nipple secretion, already?!

[Anonymous]

I am only 25 weeks and just now I realized that one of my nipples was secreting something...I assume milk? But this early?! It isn't like it was a ton of liquid but it was enough that I realized my shirt was wet. Has this happened to anyone so early? I couldn't find anything online and I know so many people have talked about it taking time for milk to even start AFTER child birth.

Thanks very much.

[Anonymous]

It is colestrum (spelled wrong probably) and it is normal. I had a little as well when I was pregnant. Not enough to stain my shirt but definitely something.

My milk came in really quickly after my baby was born - which was nice, maybe yours will too!

[Anonymous]

I started leaking around 26 weeks with my first pregnancy. It was really embarrassing because i was at a conference and noticed the wet spot on shirt by accident when i left the room to go to the bathroom and walked by a mirror !! I moved my name tag to cover the wet spot !!!

Like the PP my milk came in really early and I was engorged in the hospital on day 2.

I'm 24 weeks with pregnancy #2 so thanks for reminding me to start planning again !!

[Anonymous]

It is not uncommon to leak during the 2nd and 3rd trimesters (one of those things people never tell you about). Your milk ducts are forming (obviously) and sometimes secretions will seep out especially if there are surges in hormone productions.

[Anonymous]

It's a good thing. I had none....and also had serious trouble with my milk coming in. I know it might be annoying, but think positively that it might make nursing easier.

[Anonymous]

OP here. Thank you all very much. I was shocked to see it so early...I had never even considered that it might happen well before the birth.

I appreciate the help!

[Anonymous]

To agree with the PPs, Pat Shelley at the BF Center says that pregnant women have colosterum in their breasts beginning around month 4. She encourages you to hand-express it occasionally (at least a few drops) in the last month of pregnancy to get the "pipes cleaned out" and encourage the secretion. Sounds like you won't have any trouble, which is good!

[Anonymous]

I've been leaking since 22 weeks and have had to wear breast shields since. The lactation consultant says it is all good and I could feed a village . Nothing to worry about. Your body is just extra special ready.

[Anonymous]

I first noticed around 16 weeks when I went shopping for new bras!

[Anonymous]

I'm 31 weeks and I notice it when I shower or bath. When I am in a steamy hot bath it seems to all leak out.

[Anonymous]

I'm 26 weeks and I've been leaking colostrum on and off since week 23. Totally normal.

[Anonymous]

Oh dear, I'm 24 weeks with no sign of leakage. Now I've got that little nagging voice wondering if I'm going to have trouble breastfeeding?

[Anonymous]

17:25 -- my sister (who breastfed three children, including twins!) didn't have leakage either during pregnancy, and her milk came in like gangbusters. I wouldn't fret.