I always tell mothers-to-be that breast size doesn't matter when it comes to the amount of milk you make. While this is true, I've learned from them that size does matter when it comes to positioning.
For those of us who are well endowed, supporting the breast is key to getting and maintaining a good latch. But this sometimes means uncomfortable positions, the inability to drink a glass of water or hold a book while nursing. I've met a few moms who have gotten carpel tunnel syndrome from supporting their breasts so much.
I usually recommend putting a rolled up wash cloth underneath the breast for support, but was intruiged by a new product called the Utterly Yours Breast Pillow. I was curious if this pillow could do the job better. It's an award winning product invented by a nursing mother of four. I asked Sarah, pictured below with her son Talan, to give it a try. Here's what she had to say:
I love the closeness that I have with my 5 month old son when I nurse. Luckily I have not had any problems with breastfeeding. I am usually holding him (or patting him) with one hand while I support my breast with the other. I am fine with this arrangement, but am not able to multi-task as I generally have the use of only one hand. Tanya asked me to try out the Utterly Yours Breast Pillow. It's geared toward women who need to support their breast while nursing, but want use of their hands, too.
The product is very simple to use. You hold it in the palm of your hand, compress it, and position it under your breast. When you release, it returns to its original shape and supports the breast. It's very comfortable, and the cover has little non-skid dots (like your baby's socks), so it won't slip like a rolled up diaper or towel. It comes in 4 sizes, and the company's website helps you figure out which size you need. It was made for sitting, but I found that it can provide support for nighttime side-lying feedings, too.
I tried it out and found it lightweight and comfortable. It nestled right into my bra or nursing camisole and stayed put. I elevated my breast just enough to meet my son's face. I also found that it worked well for nursing while carrying my son in a wrap or sling. I think it's a great product, and I'm surprised that there aren't more products like this available.
For mothers who want to use something like this regularly, I'd suggest starting to use this from the first week. I had my positioning routine down when I tried out the pillow, and it took a little adjusting to make it work. I had also become so accustomed to holding onto Talan and my breast that I didn't really know what to do with my free hands! When I did try to read a book, my son would become so curious as to what I was doing that he kept popping off to see what I was doing (this wouldn't be as much of a problem with a younger baby).
The Utterly Yours pillow is sold individually, so unless you buy two you'll need to switch sides when you switch breasts. The cover needs to hang dry, so you may want to buy extra covers if you're using it often (though it didn't take long to dry). It sells for $21.95 plus shipping from the company's website and some retailers. Extra covers cost $11.95 for two.
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