Having small breasts won’t hinder quantity of milk production.

Senior lactation experts have said that mothers with smaller breasts could produce as much milk as those with larger breasts.

The experts stated that breast size does not impact the quantity of breast milk production during breastfeeding.

They maintained that breast size has no link with milk production, urging women with small breast sizes to practise exclusive breastfeeding,

The experts stressed that a woman’s breast size does not determine her ability to produce milk.

Speaking exclusively with PUNCH Healthwise, the nutrition and child health experts explained that the key factor in milk production was not breast size, but rather the frequency of latching.

They spoke in commemoration of the 2024 World Breast Feeding Day celebrated annually from August 1st to 7th, which aims to raise awareness and promote the benefits of breastfeeding.

While debunking the common misconception about breastfeeding, the specialists stressed that babies who latched on to the breast at least 12 times in 24 hours would stimulate milk production, regardless of their mother’s breast size.

A paediatrician and breastfeeding specialist, Dr Moji Odetoyinbo said many had believed that breast size plays a significant role in determining milk production, with larger breasts assumed to be more capable of producing ample milk.

The child health expert, however, noted that all women, regardless of breast size, could produce enough milk to feed their babies.

She stated that by prioritising frequent latching, mothers could ensure a healthy milk supply and provide their babies with the nutrients they need to thrive.

The physician explained that the hormone prolactin plays a crucial role in milk production.

“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.”

In addition to frequent latching, the physician recommended that mothers pay attention to their overall health and well-being to support milk production.

“Adequate hydration, a balanced diet, and sufficient rest can all help support milk production and overall breastfeeding success,” she advised.

Prof. Beatrice Ogunba

On her part, a Public Health Nutritionist at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Beatrice Ogunba, said the size of a mother’s breasts had no bearing on her ability to produce milk.

Instead, she said, milk production is predominantly influenced by the frequency of breastfeeding sessions.

Ogunba who also a breastfeeding and complementary feeding expert, asserted that both small-breasted and large-breasted women are capable of producing the same volume of milk.

The don advised mothers to ensure their babies latch onto the breast at least 12 times within 24 hours.

According to her, regular feeding is crucial for maintaining an adequate milk supply and supporting the 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 noted.

 #crd:The Punch