Leaking breasts

Woman with a leaking breast putting a breast pad in place
Nora Agbayani for BabyCenter
It’s normal for your breasts to leak, or even spray milk, during the first few weeks after having your baby. Your breasts may leak:
  • most often in the mornings, when your milk supply is at its highest
  • from just one breast, during almost every feed (LLLI 2016)
  • from both breasts, when you're not feeding


Why are my breasts leaking?

Your breasts will leak when they become so full of milk that they overflow, or when the hormone oxytocin triggers the muscle cells in your breasts to squeeze out milk (letdown reflex).

You may leak at specific times, such as when you:
  • are feeding your baby from your other breast
  • hear your baby cry, or just think about your baby(NHS 2014)
  • are in a warm environment, such as in the shower or bath, or a hot room (NHS 2014)

How long will my breasts leak for?

Every woman is different, but you’ll probably leak the most during your first few weeks of breastfeeding. It takes a little while for your body to adjust to your baby's feeding needs (LLLI 2016).

Many mums find that their breasts stop leaking milk some time in the first six to 10 weeks of breastfeeding.

Can I prevent my breasts from leaking?

There’s no fail-safe way of stopping your breasts from leaking. But breastfeeding at regular intervals, and not leaving too long between feeds, may help (LLLI 2016). You could also try expressing a bit of your milk before your breasts become too full.

Can I do anything to reduce the leaking once I feel it starting?

If you feel a letdown tingle at an unexpected moment, pressing gently against your nipples with your palms may stop the unwanted flow(LLLI 2016, NHS 2014). To do this more discreetly, try crossing your arms and pressing gently against your breasts(LLLI 2016).

If leaking is becoming a real issue for you, feed your baby as often as possible. The more you breastfeed, the less likely your breasts are to overflow. Experiment with different positions until you find one that allows your baby to latch on well. Once you find a breastfeeding rhythm that suits you both, the leaking should settle down.

You may not be able to control your milk overflow, but you can prepare ahead:
  • Wear breasts pads inside your bra (LLLI 2016, NHS 2014). Change them when they become damp, to prevent your nipples from becoming sore (LLLI 2016). If you’re out and about, carry plenty of breast pads with you.
  • Try using washable plastic breast shells. If you sterilise them first, you can keep and freeze the milk that collects in them.
  • If one breast tends to leak when you’re feeding on the other side, place a cloth, breast pad or breast shell inside your bra.
  • Wear tops that camouflage milk stains! Prints and patterns work well. If you're out for the day, take a spare bra and top.

My breasts never leak. Do I have enough milk?

Leaking breasts don’t relate to the amount of milk you have. Many mums never leak at all. It depends on how the tiny muscles at the opening of the nipple pores work. These muscles squeeze open and shut. If your muscles are very efficient, your breasts may not leak at all.

Check out these breastfeeding tips from BabyCenter mums.


LLLI. 2016. How can I deal with my leaking breasts? La Leche League International. www.llli.org [Accessed July 2016]

NHS. 2014. Breastfeeding: the first few days. NHS Choices, Health A-Z. www.nhs.uk [Accessed July 2016]

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