Management of Leaking Breasts

Introduction:

Exclusive breastfeeding is an optimal start to an infant’s life. Doctors recommend exclusive breastfeeding for babies until six months and further continued for at least one year. However, it is a challenging phase for the mother. While some mothers have issues such as an undersupply of milk, others may be worried about an excess production of milk. It may be quite embarrassing, especially when the women are outdoors. Therefore, managing problems during breastfeeding is an important part of newborn care.

Why Do Breasts Leak?

Leaking breasts indicate the production of milk through the stimulation of hormones. During the first four to six weeks after the baby is born, the production of milk is higher due to the prolactin hormone levels. The body recognizes the quantity of milk required by the infant. As a result, leaking breasts or a spray of milk during letdown is considered normal. Breasts leak when they are full of milk or activated due to an emotional response such as a baby's cry. Leaking breasts are usually experienced during the initial days of nursing, when the milk first gets produced, or at any time, even if the infant is not feeding.

What Are the Causes of Leaking Breasts?

• Feeding after long intervals or waiting for the baby to initiate a requirement can lead to leaking breasts.

• Some women notice this condition even during pregnancy; however, it is considered normal. Breasts may leak during pregnancy due to the production of colostrum as the body prepares for nursing.

• In some cases, other than nursing, women’s breasts may leak due to various reasons such as thyroid diseases, hormonal imbalance, taking certain herbal medicines, birth control pills, antidepressants, etc.

What Are the Problems Associated With Excess Milk?

• Excess milk can cause coughing in infants resulting in spluttering of the milk.

• The latch may be disrupted, and the baby may cry because of the fast flow, which may interrupt breastfeeding.

• Lots of air may be incorporated due to large volumes of milk, and this can also lead to vomiting.

• Too much milk during the initial weeks can be hard for the babies to digest and can cause bloating and gastric issues.

• Oversupply of milk can lead to blocked ducts or repeated episodes of mastitis.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms Associated With Leaking Breasts?

• Excess milk can cause engorgement of milk and cause pain and discomfort.

• When the infant sleeps for a long period of time, especially during the night, many mothers may wake up with soggy clothes.

• Persistent or intermittent discharge of milk from one or both breasts.

• Spontaneous leak without applying pressure or touch.

• Milk leaks from one breast while feeding from the other.

How Can Leaking Breasts Be Managed?

• Feeding Frequently: Establishing a routine and feeding the baby frequently can help avoid leaking breasts. Feeding in a reclined position can be helpful for the infant as it provides control over the flow. Feeding on demand might also reduce the leakage as the body tries to understand the infant’s requirements.

• Nursing Pads: Wearing absorbent nursing pads inside the bra can be beneficial as it keeps the area dry and prevents stains on the clothes. These are available as disposable and reusable pads which absorb moisture. Mild to moderate leakage can be efficiently managed by this method. Ultra-thin disposable pads are available, which can be used comfortably when outdoors.

• Milk Shells: Excess milk can be collected in milk cups or milk shells. These are hollow discs made of silicone membrane which can be worn inside the bra, between the breastfeeds, to collect the leaked milk. However, wearing breast shells for long periods must be avoided as it can trap moisture and cause nipple irritation.

• Pressure Application: Apply pressure in the nipple area by gently pressing with the base of the palm or by crossing the arms to stop the milk flow if the breasts start leaking suddenly. However, it is just a temporary measure.

• Precautionary Measures: Wearing a loose-fitting bra can be helpful at times.

Keeping extra clothes when outdoors or during travel. Carrying outerwear such as a sweater or a jacket. Avoiding materials such as silk or other fabric materials that change color when wet. Picking outfits such as patterned, darker, or layered clothes can be worn, which makes the leakage less visible. Lactation cookies, teas, or herbal supplements must be avoided during this period.

• Block-Feeding Technique: A healthcare professional can be consulted, and a block-feeding technique can be adopted. In this technique, the baby is fed as per its requirement from one breast only for around four hours, while the other will be full of milk and can be fed during the next four-hour interval. Excessive fullness may signal the breast to slow down milk production, which is referred to as a feedback inhibitor of lactation. It is the body’s way of ensuring that the breasts do not fill up endlessly. Block feeding intervals can be extended from four to six or eight hours, depending on the severity of the milk supply.

• Breast Pump: In mothers with an extremely oversupply of milk, an electric breast pump can be used to drain the breasts completely before the leaking begins, and the baby can be fed, which helps to manage the flow and also provides the hind milk (high-fat milk which comes at the end of the feed) for the infant. Block-feeding techniques can be helpful, and an improvement can be seen within one or days; however, block feeding must not be continued for more than five days.

• Cold Compress: Applying cold water or ice cubes on the nipples for a short time can stop a leak and may ease the discomfort.

Conclusion:

Leaking breasts during nursing is a common issue faced by many women. It is considered normal and usually reduces after three months of feeding. Some women may be happy and may get accustomed to the situation without taking any measures, while others may resort to measures such as absorbable nursing pads, modifications in the outfits, or an increase in the feeding frequency. A healthcare professional can be consulted if women feel difficulty managing the situation or if the condition continues for a long time.