Leaking other breast

[Rhian82]

When breastfeeding DS, my other breast always leaks a lot, and generally soaks through any breast pad I'm wearing or muslin I've got pressed against it. It's a real pain as it often soaks through to DS's clothes or nappy, making them wet. He's three weeks old (and my first).

Does this always happen? Will it get better? Or are there any tricks I can use to help stop it?!

Unfortunately it happens for the first six months or so, get some breastpads. Don't worry it's completely normal. I've been feeding for over 27 months (two children) and mine stopped at about five months and then when I had DS started again .

Sorry I didn't mean get some breastpads I meant get some better breastpads - the lanisol ones are really good and they have absorbent crystals so they don't leak (bit like disposable nappies. OR do what I do and put real nappy liners folded up in your bra - much more absorbent and you just chuck them in the wash.

I regularly wake up in puddles of milk too so it's worth investing in a mattress cover OR you can fold a sheet three times and put it at boob level on the bed to absorb it - so you don't end up constantly changing sheets when you are knackered.

breast shells? it will get better

My DD is five months and my breasts rarely leak these days. It probably got better at around 3 months.

I second the recommendation for lanisol pads.

This was a huge, milky problem for me. I was like some sort of comedy turn.

I used breast shells and poured the milk away as breast pads couldn't absorb it all.

At night I used pads and lay on a towel.

I particularly enjoy the sudden spurting when I see something sad on TV

You could use breast shells if you would like to collect the milk to keep and use. Alternatively, you could try Lilpadz. They are non-absorbant breastpads that actually stop the leaking. They work by applying pressure to the nipple. It is hard to explain, but they stick on without the need for a bra so good for nightime.

Here they are,.

I too used breastshells to collect the milk it settled down by 6 -8 weeks

You sound like me, whomovedmychocolate!

I also had a party trick of 'twin fountains' when in the bath!

Lilypadz are marvellous. I got married when DS was 12 weeks old and used them for insurance but it had pretty much stopped by then.

Applying a bit of pressure to the leaking breast with your elbow can help if you cam manage it / be bothered.

Also, please don't mistake the settling down period for your milk drying up. It's normal and just because your breasts don't seem to be as full, it's fine. I only mention this because it happened to me and to many of my friends and brought a premature end to things.

Good luck

I have lilypadz, but unfortunately I produce a Lot of milk, so they still leak once the milk in them gets enough to reach the edges and break the seal. They're actually worse than normal pads for that as it means I get a big gush of milk rather than slowly leaking through!

Will try the Lansinoh ones though thanks - I'm fed up of changing my top and DS's clothes several times a day!

Sounds wierd, but try pinching the nipple of your other breast at the beginning of the feed. Works for me. Hope I haven't just outed myself as a freak!