You did it! You conquered labor and delivery, and now your next adventure begins. As you hold your baby, you might wonder when your milk will come in and whether there is anything you can do to support the process.
Throughout pregnancy, your body begins preparing to feed your baby. Once your baby is born, colostrum is available while your milk gradually transitions to a higher volume. Breastfeeding can still take time and practice as you and your baby learn together. Little by little, you can gain confidence and find what works best for both of you.
Key Takeaways
- Milk volume commonly begins increasing within the first several days after birth, although timing varies.
- Frequent breastfeeding or milk expression, skin-to-skin contact, and an effective latch can help support early milk production.
- Colostrum is the first milk and provides concentrated nutrition while your milk volume is increasing.
- Contact an IBCLC or healthcare provider if your milk has not noticeably increased, if feeding is painful, or if you are concerned about your baby’s intake.
When Does Breast Milk Come In?
As a new mom, you may wonder when your milk will come in, whether you can help support the process, and if your baby is getting enough. The process of making breast milk is genuinely incredible. Many hormones play an essential role in the production of breast milk. Throughout pregnancy, your progesterone levels are high. These levels are necessary to maintain pregnancy. Once your baby is born, progesterone levels start to decrease. This signals to your body that it is time to transition from pregnancy to lactation.1
During the initial days, your baby will receive its first milk, called colostrum. Colostrum is nutrient-packed and is designed to provide everything most healthy, full-term babies need during the first few days of life. When you see colostrum, you may wonder: Why is it this color? Why is it so thick? Is this normal? Yes! The thickness and color come from colostrum’s unique nutritional properties. Colostrum is highly beneficial to your baby, especially with its infection-fighting properties and nutritional components.3
Over the next several days, your colostrum gradually transitions into higher-volume milk. Most mothers notice their breasts becoming fuller between days 2 and 5 postpartum, although timing can vary.1 This is what people commonly mean when they say their milk is “coming in.” Here are five ways to help establish your milk supply.
Related: When Will My Milk Come In? What You Should Know
5 Ways To Support Early Milk Production
Although you cannot control the exact timing, these five practices can encourage milk removal and help establish early milk production:
1. Practice Skin-to-Skin Contact
Skin-to-skin is a simple practice that can play a valuable role in the start of your breastfeeding journey. This means your baby is placed directly against your bare skin. When your baby is placed on your chest after birth, the bonding process begins. Your baby recognizes your scent and, if given the opportunity, may even make their way to your breast for their first feeding on their own. Amazing, right? Not only is skin-to-skin beneficial for breastfeeding initiation, but it can also help regulate a baby’s body temperature, stabilize blood sugar levels, and reduce infant stress.1,2
Related: 7 Benefits of Skin-to-Skin Contact After Birth
2. The Golden Hour Feed
The first hour after birth is considered the “golden hour.”2 During this time, many babies are alert and ready for their first breastfeeding experience.1,2 This can be a wonderful opportunity for your baby to receive colostrum and begin breastfeeding.
Here’s why the “golden hour” feed is so important:1,2
- Your baby will quickly receive colostrum, benefiting from its nutritional and protective components.
- Your baby is born with a natural suckling reflex that is usually strongest right after birth. Giving your baby the opportunity to breastfeed during this time allows them to practice sucking and feeding while receiving colostrum. This early experience can help lay the foundation for breastfeeding.1,2
- Your baby will remove milk from your breasts, signaling your body to produce more milk.
3. Bringing Baby to Breast Often
During the early weeks, it is crucial to your milk supply that your breasts are stimulated and milk is removed. Removing milk tells your body how much milk is needed and helps establish your milk supply as your baby’s needs grow. Simply put, it is supply and demand.1,4
Most exclusively breastfed newborns feed eight to 12 times in 24 hours.1,4 Your baby will offer feeding cues to help you know they are hungry and ready to feed. Some cues you may see include mouth movements, restlessness, hands to mouth, tense body and mouth, and crying. Try to recognize when your baby is hungry before they start crying, as crying is a late cue.4 When you identify their cues, get ready to put your baby to the breast to feed.
Here are some quick feeding tips:
- Feed on demand when your baby shows they are ready to eat.
- Rotate which breast you offer your baby first.1 A helpful way to remember is to wear a hair tie on your wrist and rotate it after each feeding. That way, the wrist with the hair tie is the side you will start your next feed on.
- Let your baby feed until they show you they are finished. Try not to watch the clock; instead, watch your baby’s feeding cues.1
- Offer your second breast after they finish with the first. They might refuse the other side but offer to ensure they are finished.1
- Feedings are still necessary during the night, especially in the beginning. Depending on your baby’s age and your healthcare provider’s guidance, you may need to wake your baby to feed.1
Related: Newborn Hunger Cues: How to Tell When Your Baby Is Hungry
4. A Good Latch
Ensuring your baby has a good latch can set you both up for breastfeeding success. A good latch allows your baby to comfortably take enough breast tissue into their mouth to remove milk effectively.1 It is a good idea to ask for support from the hospital or birthing center lactation team. They can assess your baby’s latch, show you different breastfeeding positions to find what works best for you, and offer support to help you feel more confident.1
The benefits of a good latch include:
- Effective milk removal helps maintain your milk supply.1
- Helps baby return to birth weight.1
- May reduce the risk of nipple pain and trauma. Nipple pain is one of the top reasons moms stop breastfeeding.2
Related: How To Get a Better Breastfeeding Latch
5. Nutrition and Sleep
Nutrition is essential while breastfeeding. Breastfeeding is hard work, and your body requires extra calories to support milk production.5 Eating a well-balanced diet helps nourish your body during recovery and while breastfeeding. As a busy mom, it can be easy to forget to drink enough water, so keep a water bottle nearby and sip throughout the day. Staying hydrated supports your overall health while breastfeeding.6 This is also a time to note that caffeine can pass through breast milk to your baby. Although you may feel like you need constant caffeine, drink in moderation.5
As new parents, sleep is sacred, and we know it can be hard to come by in the first few weeks you bring your baby home. Research has shown that some hormones involved in milk production, including prolactin, are naturally higher at night.1 This is one reason newborns often wake to feed overnight. Continuing to nurse your baby during those nighttime feedings helps stimulate milk removal, which signals your body to keep making milk.1 Although those middle-of-the-night feedings can feel exhausting, they play an important role in establishing your milk supply during the early weeks.7
Related: Breastfeeding Nutrition: How Many Extra Calories Do You Really Need?
What Can Cause My Milk To Decrease?
If you notice your milk supply has decreased, one or more of these factors may be contributing:
- Baby is feeding fewer than eight to 12 times a day.1
- Baby is not latching effectively, resulting in poor milk removal.1
- Regularly supplementing with bottles without also removing milk through breastfeeding or pumping.8
- Using the wrong breast pump flange size when pumping.8
- Extended separation from your baby without regular breastfeeding or pumping.1
Most new moms experience small ups and downs in milk production. What matters most is responding early and getting the right support. If you notice an unexpected decrease in your supply, reach out to a lactation consultant, IBCLC, or another member of your healthcare team. They can help identify what’s affecting your supply and create a plan that’s right for you and your baby.
Related: How to Increase Milk Supply: 22 Ways to Boost Breast Milk Production
These tips can help you start your breastfeeding journey on a positive note. Learning what works best for you and your baby may take time. Even if you encounter challenges in those first few days, remember that you and your baby are both learning. Please do not feel alone if breastfeeding is not as easy as you anticipated. Every mom and baby is unique. Please reach out to your lactation consultant or healthcare team if you need support. They are always there to support you and guide you through challenging times. You got this, mama!
