Breastfeeding hacks and products: Stopping milk leaks day and night

When I first started breastfeeding, I experienced leaking in between feeds every time I delayed a feeding.

In the beginning, I used disposable breast pads, which were incredibly useful when I was on the go. These pads absorbed the excess milk and kept my clothes dry, allowing me to go about my day without worrying about leaks. I highly recommend the Lansinoh Stay Dry Disposable Nursing Pads for their absorbency and convenience.

However, when I was at home or in a private place, I found that using the Lansinoh Portable Silicone Manual Breast Pump was a great way to collect the leaking milk. This manual pump was especially useful in the first four weeks, when it’s generally not recommended to use an electric pump. It helped relieve the pressure in my breasts and collected milk that would otherwise have gone to waste.

Things began to improve significantly once I started following a regular feeding schedule. Establishing a routine not only helped manage my milk supply but also reduced the frequency and volume of leaking.

How to manage leaking?

1. Use breast pads

Like I mentioned above this is what I used. Investing in good quality breast pads is a simple yet effective way to manage leaking. They absorb the excess milk and keep your clothing dry.

2. Wear a supportive bra

A well-fitting, supportive bra can help manage leaking by keeping the breast pads in place and providing gentle pressure to reduce milk flow. Look for bras designed for breastfeeding mothers with easy access for feeding.

3. Use a milk collection shell

Milk collection shells, or breast shells, are designed to collect leaking milk. They can be worn inside your bra and are especially useful for collecting milk to store for later use.

  • Medela Breast Milk Collection Shells: Designed to collect leaking milk and can be worn comfortably inside your bra. This is what I used on one breast while I breastfed from the other.
  • Haakaa Manual Breast Pump with Collectors: You could buy the manual pump and the collectors in a bundle. I sometimes used just the pump. I used the one from Lansinoh but Haakaa is also highly recommended. You could just attach it to your breast as is as it has a perfect shave for staying attached to your breast creating a powerful suction. If you have a led down you don’t have to do anything – just keep it there and it will collect the milk. That’s what I did.
  • Breast Shells, Milk Saver, Nursing Cups: This is the budget friendly version of the cups. My friend circle recommends these.

4. Create a feeding schedule

Try to feed your baby on a regular schedule to prevent your breasts from becoming too full. Get the feeding schedule now from this article. This can help manage both your milk supply and leaking.

  • Momcozy Wearable Breast Pump: This hands-free pump can help maintain a feeding schedule, especially for moms on the go. I haven’t use this one myself, but I was looking into it when I return to work. I was thinking to use it in the buss. It was a bit too pricey and I already had the Spectra s1 and I decided not to buy. But the price was the only consideration, otherwise I would have give it a try.

5. Hand express or pump

If you find yourself leaking excessively, try hand expressing or using a breast pump to relieve the pressure. This can be especially helpful at night if your baby is sleeping longer stretches.

Read more on how to choose the right pump.

Nighttime leaking solutions

1. Prepare for bedtime

Before going to bed, make sure to empty your breasts by either feeding your baby or pumping. This can help reduce the likelihood of nighttime leaking.

2. Use absorbent bedding

Place a towel or absorbent pad on your bed to protect your sheets from any leaking that may occur during the night. Waterproof mattress protectors can also be a great investment.

3. Wear a comfortable nursing bra with pads

Wearing a comfortable, supportive nursing bra with absorbent breast pads can help keep you dry and comfortable throughout the night.

HOFISH Women’s Seamless Maternity Sleep Breastfeeding Everyday Bra: Tag free bra that is comfortable to sleep in.

4. Sleep position

Try sleeping on your back or slightly elevated on your side. This position can help reduce the pressure on your breasts and minimize leaking.

ComfiLife Orthopedic Knee Pillow: Helps maintain a comfortable side sleeping position, reducing pressure on your breasts.

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