carrier as you’ll see in this Instagram video from Plus Size Babywearing.           View this post on Instagram                      

A post shared by Plus Size Babywearing (@plussizebabywearing) on Jan 19, 2019 at 12:19pm PST

Plus Size Nursing Bras

You might be wondering when you should buy a plus size nursing bra?

Laurel says if you can wait until you’re six weeks postpartum, it’s ideal. However, if you have to buy a new bra during pregnancy, you might as well buy a nursing bra.

Consider placing one hand in your cup as that represents a cup size. This way, you’ll approximately buy the right size nursing bra for when your milk comes in.

With that said, your breast tissue will change over time, so even if your nursing bra fits at the beginning of your breastfeeding journey, it might not months-in.

A nursing wrap-sleep bra and nursing tank tops will accommodate your changing breast size and help you feel supported.

This pumping bra comes highly recommended by plus size moms.

See our plus size pumping bras resource and helpful tips!

Learn even more from Laurel about plus size breastfeeding during episode 58 of the Plus Mommy Podcast.

Recording & Show Notes: Plus Mommy Podcast Episode 58

Resources Mentioned On The Show:

• You can connect with Laural via her website, Facebook, or Instagram.
• Laurel is the co-author of best-selling books, The Greatest Pregnancy Ever: The Keys to the MotherBaby Bond and The Attachment Pregnancy: The Ultimate Guide to Bonding with Your Baby.
• Resources for plus size breastfeeding pillows and plus size nursing covers can be found via the Plus Size Birth website.

Laurel Wilson, BSc, IBCLC, RLC, CCCE, CLE®, CLD, CPPFE, CPPI, is a board certified as a lactation consultant, childbirth educator, labor doula, lactation educator™, Prenatal ParentingTM Instructor, and Pre and Postpartum fitness educator. She has her degree in Maternal and Child Health – Lactation Consulting. With over twenty-six years of experience working with women in the childbearing year and perinatal professionals, Laurel takes a creative approach to working with the pregnant family and perinatal professionals.

Thank You To Our Sponsor:

This episode is also brought to you by Plus Size Birth! Use coupon code PlusMommy to receive 20% off the My Plus Size Pregnancy Guide that covers everything you could want to know about having a plus size pregnancy.

The post Everything You Want To Know About Plus Size Breastfeeding appeared first on Plus Mommy.

More than one OB-GYN told Sam that she shouldn’t get pregnant because of her size. They made her feel terrible about her body and tried to extinguish her dream of becoming a mother.

After five years of trying, she became pregnant!

Sam’s plus size pregnancy and breastfeeding journeys are very relatable. For those of us who exist in larger bodies, our narratives hold common threads. From assumptions made about what our bodies are capable of to frustrations around finding clothes like plus size nursing bras.

Related: Plus Size Pregnancy Struggles And Finding Self-Love

Pregnancy and postpartum is a time in our lives that’s so exciting. It’s also a unique period that feels isolating and is full of many disappointments that most people don’t openly express. I’m thankful moms like Sam Reyes are willing to talk about their struggles and triumphs. By sharing, we learn tips and tricks that can benefit one another.

We help plus size moms to feel less alone!

Recording & Show Notes: Plus Mommy Podcast Episode 14

Be sure to subscribe to the show on iTunes, Google Play, Spotify, Stitcher, or iHeart Radio. I’d be incredibly thankful if you took the time to leave a review. Follow Plus Mommy via your favorite social media outlet (Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter). Thanks for being part of this community!

Resources Mentioned On The Show:

• Plus Size Breastfeeding Resources
• What’s a B Belly? Let’s talk about it! 
• Looking for a size-friendly care provider while trying to conceive or during pregnancy? We have a list of providers on the Plus Size Birth website from OB-GYNs to midwives.
• Here’s a helpful link on how to find a local IBCLC in your area.
• After listening to Sam’s plus size pregnancy and breastfeeding episode, consider sharing your own birth story for the Plus Size Birth blog!
• Connect with Sam on KaleChipsandFathips.com website, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
• You can listen to Sam’s podcast, The Mess, via iTunes and Google Play.

Sam Reyes has six-years experience in radio engaging audiences on and off the air. She recently became a new mom. Sam is learning how to navigate raising her child to be a loving and compassionate member of society as well as succeeding in her career. Her a passion to educate people on breaking societal norms of what beauty is. She believes that all bodies are beautiful and should be accepted and respected by all. Read more about Sam’s journey on her blog Kale Chips and Fat Hips. You catch her on her podcast The Mess download on iTunes or GooglePlay, new episodes drop weekly!

Thank You To Our Sponsor:

This episode was brought to you by Plus Size Birth! Use coupon code Plus Mommy to receive 20% off the My Plus Size Pregnancy Guide that covers everything you could want to know about having a plus size pregnancy.

The post Sam’s Plus Size Pregnancy And Breastfeeding Story appeared first on Plus Mommy.