Breasts Leaking...

I have given birth to 5 children. With my first one, I leaked so badly that when I woke in the morning my bed would be soaked where ever my breasts were. I had no problems and my son was perfectly healthy and is now 20 years old.

I know a lot of people have already chimed, but I thought I would let you know with my son I started leaking at 5 months and my OB told me it was totally normal. It wasn't just when compressed either. Sometimes I would wake up with huge wet spots on my shirts. Totally gross. Anyhow. Don't fret. Sounds normal to me.

With my first child I leaked before I had him. I probably leaked about 7 months also. Its nothing to worry about.

Your sister in law may be a nurse, but she either missed this day of school or doesnt specialize in pregnancy/birth. It is PERFECTLY NORMAL to leak while pregnant. What you are leaking is called colostrum. It is the first "milk" your baby will receive once he/she is born. A few days after you give birth your milk with "come in" and that is when it will appear whitish (if you pump and it appears to have a bluish tint like skim milk, dont worry it is perfectly normal. Breastmilk can even change colors; red, orange, etc depending on the food you eat) Colostrum is the only food your baby will need for the first few days-some nurses in hospitals will try to convince you to let them bottle feed your baby so you can "get some rest," or tell you you need to supplement. This is not true.

Colostrum protects your infant against infection and disease, is high in protein, reduces your baby's risk of becoming jaundiced and is easy for your baby to digest (unlike formula).

I dont know if you plan on breastfeeding, but as you probably noticed, I am a huge proponent of it. My son is 6 months old and I have and still am breastfeeding him exclusively (he has tried baby food but it hasnt replaced any meals). My husband and I just recently got ill with what felt like a mild case of the flu and because I breastfed my baby, he did not get sick. Breastfed babies are less likely to get ill than formula fed babies because a mother's milk contains all the antibodies the baby needs to fight the illness she may have.

I know this is more info than you asked for but I had tons of questions when I was pregnant too, so I just wanted to help.

-A.

relax, if its abnormal then that makes me and lots of other women abnormal and that negates the possibility of it not being commonplace. rejoice in the fact that you have a healthy supply, your baby will be well nourished and the difficulty most women find in breastfeeding may not be true for you. I actually heard that this leaking is preffered, and that women should press and exercise these milk ducts long before the birth of their baby to prepare for this important task of motherhood.

Well my breasts leaked far before any of my children were born. Its the colostrum and your breasts are getting ready for your baby. Its just a sign your getting closer that's all. It's completely normal. I have three children and on all my pregnancies mine did the very same thing. No need to worry! Congrats and good luck!
A. B Oak Grove, LA

No offense to your sister-in-law, but nurses aren't lactation consultants. There is nothing wrong. If your planning to breastfeed, be glad, it just means your milk will have come in by the time the baby's born. All of my friends leaked, some at 7 mos., others at 8 mos. I didn't leak at all, and Couldn't breastfeed 2 of mine b/c of this, and 1 was very hard to get my milk to come in. But no, don't worry, its normal.

it is normal i have had 4 kids and they do leak some,but if it's just pouring out i would get it checkked.but too me it don't sound like a concern.i hope that helps yoou

This is absolutely normal... It's colostrum. I started leaking around the same time (can't remember exactly when, but I was in the 20s weeks) and my OB's office told me that you can actually start leaking colostrum nearly from the beginning, and it's perfectly natural. Get some breast pads if it gets bothersome, but other than that, don't worry about it.

some people do leak while they're pregnant. don't worry about it.

This is perfectly normal in pregnant women. Not everyone leaks, but leaking a clear or milky colored fluid is just evidence of the presence of colostrum. I would worry if the fluid were brown or some other real color. You may find that breast pads (the kind for leaking issues when nursing) will minimize any embarassing moments. So you know my qualifications to speak to this, I am a nurse, childbirth educator, and breastfeeding educator.

My dear A.. Your body is getting ready for your baby. this is normal and every one bidies are different. I know I have 6 children and each one were different. your sister is a nurse, good. you can also call any clinic and ask to speek to a nurse in this field. J.

also you can email me at
____@____.com
I like to have a sight for married women with questions just as this is set up for moms with questions. I hope I have helped your quesitons

I leaked for several months before delivery for both children. I actually learned in nursing school that this was normal and the body getting ready for lactation. I think you are fine.

I did not have this happen, but I know quite a few people to whom this did happen. I'm pretty sure it's nothing, but it never hurts to give your OB/GYN a call.
Congrats on your pregnancy!!
S.

