caked colostrum?

favoriteblessings

Probably should have asked at my appt. but I'll ask you ladies first until my next check up. I searched the internet and seems like I have what is called "caked colostrum"? I have recently noticed yellowish, crusty clumps on my nipples. I cleaned the stuff off but it keeps coming back. Anyone have this and if you know, what am I suppose to do? Some say clean it off, some say leave it. My instinct is to clean it. Thanks

beccabrad

This is a weird question.... doesn't it just come off when you take a shower?  I don't understand why you would leave it, but don't see it being an issue if you do.

Scientist23

I just cleaned it off.  It's no biggie. If it's getting excessive I'd invest in some nursing pads.

favoriteblessings

no, it's thick and not the normal consistency of colostrum I have to wipe it off with a towel or pick it off. When I looked it up, some people were saying to leave it to avoid bacteria/infections. I wasn't sure about that so I thought I would get some more opinions. Either way, I hope this means that it's just colostrum leaking and I shouldn't worry about not having any ready to go when baby gets here!

tmccord21

I get it too. I just wash when I'm in the shower. I figure my nipples will be a hot mess in a few weeks anyways so they might as well get used to it.

lbethke99

Yeah I just wash it off. No biggie! 

alfan004

I get that too. It's very very little though. Basically I just notice tiny amounts at the end of my nipples in the shower. I just wipe it off and it eventually comes back a few days later. It's pretty gross but I'm glad you asked about it. I thought I was the only one with crusty colostrum! Lol eww I grossed myself out just now.

sweettwilight16

I get a little of this too & just wash it off. It's been like that for a while now & I haven't had any issues.

sfshorter

It's just leaking and drying on you.  It probably doesn't come out that thick and crusty.  Nothing unusual.  I've been expressing just a tad bit when I'm in the shower and I don't have any problems with leaking.  You'd think that would amp up your production, but I think until baby gets here your body won't give that full on go signal for your milk to let down.  

NatesCupcake47

I get it too.  The breastfeeding book I'm reading said to go ahead and clean it off. 

Michellepiner

I also get this and just pick or wash it off. No big deal.

shelley1002

Yep, just clean it off.  Not a big deal.

AlwaysForgetful

Like everyone else says, it is normal. Wash it off once or twice a day. Do not worry about infection unless it smells bad or you are not cleaning it. I use a wash cloth and clean it off in the shower every day and call it good.