Navigating the world of breastfeeding comes with its share of surprises, and one of them is the occasional leaking of breast milk. But here’s the inside scoop: it's completely normal. Your body is just doing its thing and producing that liquid gold for your little one.
If you find it a bit inconvenient or uncomfortable, no worries – there are solutions. Our Catch-All Milk Cups and our Reusable Breast Pads can be quite handy in helping you stay comfortable throughout the day. Embrace the natural flow and find what works best for you in your breastfeeding adventure!
What Causes Breasts to Leak Postpartum?
Postpartum breast leakage is just one of the many unexpected, but completely normal things that moms have to get used to. Think of it as your body getting into the groove of your feeding schedule, syncing up with your little one's needs. Now, if you miss a feeding here and there, or are still settling into a routine, your body might get a bit confused. Cue the unexpected leakage.
Changing up your feeding routine? Your breasts might need a beat to catch up. So, during this transition, don't be surprised if there's a bit of sporadic leaking until everything settles into a new rhythm.
And then there's the overproduction situation. If you're a milk-producing champ, your body might decide to share the wealth between feedings, resulting in some leakage. No biggie; it's just a sign to maybe adjust your routine a tad.
It's all part of this wonderful and crazy journey – a little messy, but totally normal!
What Can You Do About Leaking Breasts?
When your breasts are feeling full, but your baby isn't quite ready for a feeding session, consider the strategy of "pumping to comfort". This involves just enough pumping to make your breasts feel more comfortable and compressible, without going overboard and boosting your milk supply. Another option in your arsenal is manually expressing a bit of milk.
Why is this so crucial? Well, relieving that pressure is not just about comfort – it's also a preventative measure. Without this release, you could find yourself dealing with a clogged breast duct or, more seriously, the dreaded mastitis.
Now, let’s talk about strategies and solutions for dealing with leaky breasts:
Apply Gentle Pressure on Your Breasts
Applying gentle pressure on leaky breasts can help reduce the leakage, though it might not eliminate it, and some milk will be lost. This can work for some moms in a pinch, especially when paired with a leak-catching product like breast pads or milk cups.
Stop Milk Leaks In Your Bra
For a more practical and long-term solution for stopping leaks in your bra before they have a chance to stain your clothes, try breast pads and cups. We’ll explore how these options can help provide discreet coverage for leaky breasts, so that you can feel dry and comfortable whether you’re at home, at work, or on the go.
Reusable Breast Pads
Willow's Reusable Breast Pads are your trusty sidekick in managing leaky breasts sustainably. They provide discreet coverage, keeping you comfortable and free from any unwanted stains. Just pop them in your pumping bra over your nipples between feedings, and you're good to go. Plus, they're washable and reusable – a win for both you and the environment.
Catch-All Milk Cups
Willow’s Catch-All Milk Cups are crafted to snugly fit inside your bra, adept at catching those unexpected leaks and letdowns, all while providing a protective barrier to prevent any chafing or rubbing on sensitive nipples. With a convenient spout for effortless pouring into bottles or milk storage bags, these cups ensure that not a single drop goes to waste.
Using them is a breeze – simply wear them inside your nursing bra for proper collection. It's worth noting that while the cups collect milk, they don't create suction on the breast or induce a letdown.
Pump Frequently
Frequent pumping is a game-changer in managing unexpected milk production, and Willow has got you covered with cutting-edge options.
- Willow Go™ Wearable Breast Pump: The Willow Go Pump Kit is a compact and discreet choice, empowering you to pump on the go, seamlessly integrating with your busy lifestyle. Willow Go is designed for maximum comfort and efficiency.
- Willow® 3.0 Wearable Breast Pump: For our most mobile breast pump yet, check out the Willow 3.0, designed for ultimate mobility and completely leak-proof no matter your pumping position.
If you’re curious to learn more about settling into an exclusive pumping routine, our blog shares insights on how to create an effective pumping schedule.
Establish a More Comfortable Routine With Willow’s Find Your Flow Feeding Kit
Don't just settle for a feeding routine; make it a comforting and enjoyable experience for both you and your baby. Our Find Your Flow Feeding Kit includes both our Reusable Breast Pads and our Catch-All Milk Cups. It also goes beyond preventing pesky leaks – helping solve other common issues for breastfeeding moms, like breast pain or nipple irritation.
Elevate your breastfeeding journey with Willow's Find Your Flow Feeding Kit, designed to help support every stage of breastfeeding and pumping. You’ve got this, moms.