Stop the Leak: Breastfeeding Wellness Tips

Many new mothers experience breast leaking during the latter stages of pregnancy or during postpartum. Although having leaking breasts is natural, it can feel embarrassing or uncomfortable. By using specific strategies and products while supporting the breasts during pregnancy and postpartum, new mothers can manage leaking breasts.

When Do Breasts Start Leaking During Pregnancy?

The mother's body begins to produce nutrient-rich colostrum around the sixteenth week of pregnancy. Colostrum contains antibodies that will help the baby fight infection once it is born and begins breastfeeding. While expecting mothers may not experience breast milk leaking during their pregnancy, they might leak a bit of colostrum before giving birth.

Why Do Breasts Leak During Postpartum?

Breast milk leakage during the postpartum stage is mainly due to the let-down reflex. The mother's body is beginning to adjust to her newborn's feeding schedule and the amount of milk needed. Mothers might let down milk before their baby is nursing or unexpectedly when they hear a baby cry. Once the mother and baby fine-tune the feeding schedule, leaking breasts often cease.

How To Manage Leaking Breast Milk

Breast milk leakage is a reality that many new mothers experience. However, there are ways to minimize the wetting of blouses, dresses, and sheets with these tips and techniques:

• Nursing pads can help absorb leaking breast milk between feedings or during let-downs. They come in various shapes, thicknesses, and materials, ranging from 100% organic cotton to eco-friendly bamboo. Look for nursing pads that are breathable and comfortable to wear to soothe the breasts while on the go.
• Breast milk pumps assist mothers in reducing leaking and also saving milk for future feedings. Pumps come in manual or electric styles. Most breast milk pumps can pump both breasts at once. For the ultimate convenience, a hands-free electric breast milk pump will give a new mother freedom to do other important things while she is pumping.
• Breastfeed the baby or pump before bed to release as much milk as possible. Leaving the breasts full of milk can cause them to become engorged, leading to an uncomfortable rest. Breastfeeding or pumping before bed helps minimize leakage and provides more comfort for the lactating mother. 

What's The Best Way To Support Healthy Breasts During Pregnancy and Postpartum?

Having healthy breasts will make the breastfeeding process easier for the new mother. Moisturizing and massaging CaboCréme into the breasts reduces symptoms of engorgement, soothes cracked nipples, and helps prevent mastitis.

Investing in a Bamboobies nursing bra can make the mother feel more at ease while giving her breasts the support they need. Consider a maternity bra to help with changing breasts, a nursing bra for feeding the baby, and cozy, everyday bras to wear when she's not breastfeeding.

Once the mother and baby get into a regular breastfeeding schedule, the mom's body will start to regulate how much breast milk to make and when to release it. Using CaboCréme, nursing pads, and pumping breast milk will help keep a new mother's breasts feeling more comfortable while reducing signs of breast leaking.