In the whirlwind of new motherhood, first-time mom Zia Ayson encountered a surprise that few expectant mothers would ever anticipate: breastmilk leaking from her underarms. Her story, which began just days after giving birth in June 2023, sheds light on a rare but real phenomenon that some women experience during their breastfeeding journey.
The unusual discovery: Breastmilk leaking from underarms
Zia’s first encounter with this unexpected situation occurred just three days postpartum. “I woke up in the hospital with engorged breasts and painful lumps in my underarms,” she recalls. Having done extensive research during her pregnancy, Zia was well-prepared for the challenges of new motherhood—or so she thought. But nothing in her research had prepared her for this.
“My first thought was panic! You can imagine as a first-time mom, I did all the research that I could when I was pregnant, and this never came up,” Zia explains.
“I didn’t know what was happening. I was in pain, still trying to recover from giving birth, and trying to figure out the most basic tasks in motherhood.”
The combination of physical discomfort, uncertainty, and the overwhelming responsibility of caring for a newborn made the experience even more daunting.
Image from Zia Ayson
Seeking medical advice
Fortunately, Zia was still in the hospital under medical supervision when she first noticed the lumps. She quickly consulted her OB-GYN, who provided some clarity on the situation. “My OB’s explanation was that my milk line or breast tissue runs all the way up to my underarms,” Zia shares.
This rare condition occurs because the milk line, which extends from the armpit down to the groin in embryonic development, can sometimes develop breast tissue outside the typical breast area.
As her milk supply started coming in, Zia’s underarm glands also began producing milk, leading to milk leakage from her armpits every time she breastfed. It was an unusual and uncomfortable experience, but with her OB-GYN’s guidance, Zia learned how to manage it.
Image from Zia Ayson
Managing the condition | Breastmilk leaking from underarms
When the lumps in Zia’s underarms were merely hard and painful, her doctor recommended applying warm compresses and massaging the area to dislodge the milk. However, as the milk started leaking from her underarms, the approach needed to change.
“I was told to gently express the milk if needed, but mostly try not to stimulate the area so my body would realize that it does not need to direct milk in those glands,” Zia says.
According to Zia, “One of the unfortunate effects of having to manage the condition (and one that personally made me very sad) was the intense hyperpigmentation of the areas where the milk was leaking. You can see where they are CLEARLY. Because we had to repeatedly massage the area and express the milk that was clogging, it caused the areas to darken.”
Snapshots from Zia Ayson’s Tiktok video
The treatment plan, while not a perfect solution, proved effective over time. “It worked as well as it could have, I believe,” Zia reflects.
“The alternative was to stop breastfeeding altogether, and I was more than willing to go through this situation if it meant that I can continue providing milk for my baby.” Her body eventually adapted, and the milk production in her underarms ceased.
Overcoming challenges
Despite the eventual resolution, the journey was not without its challenges. “I did wish there was a way to fix it without having to stop breastfeeding,” Zia admits. “Breastfeeding in itself is already hard; it was made even more challenging by having to attend to these extra milk glands and pretty much being constantly on the lookout for clogging and trying to avoid infections.”
The experience underscored the importance of support and proper medical guidance for new mothers, especially when facing unexpected challenges like this. Zia’s determination to continue breastfeeding despite the difficulties highlights the resilience and dedication many mothers show in caring for their babies.
Image from Zia Ayson
Advice for other moms
Zia’s story is a reminder that every breastfeeding journey is unique, and sometimes, unexpected hurdles arise. Her advice to other moms who might face similar issues is straightforward: “Reach out to your doctor or a lactation consultant! They are the best people to guide you through such a confusing time. Know that through time and proper handling of the condition, your body will eventually listen to what you need, and soon enough you won’t have to worry about breast milk leaking out of your underarms.”
For Zia, the experience, though challenging, was a testament to her commitment to her baby’s well-being. As Breastfeeding Awareness Month highlights the importance of breastfeeding support and education, stories like Zia’s serve as a powerful reminder of the unexpected challenges that mothers can face—and the strength they find to overcome them.
If you want to know more about Mommy Zia’s postpartum journey, you may watched her Tiktok Videos:
Ayson, Zia. Interview. Conducted by Hazel Cariño. (2024, August)