Baby Parenting Guide

Breast leaking not breast feeding is this supposed to happen?

Hi all I just had my first baby last week my friend told me my breast wouldn't leak if im not breast feeding or pumping. Last night I woke up and gown is soaked is this supposed to happen? Also how long will it last?

Public Response to Breast leaking not breast feeding is this supposed to happen?

1. some women do not have any problems and then there are the unlucky ones who get engorged- yes it is normal get some nursing pads, ice packs, and tight to the size you are right now sports bras. do not let the shower run over them(i know it feels good but it will make it worse in the long run) no heat, no massaging, and when the baby cries be ready to feel a flood. it takes a couple weeks to dry up and as long as you dont encourage the milk to come in it should not hurt too much
2. your friend was wrong. Even if your not bfing your are still going to have milk until your milk is dried up. And if your breasts are full then the milk is going to come out. I suggest a sports bra if you have one that you wore before you got pregnant. IT will be a little tight but it will keep your breasts from leaking and they wont move much because they'll be tight against you.
3. Mother Nature is wonderful - just because you decided not to breast feed your baby, nature still provides all the milk your newborn will need. You could try feeding your baby if you like - there are nutrients in breast milk that newborns need (colostrum), it is so important to baby animals that if my newborn goats don't get colostrum from their mother's, they can die as it is really vital for them. If you don't stimulate your milk supply by feeding your baby or pumping the milk, your supply will dry up in a week or two.