It usually happens at the worst moment. You are in the queue at the shops, you hear a baby cry (not even yours), and suddenly there are two damp circles on your top. If you are leaking milk in the early weeks, please hear this first: it is completely normal, and it is a sign your body is doing exactly what it should.
Why do breasts leak?
In the first weeks after birth, your milk supply is still working out how much your baby needs. Until it settles, your body tends to make a little more than necessary, and that extra has to go somewhere. Leaking is often triggered by your let-down reflex, which can be set off by:
- Hearing a baby cry, or even just thinking about your baby
- Feeding on one side (the other side often leaks too)
- A warm shower
- Going longer than usual between feeds, especially overnight
- Pressure on your breasts, like sleeping on your tummy or a snug bra
How long does leaking last?
For many mums, leaking eases off somewhere in the first few months as supply settles into a rhythm with your baby. Some mums leak for longer, some barely leak at all. Neither says anything about how much milk you have.
Five ways to stay dry (and sane)
- Wear nursing pads from day one. Even before your milk comes in, they protect your top and your sheets.
- Change pads when they feel damp. Sitting in a wet pad is uncomfortable and can leave nipples soft and sore.
- Press gently when you feel a let-down. Folding your arms and pressing on your breasts for a few seconds can slow a leak.
- Keep spares everywhere. Nappy bag, car, handbag, bedside.
- Dress for it. Patterns and darker colours hide small leaks while you find your rhythm.
When to ask for help
Leaking itself is not a worry. Do talk to your GP, midwife or a lactation consultant if you notice a hard, red, hot area on your breast, you feel feverish or flu-like, or you have nipple pain that is getting worse instead of better.
This article is general information, written by mums for mums. It isn't medical advice. If something doesn't feel right, trust that feeling and talk to your GP, midwife or child health nurse.
The Louise Poire solution
Two pads, one dry mum
For home and overnight, our Forever Pad holds up to 30ml with up to 12 hours of protection and a soft bamboo top layer, then goes in the wash and comes back again and again. For the nappy bag and the hospital bag, the Just-in-Case Pad is slim, discreet and ready when you are. Most mums keep both.
Forever Pad, Ivory → · Forever Pad, Noir → · Just-in-Case Pad →
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