In-bra Breast Milk Collector

What are Medela In-bra Breast Milk Collectors?

Medela In-bra Breast Milk Collectors are worn over your nipple to collect leaking breast milk, ensuring that not a drop that leaks during feeding or pumping goes to waste. Medela Breast Milk Collectors are made from skin-friendly polypropylene (shell) and soft-silicone (back) shaped to your body, making them comfortable and discreet to wear.

My breasts leak milk when I am feeding or pumping. Can I collect the milk to store and feed later?

Many moms notice that the breast that has not been used during feeding or pumping leaks milk with a milk let-down. This is called drip milk. You can collect this fresh drip milk in Medela In-bra Breast Milk Collectors whilst you are feeding, and when switching over to feed/pump, place the cup on its stable base until you are ready to pour into your storage bag/bottle and store in the refrigerator.

I am frustrated with my breasts leaking why is this happening?

As you breast feed your baby, you may notice your other breast leaking milk. This type of leaking breast milk affects many mums – and some more than others! However, breast leaking is perfectly normal, especially during the first six weeks¹ – it’s not necessarily a sign that you have too much milk. But if you’re concerned you might have an oversupply, read our expert advice to find out more.

When to use Medela In-bra Breast Milk Collectors:

You can wear Medela In-Bra Breast Milk Collectors during breastfeeding/feeding to catch leaking drip milk, as well as between feeds/pumping to avoid wet patches. Just remember to remove them every two to three hours and let your breasts air-dry, as this prevents any excess moisture damaging your nipples. Avoid wearing breast shells in bed at night, as this can cause skin tenderness.

Wear Medela Ultra-breathable nursing pads with triple-layer absorbency polymer core and leak guard design to absorb leaks even during heavy let-down moments whilst you rest and sleep.

For how long can I wear Medela In-bra Breast Milk Collectors?

It is recommended to remove the product after 3 hours of wear, usually in the early weeks this would coincide with a feed/ pump. You may choose to only use whilst feeding /pumping or only between feeds. Having a short break allows the skin to breathe. The soft-silicone Sensopearls offer comfortable wearing whilst being gentle on the skin.

Can I wear Medela In-bra Breast Milk Collectors when I sleep?

It is recommended to avoid wearing the product whilst you are sleeping as it may compress into the sensitive tissue. For these times, you can use Medela disposable Ultra-breathable Bra Pads between feeding whilst catching with the In-Bra Breast Milk Collector when you are breastfeeding or pumping.

Why Avocado shape?

Medela's research legacy is understanding breast anatomy when moms are breastfeeding. Research shows that the milk producing tissue is close to the surface of the skin,² with a large proportion within 30 mm of the nipple base² and in the lower outer quadrants of the breast.³ With this knowledge Medela applied the anatomical knowledge to develop a product that is comfortable and supportive of the sensitive breast tissue to minimise breast compressions whilst also being discreet when worn in a bra.

Why do I leak when between feeding and pumping?

The hormone responsible to transport the milk from the milk-making cells along the ducts to the nipple opening is oxytocin. This hormone is responsible for milk let-down. Triggers for milk let-down include your baby breastfeeding, pumping, hearing a baby cry, smelling your baby's worn clothing, breast fullness, having a long gap between feeds or pumping and sexual intimacy.

What is the difference between the In-bra Breast Milk Collector and the Silicone Breast milk Collector?

The In-bra Breast Milk Collectors are a 2 piece product that is worn in your bra. The Silicone Breast Milk Collector is a one piece, where the collector 'bottle' is squeezed as the breast shield is positioned at the breast to create a vacuum. This vacuum actively draws milk from the breast during feeding or pumping the other breasts.

The In-bra Breast Milk Collectors catch drip milk during feeding /pumping from the non-nursing breast and between feeding /pumping session, the product is securely and comfortably contained in your bra. The In-bra Breast Milk Collectors are ideal for moms who do not wish to stimulate more milk but want to use milk that drips during feeds/pumping for storing and use later.

How much milk does each Medela In-bra Breast Milk Collector hold?

Each cup holds up to 30 ml of breast milk.

How is In-bra Breast Milk Collection leak proof?

Alongside the avocado shape that is designed to minimize breast tissue compression, securely fitting in your bra, the device has a flexible silicone plug that fits into the pouring hole and a shelf in the cup to contain the breast milk when moms lean forwards and when multi-tasking. Giving moms the reassurance of being leak and spill proof.

