The Nursing Baby - Q&A

Marie asks:
Hi there! I am a very proud mommy of a precious girlie named Kaitlyn. She turns 6 months soon. We nursed for the first month (and was told she was not gaining weight, have bottle fed formula and whatever I could pump (usually 4oz/day) for the second month and then gave up and completely bottle fed formula since. Now that I am over the guilt of giving up, I am still faced everyday with a problem! My problem is: My boobs have not dried up yet and it seems that there is no progress in site! I tried pumping etc to maybe offer breast milk and was successful, but I am leaking more in a day than I was ever able to pump/feed my baby! I soak through approx. 3 pads and usually end up with a wet front everyday as well. Not to mention the oder from the leakage and not being able to get to a sink to freshen up! I have never had any pains, cloged ducts etc. Just the leaking! Please help, is there any way to spped this process up? Maybe natural herbs etc? I tried to breastfeed Kaitlyn many times and she will just not do it and pumping doesn't work either. Any help would be appreciated! Thank you very much.

Try the BLIS - It's 13.99 and helps reduce leaking. Works great for mothers who are overactive leakers, and is helpful during a weaning when leaking is a problem. Motherlove Herbals also sells a sage extract which also helps dry you up. The scent of jasmine also reduces supply (in a minor way).

Most importantly, I am advising you to see your doctor. He may need to check your hormones and make sure there isn't something more serious going on.

It *is* normal to leak for months, even years after breastfeeding stops for some women. But the serious leaking you are describing isn't normal or expected.

BTW, you might want to try breast shells to collect the milk (we sell Avent and Medela breast shells).

Best of luck to you!

These tips are not intended to be medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider if you have questions.

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