Dealing with Leaky Breasts: Why It Happens and How to Manage It

By: Courtney Miller, RN, BSN, IBCLC

Breastfeeding is a beautiful, natural process, but it comes with its quirks—like leaky breasts. If you’re experiencing this, don’t worry! It’s a normal part of the journey for many breastfeeding parents. Let’s talk about why it happens and how you can handle it with confidence.

Normalizing Leaky Breasts

First things first: let’s normalize the experience of leaking. Some breastfeeding parents leak often, while others never do. You might find that you leak a lot in the early weeks and then it gradually decreases as your milk supply regulates. On the other hand, some people may leak throughout their entire breastfeeding journey, and some even leak during pregnancy.

And guess what? All of these scenarios are completely normal. Leaking is not an indication of milk supply—it’s just part of the process for most breastfeeding parents at some point.

Why Do Some Parents Leak While Others Don’t?

The answer lies in the tiny muscles at the opening of your nipples. These muscles open and close to release milk. If you tend to leak, it may be because these muscles are slightly less strong, allowing milk to escape more easily. For those who never leak, these muscles are a bit stronger and stay tightly closed.

Unfortunately, there aren’t any “nipple exercises” to strengthen these muscles (sorry!). But the good news is, there are plenty of ways to manage the leaking and make life a little easier.

Tips for Managing Leaky Breasts

Here are some practical tips to help you deal with leaks and stay comfortable:

1. Use Nursing Pads:

   • Wear nursing pads inside your bra to absorb any leaks. Keep a spare pair in your purse or diaper bag for emergencies. If you use reusable pads, make sure to wash and change them frequently.

2. Collect the Extra Milk:

   • Make the most of your leaks by using milk collection devices like the Haakaa Milk Collection Ladybugs or Elvie Catch cups. These can help you save that precious milk for later.

3. Breastfeed Frequently:

   • Fuller breasts tend to leak more, so breastfeeding or pumping regularly can help reduce leaking.

4. Pack an Extra Shirt:

   • Be prepared with an extra shirt, jacket, or cardigan in your diaper bag—just in case!

5. Apply Pressure During Let-Down:

   • If you feel a let-down coming (it often feels like a pins-and-needles sensation), gently press on your nipples to help prevent leaking.

Embrace the Experience

Leaky breasts are just part of the breastfeeding experience for many parents. While it can be inconvenient at times, taking a few proactive steps can help you feel more prepared. Remember to keep a sense of humor about it—you’re nourishing your baby, and that’s an amazing thing!

Whether you leak a little or a lot, know that it’s all part of your unique breastfeeding journey. With these tips, you can handle it with ease and confidence!

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