"Leaking" is it a sign of successful milk production? - Page 2 « Back to Group Discussions

[1babysmom]

The Skype thing is a really great idea!  I am in the process of becoming a leader (so I can hopefully start a local group since there is NOTHING of the sort here, and I hope it will also open up an opportunity for me to start a loss support group as well), and will definitely keep that in mind.

[Kara9080]

Originally Posted by BeanBean06 

And yes our doula will help me in the hospital and she will also come over to the house after we are home as often as we need her too! She's amazing

I can only imagine and thank goodness for the internet, right?!

Your DH sounds wonderful and very supportive! and your hospital offers *on-line* birthing classes?! I love technology!

Originally Posted by 1babysmom 

The Skype thing is a really great idea!  I am in the process of becoming a leader (so I can hopefully start a local group since there is NOTHING of the sort here, and I hope it will also open up an opportunity for me to start a loss support group as well), and will definitely keep that in mind.

Hey, take it and run with it! Good luck!

[mrsavery]

So, as this is my first and the thought of lactating this early in the pregnancy never even occurred to me, I haven't done much research on what do if you DO start producing some colostrom. I first noticed a few drops this weekend, and I am 22 weeks. I guess I am going to go ahead and start expressing, because today while I was reading a breastfeeding book, I had a large amount of leakage, lol. Any of you who've experienced this have any tips or suggestions? Thanks :)

[Oliver's Mama]

Originally Posted by mrsavery 

So, as this is my first and the thought of lactating this early in the pregnancy never even occurred to me, I haven't done much research on what do if you DO start producing some colostrom. I first noticed a few drops this weekend, and I am 22 weeks. I guess I am going to go ahead and start expressing, because today while I was reading a breastfeeding book, I had a large amount of leakage, lol. Any of you who've experienced this have any tips or suggestions? Thanks :)

I've leaked while pregnant, but they way I see it is if I'm leaking now, it'll still be around when the baby's here and I'd rather the baby drink colostrum direct from the source, as that's the key in getting your supply going.  Any time the baby's drinking colostrum from a syringe or bottle I would have to counteract that by expressing to keep the supply stimulated.  Of course, you can't predict if there will be problems at the start, but I guess that's a chance I take.  So I personally will wait and express and/or collect the random leakage once baby's here. (I would often hold a bottle under one breast while baby fed on the other to collect what would otherwise be wasted in a pad or rag.)  I think the extra stimulation from expressing will benefit you most when you're currently breastfeeding, not before, but that's just my take on it.

I've heard that expressing can stimulate contractions in some women as well, so you may want to keep a close eye on how your body is reacting to it if you go ahead.

[mrsavery]

Yes- I think I'll check with my FP just to see if he would rather I wait, in the event that it causes contractions. So far its just drips, and no contractions. I'm type 1 diabetic, so the chance of the baby having a low blood sugar after birth is definitely there...and I would rather syringe or spoon feed my own colostrum than have the nursing staff insist on a formula or sugar water bottle, if it comes to that. Hopefully, though, baby will be able to be at breast and we won't have any worries.

[BeanBean06]

So I thought I'd update this thread here now and just 2days shy of 30 weeks and I've had a few episodes of leaking over the last few days... Just a few drops and a some crusties call me crazy but I got so excited it made me cry LOL I know it prob doesn't really mean anything just makes me feel like things are really happening so exciting

[IronMam]

Originally Posted by BeanBean06 

So I thought I'd update this thread here now and just 2days shy of 30 weeks and I've had a few episodes of leaking over the last few days... Just a few drops and a some crusties call me crazy but I got so excited it made me cry LOL I know it prob doesn't really mean anything just makes me feel like things are really happening so exciting

I got really excited the first time too, when I was pregnant with DD. Now she keeps me busy enough that I'm just like "meh...leaking...hope that doesn't happen in public." lol  But it makes total sense to be excited and emotional about it!

[Lisanne]

I never really leaked, not even much after baby was born, but I still had enough to breastfeed my girls until 19 months with the first and 3 years with the second. I'm 26 weeks tomorrow and I have had little crusty spots on my nipples and there was a drop of colostrum on one side last night so something is starting, but I don't expect to leak.