Leaking Breast Milk

by Jennifer, CA

Question:
My breasts leak so much, it feels as if I am bathing in breast milk. I feel very uncomfortable. Is there anything I can do about it?

Thanks

Baby Help Line Respons:

Tips When Leaking Breast Milk

• Pressure


• Less Full Breasts


• Cabbage Leaves


• Nursing Pads


• Patterned Tops

Leaking breasts can be a real problem for some women. You didn't mention how old your baby is, but for most breastfeeding moms, leaking slows down and even stops over time.

When leaking breast milk, the strategies to cope involve both ways to reduce the leakage and ways to endure the situation.

Pressure on Your Nipple

If you notice that you're about to start leaking, you can press your index finger against the nipple. That will make the leakage stop. If that's not possible, for example if you are out somewhere around people, you can also press your arms towards your chest to obtain the same result (but in a more discrete way).

Less Full Breasts

To prevent leakage, try to avoid getting really full breasts, especially at occasions when the leakage might be embarrassing. Pump or hand-express some milk before heading outside. Or breastfeed.

Cold Cabbage Leaves

A home remedy to prevent leakage is refrigerated cabbage leaves tucked in your bra. I have never tried it myself, but some women say it really works. Why not give it a try if nothing else helps.

Wear Nursing Pads

Wear nursing pads. I personally prefer disposable pads, because they are so practical. Just make sure to change them often and bring lots of them in your diaper bag, otherwise they can give you fungus, especially if your baby has oral thrush, if you walk around with moist nursing pads.

Patterned Tops

Finally, don't use tops that will make the leakage obvious. Patterns of all kinds are great! Also tops that are not too tight will help.

Hope this helps! All leaking moms, please share additional tips below

Paula

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