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Questions and Answers

Q. Last night while I was sleeping I seem to have leaked liquid from my breasts. It was enough to go through my clothing and sheets. I read that this is called colostrum. My question is that in the books that I have read they say this shouldn't happen until my ninth month of pregnancy. I am just entering my sixth month. Is this something to be concerned about. Is it possibly an infection or is this normal?

A. In pregnancy, our breasts are on auto pilot for milk production and are preparing early for this baby. I would say this quite normal. You may want to purchase some nursing pads to protect your clothing. The hormonal changes are affecting the mammary glands and you may notice other changes in your breast such as, veins are more prominent and small bumps on the nipple area called Montgomery's glands. These glands are to secrete oils to make the nipple supple for nursing. I recommend the Womanly Art of Breastfeeding as an excellent book for mothers to read in the pregnancy to prepare for nursing. If there is a breastfeeding class in your area, go ahead and register early and be prepared!

Debi Fatherree, RN, has been in nursing for 10 years. All of it has been with a childbirth focus. She has worked postpartum, nursery, NICU and have cross trained some in Labor and Delivery. She started a infant home visit and prenatal educational program in her rural home town and was nominated for Maternal Child nurse of the Year in 1995. She and her husband were transferred with his company 1 1/2 years ago and she started teaching chidlbirth classes and doing breastfeeding classes and consults. She also works as a doula and has her own business, StorkHelp. Debi is mom to three wonderful children - Katie, age 8, Hannah, age 6 and Bobby, age3 (my spit fire.) She and her husband have been married thirteen years, a great accomplishment these days. She currently teaches in the hospital setting and privately through StorkHelp.

Debi will answer your questions on fertility, pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding and babies. Her advice does not take the place of your practitioner. Personal answers will not always be possible.