Stop the Leak: Our Best 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, you can stop your breasts from recurrent leaks.

When Do Breasts Start Leaking During Pregnancy?

Your 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 you may not experience breast milk leaking during pregnancy, you 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. Your body is beginning to adjust to your newborn's feeding schedule and the amount of milk needed. You might let down milk before your baby is nursing or unexpectedly when your hear a baby cry.

Once you and your 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, so you're not alone. 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 help reduce 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 you freedom to do other important things while you're 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, giving you just one more reason its so difficult to sleep. Apply CaboCreme Extra Strength before bed to help minimize engorgement and get the rest you really need.

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

Investing in a nursing bra can make you feel more at ease while giving your 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 you're not breastfeeding.

Using CaboCréme, nursing pads, and expressing milk as needed will help keep your breasts feeling more comfortable while reducing breast leakage.