If you’re breastfeeding, it’s normal for your breasts to leak during the first few weeks and some people even notice it during pregnancy. This is because your body is still getting used to lactation (making breastmilk) and adapting to producing enough milk for your baby. You may feel frustrated, or even a bit embarrassed, by your leaking breasts, but it’s actually a good sign. It shows your letdown reflex is working and that your body is making lots of milk for your baby. Breast pads can help soak up any leaks and ease embarrassment.
Why am I leaking or spraying breastmilk?
Your breasts will leak when they become so full of milk that they overflow. Leaking, or even spraying, can also happen when the hormone oxytocin triggers the muscle cells in your breasts to squeeze out milk (letdown reflex) (Unicef nd, What to Expect 2021).
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Your breasts may leak or spray:
- Often in the mornings, when your breasts are most full.
- From just one breast, during almost every feed.
- From both breasts, when you’re not feeding, including at night.
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You may leak in certain situations such as when:
- You’re feeding your baby from your other breast.
- You hear your baby cry, or just think about your baby.
- You’re in the shower or bath, or a heated room. This is because warmth can help your milk flow more easily.
- You’re running a little late on feeding your baby at a time when you normally feed them.
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(ABA 2023, Unicef nd, What to Expect 2021)
How long will I have leaking breasts?
Everyone is different, but you’ll probably leak the most during your first few weeks of breastfeeding. It takes a little while for your body to adjust to how your baby feeds.
Many parents find that their breasts stop leaking milk at some point in the first six weeks to 10 weeks of breastfeeding (HSE 2022, Kelly Bonyata 2018). However, some say they have leaks for as long as they continue to breastfeed (ABA 2023).
Can I stop my breasts leaking or spraying?
There’s no fail-safe way to stop your breasts from leaking (Unicef nd). Breastfeeding regularly, and not leaving too long between feeds, may help. The more you breastfeed, the less likely your breasts are to overflow, as you and your baby establish a regular pattern of feeding (ABA 2023, Kelly Bonyata 2018).
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Experiment with different positions until you find one that allows your baby to latch on well. If you have a strong let-down reflex you may find that lying down on your back to breastfeed may stop your breasts from spraying. Once you find a breastfeeding rhythm that suits you both, the leaking should settle down.
Some experts recommend block feeding to reduce milk supply and help prevent leaking (HSE 2022). It works by using just one breast for feeding for a block of time, for example, three hours. Then alternate between breasts for subsequent feeds, again using each breast for around three hours. It may help to pump both breasts in advance to help reduce the risk of engorgement and mastitis.
You may not be able to control your milk flow, but you can plan ahead:
- Wear breast pads or nursing pads inside your bra. Change them when they become damp, to prevent your nipples from becoming sore or infected. Also change them often if you and your baby are being treated for thrush. If you’re out and about, carry a supply of breast pads with you.
- Try using washable plastic breast shells. If you sterilise them first, you can keep and freeze the milk that collects in them.
- If one breast tends to leak when you’re feeding on the other side, place a cloth, breast pad or breast shell inside your bra on that side.
- Apply a cold compress, such as a cold, wet flannel that’s been stored in the fridge, to your breast before and after feeding your baby. This can help to slow down milk flow.
- Wear patterned tops that camouflage milk stains. If you’re out for the day, take a spare bra and top.
- If night-time leaking is a problem, you can get special night-time breast pads. You could also try sleeping on a towel.
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(ABA 2023, HSE 2022, What to Expect 2021)
Can I do anything to reduce leakage once I feel it starting?
If you feel a letdown tingle when your baby doesn't need a feed, it may help to press your palms firmly but briefly against your nipples, or use a cold compress to slow the milk flow (ABA 2023). If you’re out and about in public, try crossing your arms first so that you can discreetly place your palms on your breasts.
Pressing briefly is important, as keeping too much pressure on the nipples for extended periods can lead to problems, such as mastitis (ABA 2023).
My breasts never leak. Do I have enough milk for breastfeeding?
Many parents never experience leaking breasts. It depends on how the tiny muscles at the opening of your nipples work. These muscles squeeze open and shut. If your muscles are very efficient, your breasts probably won’t leak at all.
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More breastfeeding advice and information:
- Find ways to help relieve sore breasts.
- When your baby won’t breastfeed.
- Sleep and breastfeeding.
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