When will my breastmilk come in?

After my first son was born I stressed when I didn’t see any white milk after a few days. Anyone else? I was new to breastfeeding and wondered non-stop about when my milk would come in. Turns out I wasn’t alone as this is one of the most common questions for new moms.

What to expect with breastmilk production?

Here's a little background as you navigate this new space. The two main hormones involved in lactation are prolactin and oxytocin. When these two hormones are mixed a woman produces milk making what’s known as colostrum (the first breastmilk). This often happens in the later part of the second trimester or early third trimester.  Colostrum is rich in antibodies and immunities and helps keep your newborn healthy. 

How long until my milk comes in?

After you give birth, colostrum is excreted from your breasts. But keep in mind it could take anywhere from two to five days to see mature milk (it's more white in color). This is when the mother’s progesterone hormone levels drop and her prolactin levels are still quite high, which cues her body to change from producing colostrum to milk. Your breasts will likely feel full during this time as your body learns to manage its milk supply based on the baby’s needs.  Your supply is based on the mix of hormones as well as supply and demand.  This delicate mix is what maintains your breastmilk supply.   

Delayed breastmilk production

Breastmilk production is exclusively driven by hormones in these early stages.  But what about mothers who have other hormonal imbalances such as thyroid disease or diabetes?  For those mothers, they may have a delay in the mature milk production.  These situations require mothers to work closely with their physician to better regulate their hormones to help lead to milk production. Additionally, International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) Diana West and Lisa Marasco, in their book The Breastfeeding Mother’s Guide to Making More Milk, recommend prenatal milk expression for mothers with hormonal imbalances due to thyroid disease, diabetes, obesity, etc. in the third trimester of pregnancy.  If you have not heard of this technique and fall into categories such as these, I highly recommend this book.         

There are other things that could delay your milk production as well, including an infection or even stress, according to Nationwide Children's. If you have any concerns please reach out to your doctor.

Tips to help your milk supply come in sooner:

• Nurse as soon as possible. Try to nurse your baby within 4-6 hours after giving birth. If that isn't possible, start pumping instead. A hospital-grade breast pump is ideal, but for me, I used a hand-held breast pump that worked great.
  
  
• Nurse often. Breastfeed your baby at least every 2 hours (from the start of the first nursing session to the next) with no more than 4 hours at night. The more you nurse, the greater milk production.  
  
  
• Avoid supplementing with formula if it isn't necessary. Do not supplement baby with formula unless directed by a doctor. Supplementing will reduce breast stimulation and milk removal (both needed to increase milk supply).
  
  
• Look at the latch. If your baby is not latching well and actively swallowing, milk, then it can affect milk supply and the speed that your milk comes in. A lactation can help with this!

If you are an expecting mother or family member of an expecting mother, I cannot advocate enough for education. I attribute my breastfeeding success to the lactation courses I took while I was pregnant. Don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for help or suggestions! It made the difference for me during my breastfeeding journey. There are also several groups online that can help connect you with a lactation consultant. You’ve got this mama!