This post is all about Clothing hacks to deal with milk leakage.
Milk leaking while breastfeeding is a common but rather irritating thing. You are carrying on with your usual business, and suddenly you feel milk dripping out of your breast. It leaves a stain on your shirt, causing uneasiness and embarrassment if you are out in public.
So, is there a solution for this? Can I carry on without worrying about the leaking breast and the uncomfortable feeling it brings? Don’t worry your head about it because, in this article, we will discuss a few helpful tips and tricks to make things easier for you.
Why does breast milk leakage occur?
Before we dig into the solution to this problem, let’s find out the factors that cause breast milk leakage. Well, there are plenty of reasons for it. Commonly it happens with new moms when they haven’t nursed or pumped in a while.
Secondly, it can also happen due to hyperactive letdown reflex or when you hear your baby cry. Responding to your crying baby is an instinct, and it triggers hormones in your body that can cause milk leakage.
The warm showers can also stimulate your milk flow, resulting in the leaking breast. Having an intimate moment with your spouse can also be the reason. Sometimes your breasts can leak for no reason at all. Honestly, whatever the reason is, milk leakage can be discomforting and intolerable.
Clothing hacks to deal with milk leakage
Here are a few tips that can help you deal with milk leakage:
Wear Breast Pads
Nursing pads are a great way to prevent your clothes from getting stains. They absorb the milk released from your breast, preventing the dark circles formed around your nipple area.
You can choose disposable or reusable pads. Washable pads are more environmentally friendly and cost-effective, while disposable ones are ideal for traveling. It is advisable to use pads made from natural fabric as synthetic ones can cause irritation and itching in your breast.
How to choose the right breastfeeding friendly bra
Wear a well-fitted nursing bra
Nursing bras are a breastfeeding essential. They provide an easy and comfortable feeding experience. You must choose the right size for your ever-growing breast. If you feel your bra is too tight, get a size up. Wrong-sized bras also put pressure on the nipples resulting in milk leakage.
A well-fitted brassier also helps to keep the nursing pads in place and provides plenty of lift and support to your heavy breast.
Choose darker colors
Dark colors like black, brown, and blue are ideal for hiding unexpected milk stains on your clothes. Light and pastel colors will show the slightest mark on your shirt, making it hard to hide them. You can also opt for patterns and prints to camouflage the spots.
Layering is the key
If you know the art of layering, you can never face an awkward situation of milk leakage. Wearing a trendy denim or leather jacket over your nursing dress or carrying a scarf can really help your disguise the milk spots.
You can also use nursing camisoles under your tops and dresses. It will provide your breast support and keep the stains away from your outer layer. In winter, accessorizing your outfit with a stylish coat or jacket is an ideal way to go.
Pack a change of clothes
As a mom, you must be well organized and ready for accidents. You can keep nursing tops, dresses, and comfortable pants in your diaper bag and use them if needed. Similarly, keep spare breast pads with you all the time. If you feel your nursing pads get wet and cause uneasiness, change them frequently.
Shift your focus
Often, mothers start leaking when they hear their baby cry or even look at him. You can distract yourself and shift your focus. Think about other stuff you have to do during the day or a pleasant weekend getaway. The distraction will surely help you cope with milk leakage.
Express milk and breastfeed often.
Breastfeeding after small intervals is an excellent way to set a feeding schedule. A frequent pumping and feeding routine will also help you regulate your milk supply and stops unnecessary milk leakage.
Sleep on a bath towel
Mothers already have numerous duties, and the last thing they want is to clean the mattress and change the bed sheet every day. Breast leakage at night is uncontrollable, and it might ruin your bed sheets and covers.
To solve this issue, you should feed your child before going to bed to lift off some pressure from your breast. Similarly, you can place a bath towel on your bed sheet and sleep on it to prevent the sheets from getting stained.
Final words
Milk leakage is a natural process, and no matter how hard you try, you cannot stop it. Over time, as your milk supply settles, so does the leakage. You can nurse and pump frequently to lift off some pressure. We hope that our clothing hacks will help you dress up appropriately and hide those unwanted milk spots. Comment below some of your tried and tested remedies for milk leakage.