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Expert Q&A
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| By Ann Calandro BSN, RNC, IBCLC Lactation Consultant | ||
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I am 17 weeks pregnant, and my nipples are like a faucet, particularly when I'm sleeping. I wake up and it's all over me! This also happens during the day if I am not wearing a bra. Is this normal? I thought this wasn't supposed to happen until MUCH later?
You are perfectly normal. Some women leak during pregnancy, some don't. Either way is normal. This early milk is called colostrum. It's reassuring to know it's already there waiting for your little one to be born. One good thing is that it doesn't stain your clothing and will wash right out. You may wish to invest in some washable cotton nursing pads to wear with your clothing during the day. At night you can fold a small cotton hand towel across your breasts and hold it in place with a T-shirt tied up under your breasts. This towel will catch your leaks and keep you dry without having to wear a bra at night.
I would like to share with you that in my experience with hundreds of moms, those who say they leaked a lot tend to have an abundent milk supply and they often experience their big milk increase very quickly.
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- I am pregnant, and my nipples are like a faucet, particularly when I'm sleeping. Is this normal?