Breastfeeding leaking can happen to any new mum and is normal. It’s the body’s way of releasing milk to avoid engorgement and help baby get all the nutrients it needs. It usually happens in the first six to 10 weeks of breastfeeding, but for some new mums it may continue until they’ve stopped breastfeeding.
What does it feel like?
Breast leaking, also known as galactomenorrhea (ga-lak-toe-men-OR-rhee), is a milk-like discharge that appears on your nipple. It’s often accompanied by redness, pain and a sharp, burning sensation. Some women experience a tingling sensation before the milk is released, similar to when they’re about to have sex.
Leaking can be frustrating, but it’s a very common part of breastfeeding. It’s your body adjusting to producing milk and finding the right rhythm with baby, and it will probably go away at some point. But until then, it’s best to have a few strategies up your sleeve to deal with the leaks.
Using nursing pads (also called maternity pads or breastfeeding pads) is helpful for preventing milk from staining your clothes. They’re available at pharmacies and some mother-and-baby shops. Leaking can also be helped by wearing an absorbent bra and choosing darker-colored clothing.
If you’re experiencing large leaks from a let-down reflex, try putting a washcloth or towel over the breast not being used during feeding. You can also try a breast milk catcher, which is a small pouch that catches the milk dripping from your nipple during a feed and then allows you to store it for later use. breastfeeding leaking