One Mom Was Leaking Milk From Her Armpit During Breastfeeding

Lex Gabrielle
feeding
Unsplash | Rainier Ridao

When becoming a mom, our bodies change drastically. Many times, our bodies undergo so much stress and trauma with pregnancy and childbirth, that some crazy things can occur.

When it happens, we usually can't understand or believe it, and have to consult our doctor for some answers. But, when we get the answers, sometimes, it's pretty hard to believe it's real. Regardless, moms are warriors, there's no doubt about it.

One mom recently shared a story of her milk production issues on TikTok.

Mom-TikTok
Tiktok | TikTok l thelittlemilkbar

Mom Lindsay White shares a lot of her stories of breastfeeding and her journies with motherhood on her TikTok page, @thelittlemilkbar. One series of videos recently went viral on her page, over the story of some "not normal" milk production that she was amazed by—coming from her armpits.

When she was breastfeeding her daughter, she noticed there was milk leaking.

Breastfeeding-Mom-TikTok
TikTok | TikTok l thelittlemilkbar

But it wasn't coming from her breasts. So, she searched around her body and figured out that it was coming from her armpits—which is something no one would expect or anticipate.

But, when she "squeezed" her armpit, more milk came out.

TikTok-Mom-Milk
TikTok | TikTok l thelittlemilkbar

She decided to squeeze her armpit and even more milk came out when she squeezed it. Obviously, this was something out of the ordinary going on here, so she went to see her doctor in order to figure things out.

The doctor had some surprising news.

TikTok-Mom-Breastfeeding
TikTok | TikTok l thelittlemilkbar

“I went to the doctor, thinking maybe I had a third nipple, but she said ‘Nope! Your milk line actually runs all the way up through your armpits," the mom shared with her TikTok followers. And, things only got crazier when she gave birth to her second child.

The second time she began breastfeeding, things got weirder.

Breastfeeding-mom
TikTok | TikTok l thelittlemilkbar

When she was breastfeeding her second child, the milk came pouring out—but this time, out of both armpits. Before, when she was breastfeeding her daughter, it was only one armpit. This time, both. The TikTok mom said she's "definitely" a milk producer.

And, it wasn't a small amount of milk, either.

TikTok-Mom-Breastfeeding
tiktok | TikTok l thelittlemilkbar

The mom shared she was a leaking machine. She leaked from three spots under one of her armpits and two spots from the other. Imagine walking around and looking like you're always sweating, but it's really just breastmilk?

Knowing many other women could possibly experience the same thing, she shared a few tips.

TikTok-Mom-Milk
TikTok | TikTok l thelittlemilkbar

One tip the mom said was to "hand express milk out" by massaging your armpits several times throughout the day, so that it does not get built up or clogged. You should do it before, during, and after feedings that you are doing.

Also, call on your partner for help.

TikTok-mom
tikTok | TikTok l thelittlemilkbar

The mom said while you're feeding, it's also important to massage your armpits and milk ducts, too. But, it's hard to do it all by yourself. So, you should call on your partner for some help. Have them do this so you can "release" the milk flow, preventing a clog.

So, how common is it to have milk excreting from your armpits?

breastfeeding
Unsplash | Wes Hicks

Apparently, it's actually common due to the anatomy of women. Lactation consultant Priscilla Medina says about 6% of women experience armpit milk leakage due to the milk ducts running through their armpits and that women have auxiliary breast tissue in their armpits.

Unfortunately, there is no "known" way to prevent this.

feeding
Unsplash | Dave Clubb

If it happens to you, there is no one way to prevent the leakage. In fact, it's just important to learn how to cope and handle it, ensuring there is no build-up and no leakage.

You really do learn something new every day.

Diply survey
Diply | Diply

We want to hear from YOU so we can serve you better. Complete this quick survey and you will be entered to win a grand prize of $2,000, or a chance to win one of 10 Diply prize-packs!