Many mothers find that they leak milk during or between feedings, especially in the early months while milk production is still stabilising. Leaking or spraying milk is completely natural, although it can be a little embarrassing.

Once your body has established the right milk supply for your baby, you may find that leaking stops completely. This usually happens after the first six to 10 weeks of breastfeeding.

Leaking is caused by the release of the hormone oxytocin which triggers the let-down reflex. Full breasts or something that triggers your letdown reflex – hormones released during sex, hearing a baby’s cry, or even just thoughts of the baby – can cause your breasts to leak.

Leaking breast can be best dealt with by:

• Trying not to delay feeds. If you have to, try express a little milk from your breasts before they become too full.
• If you’re experiencing too much milk production in the early days of breastfeeding, allow your baby to finish feeding on one side before offering the second side. Should he not want more, express just enough to relieve the fullness on the second side. Remember expressing a lot of milk will stimulate more production but expressing just enough for your comfort, will gradually reduce production.
• If one breast always leaks when your baby is nursing on the other, put a clean cloth or breast pad inside your nursing bra ahead of time. Always carry an extra top and breast pads or wear prints that may camouflage a milk stain.
• If you feel a letdown at an inopportune moment, press your arms tightly across your breasts and with the palms of your hands apply pressure to your nipples for several seconds.
• Wear nursing pads inside your bra, but change them frequently to prevent a build-up of moisture which can encourage bacteria to breed. Avoid nursing pads with plastic liners for this reason, as they prevent air circulation.
• Breastfeed before going to bed and sleep with a comfortable bra lined with nursing pads or even sanitary towels cut in half.