Breast Milk Leaking: Causes and Simple Ways to Manage It
By Rowena Bennett, RN, RM, CHN, MHN, IBCLC • Updated February 2026
Breast milk leaking can be inconvenient, messy, and sometimes embarrassing, especially in the early weeks of breastfeeding. Many mothers worry it means they have too much milk, or that something is wrong.
In most cases, leaking is completely normal. It’s simply a sign that your body is adjusting to your baby’s needs. In this article, you’ll learn why breasts leak, when it usually improves, and simple ways to manage it.
- Leaking breasts are common in the early weeks of breastfeeding.
- Milk may leak when your breasts are full or when let-down is triggered.
- Leaking usually decreases as your milk supply adjusts to your baby.
- Breast pads, gentle pressure, and spare clothing can help manage leaks.
- Leaking does not mean you have too much or too little milk.
What causes breasts to leak?
Leaking breasts are a common inconvenience while breastfeeding is establishing. In the early weeks of breastfeeding nursing mothers often have an abundance of breastmilk. Breasts often leak when they become so full of milk that they overflow.
Breasts also leak when a "let-down" (milk ejection reflex) is stimulated by a baby's suckle. This will cause the opposite breast to leak during feeding. Occasionally a let-down may kick in at unexpected times and you may find your breasts leak when you hear a baby cry or when you think about feeding.
Leaking breasts is your body's way of preventing engorgement and relieving that feeling of fullness. You will find your breasts leak less often by the time your baby is 6 - 10 weeks old. This doesn't mean that you are losing your milk, but rather that your body is regulating your supply to equal the demand of your baby.
Don't worry when leaking eventually stops, you'll still be making plenty of milk to meet your baby's needs.
What to do
Leaking is unpredictable, unfortunately. You can't control your milk overflow or when your "let-down" occurs, but you can plan for it.
Nursing pads worn inside your bra will absorb milk overflow between feedings. You can purchase disposable or reusable, washable cotton nursing pads. You can also make your own nursing pads from cut-up cloth diapers. When you purchase disposable nursing pads, look for the ones without plastic linings; these hold in moisture, which can lead to sore or cracked nipples.
Breast pads may not be enough to absorb larger leaks from a "let-down". When feeding at home, keep a cloth diaper or small towel handy to soak up the milk from your opposite breast, that way you can then save your breast pads for outings.
If you feel a "let-down" in a situation where you cannot feed your baby, slight pressure against your breast will stop the leaking. You can use the base of the palm of your hands to press over your nipples. Or when you need to be inconspicuous, try crossing your arms, hug yourself and gently press against your breasts. Or if you are sitting at a table, cup your chin in your hands and press your forearms into your breasts.
When you are out and about, wear patterns that can camouflage a milk stain (prints work well). Always carry extra breast pads and an extra top, jacket or sweater just in case.
When to see a doctor
Leaking breasts are usually normal, especially in the first few weeks of breastfeeding. However, speak with your doctor or lactation consultant if:
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Your breasts are extremely painful, swollen, or red.
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You have a fever or flu-like symptoms.
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You suspect a blocked duct or mastitis.
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Your baby is not gaining weight or seems unsettled after feeds.
These signs may point to a breastfeeding problem that needs treatment or support.
Written by Rowena Bennett
About Rowena
Rowena Bennett (RN, RM, CHN, MHN, IBCLC) is a leading infant-feeding and sleep specialist and author of several books on infant feeding and behaviour, including the widely acclaimed “Your Baby’s Bottle-Feeding Aversion: Reasons & Solutions". With over three decades of clinical experience across child health, midwifery, mental health, and lactation, she has helped thousands of families worldwide understand and resolve complex feeding challenges through her evidence-based, baby-led approaches.