When it comes to breastfeeding, does boob size really matter?

Do bigger boobs make for better breastfeeding? The short answer is no, according to experts.

Writing for Essential Baby, lactation consultant and mum of five Pinky McKay explained that women’s breast milk storage capabilities can vary hugely – but it’s not necessarily based on their boob size.

She said that ultrasound studies by the University of Western Australia’s Dr Peter Hartmann found that while normal breastfeeding women produce roughly the same amount of milk over 24 hours, their storage capacity could vary up to three times as much.

"But this isn't necessarily related to breast size and doesn't influence milk production ability: a smaller breasted woman may have a good supply of glandular tissue and less fat, which will mean a better storage capacity, while a larger breasted woman may have more fat in her breasts and less glandular tissue, and therefore have a smaller storage capacity," she said.

"Instead of becoming stressed about how much milk your breasts are making or storing, I joke that we have either shot glasses or 'jugs'. You can drink a litre of water from a large mug or a smaller cup; if you're drinking from a smaller cup, you'll simply need more refills.  This means that if you breastfeed your baby according to his hunger signals, you'll never need to worry about your milk storage capacity."

If you have trouble with milk supply, McKay suggests encouraging your baby to completely drain your breasts of milk, as "milk production works on a supply and demand basis."

She also explained that milk supply can be affected by medical conditions including mammary hypoplasia or insufficient glandular tissue.

So there you have it: in terms of breastfeeding at least, size doesn't really matter.

Did you struggle with breastfeeding?