I am almost 35 weeks pregnant and plan to breastfeed. My nipples have not been leaking or anything... if they never do during pregnancy, does this mean that I will have a difficult time breastfeeding? I know some women leak, but do all, and are you still able to breastfeed if you don't? How does this process work?!
2007-07-24 15:38:28 · 11 answers · asked by Valerie 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
Thanks so much for all of you that have answered! I didn't realize that your hormones after you give birth cause the milk to come in... you have all set my mind at ease!
2007-07-24 15:49:11 · update #1
Breast size or how much you leak have nothing to do with successful breastfeeding. You will be fine. Colostrum is what comes in first, a thicker yellowish liquid FULL of the best nutrients and antibodies for baby. Your body will react to the hormones given off from the birthing process and the colostrum will come. Your milk will come in after a couple of days later. You will def. know when your milk is in because your breasts will swell and become hard as rocks! You will do great, if you have questions after baby comes don't forget to get assistance from you local la leche league. Google them!
2007-07-24 15:48:49 · answer #1 · answered by onelove4marley 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just because you arent leaking does not mean you will have problems breastfeeding. I didnt leak the first time around, and breastfed my son for a year with no problems. Im not leaking this time and I am at 38 weeks. Im quite positive I wont have an issues this time either. Dont worry about breastfeeding, because usually the nurses are very helpful at hospitals at both instructing you how, and helping you get your milk in. PLus there are Le Leche League chapters everywhere. But dont worry, Once you have the baby, the change in hormones in your body will make your milk let down.
2007-07-24 22:44:50 · answer #2 · answered by celticfairygoddess 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm 39 weeks pregnant and I'm not leaking either. During my childbirth class the nurse said it may take a few days after the birth to have the actual milk start...I have heard of some people leaking during pregnancy but I'm not sure that it is actually breast milk...I wouldn't worry but ask your doctor to make yourself feel better:) I'm sure you will be fine to breastfeed even though you have nothing yet...my doctor doesn't seem to be worried...Good Luck!
2007-07-24 22:45:49 · answer #3 · answered by Garrett's Mommy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, it doesn't mean you won't be able to breastfeed. Usually, the only thing your breasts will leak during pregnancy is small amounts of colostrum; mine never did during my first pregnancy. Once we got the hang of it, I had no problems breastfeeding any of my kids whether I had leakiness or not. http://www.webmd.com/baby/guide/breastfeeding_basics is a handy guide.
One thing to know: INSIST that NOBODY give that baby a bottle of formula or sugar water or ANYTHING. The only times with ANY of my babies that I had a problem was when some dumb*ss decided that the baby "needed" an ounce of formula before I could nurse her. It interfered with her learning to latch on and it affected my supply, and I got cracked nipples and mastitis to boot. Besides childbirth, nursing is the most natural thing you and your baby can do; try not to let anyone interfere with the process.
2007-07-24 22:51:06 · answer #4 · answered by CowboysFan 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I never leaked during pregnancy, and I had no problems nursing. We are planning a second child, and I plan on breastfeeding again.
Congratulations, and it's great to hear that you are going to breastfeed, there is no greater gift you can give your newborn. Good luck!
2007-07-24 22:43:59 · answer #5 · answered by bigsis 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No need to worry. Most women don't leak during pregnancy. Your body will produce the milk after you deliver the baby. At first it is only drops called colostrum, but it is liquid gold for your baby! After a few days your milk comes in (and you will feel it, your breasts will probably get engorged).
2007-07-24 22:44:38 · answer #6 · answered by sharkyincanada 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
im 35 weeks and just started leaking a little. I was worried but everyone told me it was normal not to leak at all durning pregnancy
2013-12-04 10:52:33 · answer #7 · answered by ? 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have never leaked during pregnancy but in the first few mnts of my baby born i did until we settled into a routine.The only thing i was told to prepare for feeding is to never wash my boobs with soap when showering as this will dry them out & they might crack & be really sore...goodluck
2007-07-24 22:48:24 · answer #8 · answered by paddlepop 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not all women leak and I have had problems with mine leaking from about 5 months on but I know plenty of my friends who didnt have any leaking but breast fed successfully
2007-07-24 22:44:15 · answer #9 · answered by LisaMay 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Some women leak and some don't. It has no bearing on whether or not you're able to breast feed.
2007-07-24 22:48:37 · answer #10 · answered by Richard B 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