Leaking milk question

[JKDcot]

Hi all

FTM here learning all about breast feeding...

When I feed my 4 week old from one side, the other side leaks milk and hurts a bit. Does that mean I should swap him over half way through and he should drink from both ?

Thanks

It's totally normal to leak from the other side whilst feeding & the pain is probably the let down reflex.

You don't need to swap over if baby comes off the side he's feeding from and is satisfied (you'll find he takes both sides as he gets bigger).

It's better to feed for longer on one side as the first milk he gets is watery like a drink then it turns more creamy and this is what fills him up. If you swap sides too soon he only gets the watery milk & never feels full.

You don’t need to swap. The baby needs to get the fatty milk at the end of the feed from the breast they’re feeding from. If you breastfeed for long enough your milk supply will settle down and the leaking will stop.

I've been breastfeeding for 4.5 months and I have the same thing, all normal 😊 I usually find it quite painful when the milk comes in, usually when she's feeling but have got used to it.

As for the leaking, I found I was soaking through too many breast pads and tops so I got these cups to catch the milk on the breast she wasn't feeding from, use them every day! They're also good if you want to save any milk, I just put it in bags and into freezer (you can get special breast milk bags). I still use them all the time as I nearly always leek from the other boob, they're subtle though so not a problem 👍 hope that helps!

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Thank you for the replies. Been googling the let down and understand more now. I’m only 4 weeks in and struggling. What week does it tend to get easier both pain form latch and milk flow regulates?

I can't remember at what point it became easier but ds is nearly 2 and we're still going! In the early days I kept settling little goals, get to 3 months, 6 months, a year. I'm so glad I carried on through the soreness.

Hey, have you thought about a hakka? They are brilliant at catching your letdown and let's you build up a little milk stash. I used to leak so bad on the first morning feed. It is completely normal .

I was also coming on to say get a Haakaa! May as well take advantage of the leaking and build up a stash for when you want a night out (or possibly just some sleep!)

All sounds completely normal, and well done for making it to 4 weeks - the hardest bit is nearly over!

The pain goes when you get the perfect latch. Watch loads of YouTube video explaining and showing how to get a good latch. Don’t be afraid of taking your baby off and relatching if feeding is hurting. My ‘baby’ is nearly one and sometimes she is lazy and latches poorly.

My girl is nearly 5 months and I absolutely love breastfeeding her now. Give it time to get a good latch and if you're struggling I'd always seek advice where possible. Is there anyway you could speak to a bf specialist? I know it's tricky at the moment but I went to a drop in and their advice was so helpful and made latching better so wasn't painful after a while. My daughter now latches on like it's the easiest thing and now doesn't feed as frequently (and I start to miss it sometimes!) It does get easier.

My let down is still very strong but it's different for everyone I think. It won't be long before your milk regulates a bit. Keep going! It's hard at first but does get easier and it's such a lovely way to bond 💕