Leaking Breast Milk

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Leaking Breast Milk

by Jennifer, CA

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 Response:

Hi Jennifer!

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 becomes less of a problem over time.

In any case, 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).

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.

Finally of course, wear nursing pads. I personally prefer disposable pads, because it is so practical. Just make sure to change them often and bring lots of them in your diaper bag. Don't ever walk around with moist nursing pads, it can trigger infections.

Hope this helps!

Paula

Comments for
Leaking Breast Milk

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Sep 03, 2007

Sage to reduce breast milk supply
by: Lisa

Hi,

I just wanted to add a tip. I've read that fresh sage can be used to inhibit milk production a little bit. Put it on a sandwich and may be it will reduce leakage as well.

/Lisa

Sep 03, 2007

Thanks, Lisa!
by: Paula

Thanks a lot for helping out! I hadn't heard of sage being used to reduce milk production, but I did a bit of research and sage as well as several other herbs can be used to treat breast milk oversupply, just as you suggests. Other herbs to try are for example oregano, peppermint, parsley and thyme.

If you, Jennifer, or anyone else try these herbs to reduce oversupply or leaking breast milk, please let us know if it works!

/Paula

Jan 22, 2008

collection cups
by: Joan

Hey Jennifer, I have a product for you. Freedomnurser breast shells. I too have had problem leakage but I put these in my bra to collect it and save a lot of extra laundry.
You can choose to keep or discard the milk.
Please contact me to find out how to get them.
freedomnurser@rogers.com

Thanks,
Joan

Dec 05, 2008

Leaking brestmilk for 2 years
by: tina

I had my 2 sons close together in age and I'm still leaking and my oldest will be 2 dec 8 and my young one is only 7 months. They're 17 months apart, and I don't know what to do about stopping this. I've tried wearing tight bras and just about everything the doctors tell me to do, and nothing seems to help. Anybody have any advice for me? I've not brestfeed with neither one of my boys and it just keeps coming. More often is when I'm feeding my youngest and he's right there at my brest drinking his bottle of formula.