Medela｜Milk dripping container

Dealing with galactorrhea during breastfeeding

While you are feeding your baby, you may notice milk leaking from your other breast. This condition of galactorrhea affects many mothers – some more than others! However, it's normal to leak milk, especially in the first six weeks - and it's not necessarily a sign that you're making too much milk. 1 But if you're worried you may be producing too much milk, read our expert advice to find out more. Also, a breast discharge collection cover can help.

What is a breast milk collection cover?

Breast milk collection shields are worn over the nipple to collect excess milk, ensuring that every drop of breast milk is not wasted during breastfeeding. Medela Breast Milk Collection Covers are made from skin-friendly materials and shaped to fit your body, making them comfortable and sophisticated to wear.

When to use a breast milk collection cover

You can wear a breast milk collection cover while breastfeeding to catch leaked milk as mentioned above, or you can wear it during feedings to avoid wet spots. Just remember to remove them every two to three hours and keep your breasts dry to prevent excess moisture from damaging your nipples. Avoid wearing a nipple protector in bed at night as this can cause tenderness - you can try disposable breast pads to absorb large amounts of milk, or ultra-thin disposable breast pads for smaller amounts.

How to use the Medela Breast Milk Collection Cover

Before using the breast milk collection cover, you need to assemble the two parts, which is easy to do:

1. The soft and flexible silicone anti-spill membrane is designed to feel gentle on the skin - place it in the collection cover and let it fit all around.
2. After assembly, put the breast milk collection cover into the bra and align the opening of the anti-spill film with the nipple. This convenient exit port should face upwards.

It is best to wear a nursing bra when using a breast milk collection cover. These bras are slightly roomier than typical bras, which ensures the collection hood puts less pressure on your breasts.

Use stored breast milk

Only breast milk collected during the breastfeeding period can be fed to your baby - throw away breast milk collected outside the feeding period. When removing the breast milk collection cup, tilt it slightly forward. Then use the milk pouring opening in the collection hood to transfer the milk into a sterilized container, such as a breast milk storage bottle or storage bag. If you do not plan to feed your baby the milk right away, refrigerate the container immediately and use it within 24 hours.

How to clean a Medela breast milk collection cover

It's important to keep breastfeeding accessories, including breast milk collection covers, clean. Wash it before first use—and then once a day—to disinfect your nipple shields as follows:

1. Separate the parts and place in a small pot with cold distilled water. If distilled water is not available, you can add a teaspoon of citric acid to tap water to prevent limescale buildup on your accessories.
2. Boil the water, put the nipple shield in and continue to boil for five minutes.
3. After carefully draining the water, place the accessories on a dry cloth to dry.

It is also important to clean the breast milk collection cover after each use. Separate the accessories and wash them with mild detergent. Then rinse thoroughly with cold water and pat dry with a clean cloth. Both the outer cover and the inner spill-proof membrane are dishwasher safe, so you can use this cleaning method too, or you can use a microwave sterilizing bag.