2022 Colostrum Leaking Guide & What Causes Them to Leak

Boobs leaking during pregnancy is a very common biological phenomenon that many expecting moms experience. Colostrum leaking is a sign that your body is getting ready to feed the baby on its way and soon to arrive! 

You might experience boobs leaking during pregnancy, usually during the final weeks before you deliver. This is nothing to be worried about, but if you are bothered by them, washable Dry Feel Nursing Pads can come handy in such a situation. 

Colostrum – What Is It & What It Looks Like

Colostrum, also known as foremilk, is the fluid that a woman's body produces before producing milk. It is considered the best first milk for a baby is thick and yellow. Colostrus is also known as Liquid Gold due to its power to build the initial immunity in babies. It is easy to digest and is rich in protein and antibodies for the baby. 

Colostrum also has laxative qualities and helps babies get rid of meconium, the first black sticky poop created by ingesting the amniotic fluid while inside the womb. Due to this, babies are at a lesser risk of developing jaundice at birth. 

What Are The Reason Behind Boobs Leaking During Pregnancy

There are many different hormones that a woman's body produces while carrying a baby. Estrogen and progesterone are the hormones that will prevent your body from actively making any milk while you are expecting unless you are a breastfeeding mother to an older child. 

Prolactin is the hormone that is responsible for producing milk. Towards the end of the second trimester, the body starts to produce prolactin, and some women might experience boobs leaking during pregnancy as early as in the second trimester. But in most cases, this happens towards the end of the pregnancy term. 

When Does Colostrum Start To Leak During Pregnancy? 

Several factors can trigger the leak in the breasts. Nipple sensation during sex or foreplay can result in a few drops of colostrum leaking. Other sensations such as nipples rubbing against your bra or clothes and sudden temperature changes can also result in breast leaking during pregnancy.

How Can Colostrum Leaking From Breast Be Stopped?

Boobs leaking during pregnancy happens due to hormones as the body prepares to breastfeed a newborn baby, it is natural, and there is nothing you can do to prevent that from happening. All you can do is to prevent it from showing on your clothes. 

What To Do When You Have Leaky Breasts

The flow or leak of colostrum during pregnancy will not cause any discomfort to you. There would ideally not be more than a few drops of the leak. But if you feel conscious and do not want your clothes to spoil due to the fluid, you can carry a pair of Dry Feel Nursing Pads in your handbag or wear them while going out. They feel as light as a feather and nothing different from just lightly padded bras.  

Is It Normal To Have Leaky Breasts During Pregnancy? 

YES, it is entirely normal to have leaky breasts during pregnancy in plain and simple words. However, it is also normal not to have colostrum leaking during pregnancy, as not all expecting moms experience it. Those who do not have boobs leaking during pregnancy produce colostrum after childbirth, and the first milk that the baby consumes is the protein end antibody-rich colostrum. 

When To See A Doctor

Breast leaking during pregnancy is very common and happens due to hormonal changes and changes in your milk ducts. Thus it is nothing to worry about. But in case you experience any of the following symptoms or issues – 

• If boobs leaking during pregnancy is more than just a few drops.
• If there is blood along with the colostrum. 
• The colostrum is thick.
• If breast discharge during pregnancy is painful. 

As most women experience leaky breasts towards the end of pregnancy, colostrum leaking can also indicate that the day is not far away. You can also read about Signs Of Labor HERE and be prepared for the arrival of your little one.  

Some Questions Expecting Moms Frequently Ask

Q1 – I am still breastfeeding my first baby. Will my baby not get the benefit of colostrum?

Regular breastmilk is also nutritious and best for a newborn child. Even if the colostrum is produced before delivering a child and consumed by the older sibling, the strong hormones and a surge of prolactin in the body produce enough colostrum for the newborn baby. 

Q2 – For how long will I produce colostrum? 

Colostrum is the first milk produced by a mother's body before the regular breast milk kicks in. As a newborn baby has a smaller appetite, you might create it for 2 - 4 days, after which the milk will start to get thinner and lighter in colour. 

Q3 – Can I store or refrigerate colostrum? 

At room temperature, colostrum can stay fresh for up to 4 hours, while in the refrigerator, you can store colostrum for up to 4 days. It can stay fresh for up to 6 months if stored in a freezer.