Just like during your pregnancy, your body goes through many stages after the birth of your baby. In addition to sleepless nights and dirty diapers, you may find your breasts have a mind of their own, leaking at various times of the day and night. You will notice this as your breasts adjust to the process of making milk and adapt to your baby’s feeding schedule. According to Baby Center, an online parenting network, some new mothers leak for a few weeks, while other mothers leak for months.
Step 1
Purchase some nursing pads to use until your breasts stop leaking. These soft pads help absorb leaking breast milk. The Baby Center recommends using cloth nursing pads, rather than the disposable ones that might exacerbate fungal infections and nipple discomfort. Change these pads as soon as you notice a little dampness around your nipples. Use them at night and during the day, until breast leaking stops. Keep a few in your purse to replace wet ones.
Step 2
Develop a breastfeeding schedule to help your breasts stop leaking. Definitely feed your baby when he is hungry, but avoid abbreviated feeding sessions or snack sessions by allowing him to fill up during each feeding session. You may notice the leaking subsides once you and your baby develop a regular feeding schedule.
Step 3
Express your breast milk during regular feeding times, when you are away from your baby. This will help drain your breasts, keeping them from leaking onto your bra and shirt. This will also keep your breasts on their feeding schedule and provide a little bottled milk for your baby’s caregiver to feed her when you are away.
Step 4
Wear a supportive bra to help compress your breasts when you stop breastfeeding your baby. According to the Mayo Clinic, compressing your breasts can help stop your production of milk. If you notice engorgement and leaking during weaning, apply cool compresses to reduce the pressure and leaking. You may notice that your breasts stop leaking and producing milk about a week after your last breastfeeding session.
Photo Credit
- newborn image by Valentin Mosichev from Fotolia.com
