Having a new baby comes with lots of adjustments, and some are less fun than the others. One of the things many new mums encounter along the journey is leaking breast milk. While it’s a normal part of having a baby, leaking milk can be a bit uncomfortable, or even embarrassing in the wrong situation. The good news is there’s plenty you can do to manage leaking during breastfeeding! In this article we’re going to look at a few simple tricks you can use to reduce or manage leaking while you’re breastfeeding your baby.
Why Do Breasts Leak Milk When Breastfeeding?
Leaking breasts are a normal part of breastfeeding your baby. It happens because the hormones in your body haven’t figured out how much milk to produce, but it’s a sign that everything is working properly. Most mums find that leaking only happens during the first few weeks or months of breastfeeding. Once your baby, body and hormones are used to the new schedule, things tend to even out.
How to Stop Leaking Breasts During Breastfeeding
Leaking is a common part of the breastfeeding journey. Luckily though, there are a few things you can do to manage leaking and protect your clothes:
- Wear Reusable Breast Pads
Reusable breast pads are one of the best investments you can make during your breastfeeding journey! These simple pads cover your nipples and provide a soft, absorbent and waterproof barrier that protects your clothes. Opting for reusable pads saves money on the cost of single-use products, and they can simply go in the washing machine after use. A couple of sets of breast pads is all you need – that way you can keep a few around the house and toss an extra set in your car or bag for emergencies.
- Use a Soft Towel or Cloth
You don’t need special breast pads to control leaks! A soft, clean cloth is all it really takes to absorb the milk that’s leaking out. This is a simple solution if you’re at home or if your other breast starts to leak while you’re feeding your baby. Laying down a soft towel can also help with managing leaking during the night and protect your mattress and bedding.
- Apply Gentle Pressure to Your Nipple
When you feel the tingling sensation of your let-down reflex, you can apply pressure to your nipples to stop the milk from flowing. Be careful about doing this too much. You may cause inflammation or soreness if you repeatedly stop the milk from leaking out.
- Breastfeed or Pump Regularly
Your breasts are leaking because your body is still figuring out how much milk it needs to make. The best thing you can do to get it under control is to breastfeed or pump every few hours. Remember that newborns can feed 8-12 times per day, so if your bub skips a meal it can be very confusing for your body. We recommend setting yourself up with a comfortable pumping spot so you can manage your milk supply, even if your baby isn’t hungry.
It’s also a good idea to plan ahead. We know bub won’t always feed according to your schedule, but feeding or pumping before leaving the house can prevent leaking while you’re out and about.
- Wear a Jacket, Jumper or Hoodie
Sometimes there’s no helping it – your breasts are going to leak and it’s going to be visible. Luckily, it’s usually pretty easy to cover up by throwing on something like a jacket, hoodie or scarf. Adding a layer can make leaks way less obvious, and it’s a great option if you’re in public and feeling a bit embarrassed.
If the weather is hot or if you don’t have another layer, you can still use your clothes to disguise leaks. Choosing dark colours like black is a great start, but patterned and textured clothes can also work in your favour. If you’re buying breastfeeding clothes then make sure you’ve got a few options that can be used to cover up a spill or leak!
Get Ready for Your Breastfeeding Journey at Mad House Mums!
Leaking a bit of milk is a totally normal part of breastfeeding. It’s nothing to be embarrassed about, and a soft cloth or a set of reusable breast pads is all it takes to deal with the issue! If you or someone you know is getting ready for their new baby, then have a look through the Mad House Mums store. Mad House Mums offers Breastfeeding Clothes Australia wide and accessories that have been designed by real mums. We’ve been there and done that, and our Breastfeeding Dresses or Postpartum Tights Australia wide offer plenty of comfort and tons of support, so you’ll be ready for anything. You can browse our range online, or check out our new breastfeeding gift packs if you’re looking for the perfect present for a new mum!