A.,

It is very normal for you to be leaking at this time. Some women will leak throughout their whole pregnancy or some never do. If your going to breast feed this will be wonderful to your baby.

C.

I leaked while pregnant, so did my best friend, it's normal.

Mine leaked before both births. My doctors said it is completely normal.

Don't worry about it! I started leaking when I was 20 weeks pregnant and didn't stop until my son was almost 9 months old - and I never breast-fed. My doctor told me this was completely normal. It's just colostrum, which is what's secreted before breastmilk anyway. Mine leaked in my sleep, when they were compressed, during the day - whenever! Everything turned out fine. Don't sweat it.

It is totally normal to be leaking while you are pregnant. Hormones can cause lactation.

I had the same problem when I was pregnant with my first and it started about 7 months as well. It's completely normal; just purchase some breast pads.

A.,
Everything is fine!Mine did the same thing starting around 6 months in pregnancy.It is totally normal.I have 4 children and have breast fed everyone and have had problems with all but this last one.I only leaked with my last pregnancy.It is your bodies way of preparing for producing milk....Good Luck and don't worry.
H.

It's not uncommon to leak colostrum while pregnant.

Your sister in law is wrong. It's TOTALLY normal to leak that early. It's also normal NOT to leak until after the baby comes. Nothing wrong with you, sweetie. :)

That is just colostrum and it is totally normal. I leaked aroun 8 months and had a huge supply, so hopefully that is the case for you. Be careful not to squeeze or compress your breasts too much because you can cause damage to the milk ducts. After the baby is born the colostrum will change to milk which will flow easier as it is thinner.

Hi A. I have three children,3 years old girl, 23 month old boy, and 8 month old girl. With my first pregnancy i leaked clear liquid starting when i was 6 1/2 monhs pregnant. I asked my doctor and he said it was normal some women do this and others not at all until after birth. I just wore nursing pads inside my bra throughout the rest of my pregnancy. With the last two pregnancys I did not have this problem at all. I don't know if this helps but this has been my experience. Congrats on your pregnancy!

I started leaking at about 6months and the doctor said that it was normal but I only leaked in the shower

Hey A.!

While I was pregnant, I read that leaking breasts happens to some women as early as their first trimester of pregnancy. I went to www.thelaboroflove.com and found an article that speaks of your situation. Although there's nothing wrong with you, you should talk to your health care provider if you're still worried about it. Hope this helps!

i started leaking at 4 months and my doctor said that it was normal.. he said that all women are different and that a lot of women leak during pregnancy.. i leaked so heavily i had to get nursing pads.. dont be scared it is NORMAL

Not to be ugly about your family, but......obviously your sister in law has never had a child, Or maybe could it be she didn't understand the the compressed part. If she did understand then I would have to ? her nursing skills. LOL
You body is getting ready. I would be willing to bet that you leakage is not like that after having a child. If you feel something is wrong then it would probably be best to contact your doctor.

A. if it helps at all I started leaking at 5 to 6 months when i was pregant with my first. Started leaking while shopping at the mall and girl i did not know what to do.. But it is natural not to worry. Just wait till after your baby gets here and talk about leaking. I leaked everytime my kids would cry and my breast would throb. But it is great nothing to worry about. just get the breat pads and start wearing them now... K.

It's normal. Some nurses think they know every thing. Just like some doctors know less than the nurse. Trust yourself, you will have to learn how, quickly.

This is totally normal. Many women leak colostrum during pregnancy.

Don't worry at all. I'm not sure when exactly but as early as a few months into the pregnancy your body starts lactating and when you compress your breasts you can express some collustrum, the first breastmilk that your baby will drink when s/he is born. It's perfectly normal. Good luck with your baby and congratulations :)

Leaky breasts are perfectly normal. It happened with all three of my children, and everything was fine. In fact, I successfully breast fed all three of them. Nursing pads are great, and will protect your clothing. Also, there can be a slight odor on your skin because of the leaking. Not to worry. It is no worse than when you sweat and you can simply use a washcloth to gently wipe on and around your breasts to make yourself feel "fresher." Relax and enjoy the rest of your pregnancy. Your body is doing exactly what it was made to do.

Hi A.--what you describe is perfectly normal.
some of my clients need to use breast pads during the end of pregnancy. Also--stop compressing your breasts, even so, don't worry. What does your provider say about this?
After the baby is here, early breastfeeding will probably be a little smoother than some, since there is already colostrum and early milk there for the baby.
Kathy