How do I insert the Medela In-bra Breast Milk Collector?

Slightly lean forwards, pull your bra cup outwards. Carefully position over the nipple, the assembled collector soft-silicone back hole. Check and adjust the hole so that the nipple is centered within and the collector is comfortably positioned in your bra. For additional information watch the How to use video.

How should I assemble the two parts?

Locate, line-up and position the arrow on the top of the silicone back to the notch on top of the shell. Connect the silicone back to the front shell and be sure that it 'snaps' into position.

How do I remove the Medela In-bra Breast Milk Collector without spilling any breast milk?

To remove, check that the plug is secure in the pouring hole, slightly lean forwards, gently pull your bra cup outwards, grasp the grove and lift the collector upwards. Place the breast milk collector flat surface for stable lying on the table/worktop. For additional information watch the How to use video.

How do I pour breast milk from the collector into a storage bottle or bag?

Release the plug from the pouring hole, grasp the collector edges and carefully pour the milk into your chosen storage device.

How to clean Medela In-bra Breast Milk Collector

It is important to keep your breastfeeding accessories clean and hygienic for your breast health and to use your collected drip milk for storage and use later.

Before first use and after each use disassemble the two parts, rinse milky parts in cold water, wash in warm water with mild dish soap and rinse in cold water. Place parts on a clean dry cloth to air dry.

Alternatively, the disassembled parts can be cleaned and disinfected in the dishwasher on the top rack only. For more information read the IFU.

Should I disinfect Medela In-bra Breast Milk Collectors after every use?

It is recommended that you disinfect the milk collector once a day. You can place the parts in boiling water for 5 minutes, use the dishwasher or use Medela Quick Clean Microwave Bags. After disinfecting the wet parts on a clean dry cloth to air dry. For more information read the IFU.

When should I replace the Medela In-bra Breast Milk Collectors?

For hygienic purposes it is recommended to replace products in contact with breast milk every three months. After and before each use check the product for any damage and replace.

Can I wear Medela In-bra Breast Milk Collectors when multi-tasking?

The leak and spill proof design offers you flexibility, discreetness and comfort when multi-tasking. Use with gentle movement is possible. However, caution should be taken to avoid lying flat and participating in physical activities when loss of contact/displacement may occur. For these activities, to minimise breast milk leakage feed or pump prior to the activity and choose to wear a bra pad for reassurance.

Can I wear Medela In-bra Breast Milk Collectors for collecting drip milk and for sore and tender nipples?

Yes, the design of the collector can help soothe sore, tender nipples by minimizing contact from clothing/bra pads whilst also giving you reassurances against milk leakage when and between feeds/pumping.

Alternatively, Medela offers Purelan for hydrating sore nipples, Hydrogel Pads and Breast Shells for use between breastfeeding/pumping with cracked and painful nipples.

Milk spillage when I wore the product.

Breast milk may leak when the device is not assembled correctly. After washing, ensure that the pieces are thoroughly dry before use. Assembly: Connect the front cup to the soft-silicone back by positioning the arrow below the plug into position and run your fingers all the way round over both edges to 'snap' into position.

Milk spillage when I removed the product from my bra.

Milk spillage on removal, may be due to overcapacity. The product will hold up to 30 mL of milk. When removing the device, lean forwards, grasp the top of the collector whilst supporting the breast with the other hand and gently remove from the bra and place the flat base on the table.

Can I store breast milk collected during breastfeeding or pumping?

Yes, you can store freshly expressed breast milk collected as drip milk whilst breastfeeding or pumping. More information on safe collection, handling and storage of breast milk is available here.

Can I store breast milk collected between breastfeeding or pumping?

Only breast milk that is collected during breastfeeding or pumping should be fed to your baby. Any milk that drips between breastfeeding or pumping should be discarded.

Can I wear it with any bra?

The collector fits most standard and nursing bras that provide light, secure support. A slightly roomier bra is ideal, as it reduces pressure on the breast.

Is there more than one size?

No. Medela In-bra Breast Milk Collector comes in one universal size designed to fit most mums comfortably.

Is it visible under clothing?

Thanks to its anatomical shape and low-profile design, the In-bra Breast Milk Collector can be worn discreetly under most nursing bras and clothing.

Is it safe for mum and baby?

Yes. The collector is made without BPA and uses soft, skin-friendly soft-silicone to support both safety and comfort.