Many pregnant women, particularly during the third trimester, will notice their breasts leaking clear, white, or yellowish breastmilk, called colostrum, which will make up a baby’s meals in the early days. It has unique benefits, like antibodies that will help the immune system develop outside of the womb.
What causes it?
Some folks leak colostrum, while others do not. Both situations are normal. Leaking can be caused by breast stimulation, such as a warm shower, touch, or friction from a bra during physical activity. Don’t panic if you’re not leaking, it doesn’t mean the colostrum isn’t in there.
Tips?
There is nothing you can do to stop leaking colostrum, and you have some choices about how to manage it. If you are concerned about colostrum leaking through your clothes, you can wear a disposable or reusable nursing pad in your bra, a nursing bra that has built-in absorbent padding, or use milk collection devices (although these shouldn’t be worn for hours at a time). If certain activities cause leakage, you know what to avoid and when to be prepared! You should also let your healthcare provider know if the fluid is bloody or greenish in color.
Reviewed by the Ovia Health Clinical Team
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Sources
- Laura M’Rabet, Arjen Paul Vos, Gunther Boehm, Johan Garssen. “Breast-Feeding and Its Role in Early Development of the Immune System in Infants: Consequences for Health Later in Life.” Journal of Nutrition. vol. 138 no. 9 1782S-1790S. Web. 9/8/2015.
- “Colostrum: Your Baby’s First Meal.” HealthyChildren. American Academy of Pediatrics, 8/8/2024. Web.
