When Do You Start Leaking Colostrum?
You might be surprised to find a few drops of liquid on your bra during pregnancy.
You might be worried that something’s wrong. Is leaking milk during pregnancy normal?
Don’t worry, mama… it’s just colostrum (the first milk your body produces), and leaking it during pregnancy is actually quite common!
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When Do You Start Leaking Colostrum?
You body starts producing colostrum in the 2nd semester of pregnancy – normally around the 16-22nd week mark.
While you probably won’t start leaking right away, you may begin leaking colostrum in your 3rd trimester as you get closer to your due date. It’s most common in the final weeks of pregnancy.
Colostrum leaks occasionally happen during pregnancy because prolactin, the hormone responsible for milk production, increases in late pregnancy so your body will be ready to breastfeed.
To avoid any mortifying wet spots, you’ll need some breast pads. We always recommend THESE because they’re reusable, eco-friendly, and will save you a fortune compared to disposable ones.
What If I Don’t Ever Start Leaking Colostrum?
Some women never leak colostrum at all. That’s perfectly normal too and nothing to worry about.
Whether you leak a little colostrum during pregnancy, or never at all… it’s all normal.
If you do start to leak a little, just let your healthcare provider know so they can add it to your chart.
Did you know?
Colostrum is often referred to as “liquid gold.” It’s the first milk you produce and while it’s small in volume, it’s mighty in its benefits! It is antibody-rich, high-protein and is the perfect first food for your newborn’s tiny tummy. It has everything your baby needs for the first few days postpartum until your colostrum begins to transition to mature milk. (also known as when your milk “comes in”, which usually happens around days 2-5 postpartum)
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