Breastfeeding Problems - Leaking
Leaking breasts are a very common problem amongst both new mothers and newly breastfeeding mothers. You may find you leak a lot and often at the most inconvenient times. Breast shells and nursing pads can help alleviate this problem to an extent.
After about 6 weeks you should find that an option is to express milk for freezing. This can be given if you are unavailable when baby needs fed or to make up meals when weaning the baby.
You should expect occasional leaking for at least six months. Most frequently this will occur when the baby cries, you smell him or think about him or come across a photo of him. It may even occur when you see or hear another child or baby! This is entirely natural and nothing to be concerned about – just make sure you wear dark clothing or have a good supply of absorbent nursing pads.
It is very important that all expressing equipment is thoroughly washed and sterilised. Store milk in a refrigerator or freezer. The Department of Health, UK advises storing milk for 24 hours in the fridge. It can be stored for longer in the freezer compartment or in a chest freezer. If left at room temperature it must be used or disposed of within an hour.
