The Nursing Baby - Q&A

Karen asks:
My infant is 5 weeks old now and nursing o.k. He does not stay long on the first offered breast (8-10 minutes). Sometimes will take the second breast (5 min. or less). My problem is my breasts are almost constantly tingling and leaking. I need to change breast pads frequently. Is this normal? What can I do about it?

Karen,

This is one of those issues that varies from mother to mother and from baby to baby. You may find this doesn't occur with your next baby.

For right now, your breasts are still adjusting to nursing. You may find that around 12 weeks, your breasts are less engorged and that there is a softer letdown and less leaking. Again, around 9 months, you may notice a reduction in the feelings and the leaking. And, as you wean, there should also be a reduction, except when weaning quickly.

Leaking can be reduced by wearing a BLIS. The Blis is a type of nursing shell that applies slight pressure to the nipples, thus reducing leaking. It is preferred by mothers who leak excessively over nursing pads.

I remember with my first, the sensations of letdown were so painful I had to tense my whole body up in order not to groan out loud. Around 12 weeks, it was reduced to a tingling sensation, and by 9 months, I could not feel it at all. With my next child, there was very little sensation of letdown at all.

Happy Nursing!

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