Breast size is not a determining factor in milk production, according to senior lactation experts.
They assure mothers with smaller breasts that they can produce just as much milk as those with larger breasts, emphasizing that breast size has no impact on the quantity of breast milk produced during breastfeeding.
Naijatraffic discovered that, The experts encourage women with smaller breasts to practice exclusive breastfeeding, stressing that milk production is dependent on the frequency of latching, not breast size.
This message was conveyed in observance of the 2024 World Breastfeeding Day, a week-long celebration from August 1st to 7th, aimed at promoting awareness and the benefits of breastfeeding.
This year’s theme is “Closing the Gap: Breastfeeding Support for All.”
Specialists clarified that frequent latching, not breast size, stimulates milk production, ensuring a healthy supply. Dr. Moji Odetoyinbo, a pediatrician and breastfeeding specialist, debunked the common myth that larger breasts produce more milk. She emphasized that all women, regardless of breast size, can produce sufficient milk for their babies.
Mothers can ensure their babies receive vital nutrients by latching them frequently, at least 12 times a day, which triggers the hormone prolactin to stimulate milk production – a process that is driven by latching frequency, not breast size.
“Prolactin is stimulated by the frequent latching of the baby, which sends a signal to the mother’s body to produce more milk.
“This hormone is not affected by breast size, so even mothers with smaller breasts can produce plenty of milk if their babies are latched on frequently,” she stated.
She added, “In reality, breast size has no bearing on milk production. A woman’s ability to produce milk is not determined by her breast size, but rather by the frequency and effectiveness of her baby’s latching. This means that mothers with smaller breasts can produce just as much milk as those with larger breasts, provided their babies are latched on frequently enough.
“The key to milk production is not breast size, but rather the stimulation of the breast tissue through frequent latching.”
To optimize milk production, the physician advised mothers to not only prioritize frequent latching but also focus on maintaining their overall physical and mental well-being.
“Adequate hydration, a balanced diet, and sufficient rest can all help support milk production and overall breastfeeding success,” she advised.
Prof. Beatrice Ogunba
Public Health Nutritionist Beatrice Ogunba emphasized that breast size does not impact milk production, but rather the frequency of breastfeeding sessions. She stated that women with smaller breasts can produce the same amount of milk as those with larger breasts, as long as they breastfeed frequently. Ogunba advised mothers to ensure their babies latch on at least 12 times in 24 hours, highlighting the importance of regular feeding in maintaining a healthy milk supply and meeting their baby’s nutritional needs.
“It is not about the size. Breast size is irrelevant when it comes to how much milk a mother produces. A woman with small breasts will produce just as much milk as a mother with large breasts.
“The frequency of latching on the breast determines the production of milk. Mothers then should latch their babies more on the breast at least 12 times in 24 hours,” she highlighted.
