How to solve leaking breast milk during sleep?

[blakeex]

Hi,

I have been breastfeeding my 5 weeks old baby & the breastmilk keeps leaking.
So far, I have been using various methods to mitigate this issue:

1. Use haaka breast pump - however I have been advised by NCT breastfeeding helpline to stop using it due to oversupply issue. One breast is more engorged than the other.
2. Use breast pad. I have sore nipple after feeding. The breast pad has been absorbing the milk well but the nipple becomes very dried. The midwife from the community cafe milk advised me to stop using breast pad ensuring the nipple is moisted & to speed up nipple recovery.
3. Use milk catcher cup. It is useful during day feeding. However, it will be an issue at night as I want to avoid wearing bra to sleep. Furthermore I want to reduce the risk of clogged ducts & mastitis by not wearing too tight clothes like bra to sleep overnight.

Can you advise me what other methods I can use to resolve leaking breastmilk when I sleep at night?

Thanks.

I personally just put those puppy training pads under the sheet on the bed in the place I lie. Then just change pads and sheet every day. Mattress stays protected.
I sleep top less as easier just to roll over and feed baby in next to me, then roll back over and go to sleep!
I do leak a large amount of milk some nights, then other nights nothing. My baby seems to like to vary how often she feeds during the night at the moment

I just slept on a towel and had a spare pair of pyjamas next to the bed.

It calms down after awhile x

Similar to above, I used to put a towel under the sheet and also on top of the sheet. The leaking should settle down as your body gets in sync with your baby's requirements.

Hi, firstly congratulations on your baby! have you tried lanolin to help with the dryness of the nipples and pads? I found both a lifesaver! i had dry and sore nipples and pads for the leaking and solved both problems x

I agree with others I decided to focus on protecting the bed and didn't worry too much! It does calm down. I think about 8 weeks I stopped leaking pretty much, though some people are leakier than others!

Only thing that stopped it for me was time... Had to wait it out for about 8 months with DS, but never had the issue at all with DD.

I slept in a very soft and not at all tight nursing bra, with a pad in. And used lanolin first and last thing to stop soreness or dryness. When I did try sleeping topless or without a bra, I was covered in milk as I had a very strong letdown from the breast I wasn't feeding from, which didn't stop happening for months. When it was at its worst, I had a towel under me which I could move away when not feeding.

I have been wearing very soft not cupped bras? Not sure what the are called probable the easiest way to describe them is like half a vest top?

I found that a loose fitting pj top without the bra moved too much against my nips which are super sensitive (not when feeding tho-weird!)

finally stopping leaking now At night around 10week. I usually pump before bed and then on the side I’m not feeding on in the night (waiting till about 8 weeks for this tho).

well done. After about 6 weeks it all starts to feel easier and worth it

Pop a multi mam compress on and then put the breast pad over.

I had to wear breast pads for the whole 2 years I breastfed for (and a nursing bra at night). Washable breast pads are less irritating than the plastic backed disposables and lanolin helps with dryness. I used to stuff a muslin down my bra too at times

I've just about stopped leaking at 8.5 months, the same time my daughter started to sleep through without waking for a feed. Prior to this I wore a non padded/non wired nursing bra and reusable breast pads.

Having a warm shower before bed helped me "leak/express" in the shower.
Lanolin for your nipples.
Washable/reusable breast pads.

It takes a while to stop leaking, but you will get there! I used to wear a soft night time crop top with breast pads in, and use lanolin every time to keep nipples moist.

Oh and I slept on towels until wverything calmed down a bit! You're early on in your breastfeeding journey x

I have large breasts and so always wore a bra.
One day I just didn't wear it and I hadn't leaked! Game changer! So no bra at night now and I never leaked since.