When will my breasts start leaking colostrum?

Ask Anne…

Question: This is my third pregnancy. Even though all have been drastically different from each other, I am quite sure that with the past two I started “leaking” breast liquid by now.

I’m approximately 23 weeks along. Is there a set time for this to happen, or is it different for every pregnancy?

Answer: There is no set time for your breasts to start leaking colostrum. Every pregnancy is different, and there is no relationship between when you start leaking, how much you leak, or even if you leak at all and the amount of milk you will produce once your baby arrives.

Some moms don’t leak at all while they are pregnant, some can squeeze out a couple of drops, and others leak enough to soak through their clothes. All these variations are normal.

The article Breastmilk Leakage has more information on this topic.

Anne Smith, IBCLC
Breastfeeding Basics

Anne Smith, IBCLC

As the mother of six wonderful breastfed children, three perfect breastfed grand babies, and an IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) with over twenty-five years experience in lactation counseling, I can offer you professional support, as well as information and advice based on my personal experiences over the years.