Leaking breasts are very common in the early weeks of breastfeeding. Although it can feel surprising or inconvenient, it is a normal sign that your let-down reflex is active and that your milk supply is establishing itself. The hormones prolactin and oxytocin regulate milk production and release, and their fluctuations during the early postpartum period can lead to spontaneous leaking — such as when you hear your baby cry, think about your baby, or when the opposite breast is stimulated during feeding.

Breasts are often more sensitive during the first weeks, which makes leaking more frequent. Some parents experience this longer, especially if their milk supply is abundant or if the let-down reflex is particularly strong. Leaking can also occur when the breast is very full. This is not harmful and does not indicate a problem — in fact, it is often a reassuring sign that breastfeeding hormones are functioning well.

Breast pads can help protect clothing, and applying gentle pressure to the breast during let-down may reduce leakage. Feeding more frequently can also help keep the breasts softer and decrease spontaneous flow. Most people notice that leaking gradually settles as milk production regulates, typically between 6 and 12 weeks.

🌿 Alma’s tips

• Use breast pads if needed.

• Gentle pressure on the breast can reduce spontaneous leaking.

• Leaking is normal and almost always improves over time.