If you’re planning on having a baby and thinking about breastfeeding, you may not know that the first few hours of nursing after birth don’t actually result in a ton of milk in the bottle. Instead, your baby will produce small amounts of two other types of milk before mature breast milk really starts to come in.
But the milk you produce in those first few days is still important for your baby. If you’re wondering, “when will my milk come in?”, here’s everything you need to know about what to do if your milk supply seems slow.
Breastfeeding stages
According to Atlanta-based obstetrician-gynecologist Taniqua Miller, there are three stages of breast milk development after birth: colostrum, transitional milk, and mature milk.
colostrum
This is usually a thicker, often dark yellow milk that gives your baby infection-fighting proteins and antibodies. Interestingly, colostrum is actually produced as early as the third trimester, says Abrie McCoy, CLC, SimpliFed. Although you won’t produce much colostrum, your baby doesn’t need much in the first few days.
Transitional milk
Your milk will start coming in about 2 to 5 days after giving birth. This milk is generally lighter and thinner than colostrum, and contains extra fats to nourish your baby until your milk comes in, which can last up to two weeks after giving birth, says Dr. Miller.
Mature Milk
The final stage is mature milk, which is thinner than transitional milk, especially when it is first released. Towards the end of lactation, the fat content increases and the milk may thicken.
Signs that breast milk is starting to come in
There are several signs that your milk is starting to come in (also known as turning into mature milk), the most obvious being that your breasts will become larger, heavier and fuller.
“Postpartum parents who are breastfeeding can usually tell when milk production has started by the sensations they feel,” says Amanda P. Williams, MD, MPH, medical director of maternal health care company Mommy. “Some mothers may experience pressure or soreness due to changes in breast engorgement. Their breasts and nipples may feel warm and tender to the touch. Some women may also experience a slight fever that lasts for 24 hours.”
Plus, you might notice that your milk leaks or squirts from your nipples when you breastfeed, rather than dribbling, says Dr. Williams. (Speaking of breastfeeding, your breasts will feel full and empty and heavy after a feed.)
You might also notice changes in your baby: “The most common signs that your milk supply is changing and increasing from colostrum to mature milk are more wet and soiled nappies, and your newborn sleeping longer,” says Dr Williams.
What causes a slow supply of breast milk?
According to McCoy, milk supply usually starts to increase within 30 hours after birth. If milk supply doesn’t increase within 72 hours after birth, the baby is considered delayed lactation (DOL).
McCoy adds that there are several factors that can trigger a DOL, including:
- Emperor Cut
- Gestational diabetes
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- obesity
- Thyroid problems
Premature birth can also cause DOL, says Dr. Williams, because it can disrupt the hormonal signals that a baby is born and needs to be breastfed. Premature babies are less alert, tire more easily, have trouble latching on, and may need to be admitted to the NICU or separated from their parents after birth, which also contributes to breastfeeding difficulties.
Finally, retaining placental fragments can delay milk production: Dr. Williams explains that implantation of the placenta triggers a hormonal shift from estrogen to prolactin, which stimulates milk production, which can slow the transition of your milk supply from colostrum to transitional milk to mature milk.
What to do if your breast milk supply is slow
If your breast milk supply is slow, don’t panic: there are some simple things you can try at home to help boost your milk supply (pun intended!).
- Spending plenty of time skin-to-skin with your baby and continuing to breastfeed can help stimulate milk production, Dr Williams says.
- Keep pumping, even if it seems like you’re only producing colostrum or transitional milk. McCoy says that expressing milk by hand is more effective than using an electric breast pump, but either method is fine. The goal is to keep sending signals to your body that it needs to produce milk.
- Make sure you get enough fluids through drinks and foods like soups, broths, etc. There is no set amount of water that will increase milk production, but nursing parents are encouraged to “drink when thirsty” and drink at least one glass of water per feeding.
- Get plenty of rest and sleep.
- Make sure your baby is properly attached to your nipple, as improper attachment can slow milk production. If you’re not sure if your baby is properly attached, see a lactation specialist who can also help you build a strong foundation for your milk production and feeding plan.
It’s also a good idea to check with your doctor before trying any of these home remedies. McCoy says your doctor can rule out any concerns you may have about retained placenta pieces and ensure your baby is getting what it needs to grow.
How to get help
If you have any concerns about your milk supply, don’t hesitate to contact your healthcare provider. They can let you know if what you’re experiencing is normal and can refer you to a lactation specialist if you need more help. If your healthcare provider doesn’t refer you to a lactation specialist but you’d still like to use one, contact your insurance company for a list of providers that cover it, or visit the Academy of Lactation Policy and Practice or the International Association of Lactation Consultants to find a specialist in your area.
Also, remember that breastfeeding can be difficult and may take time to establish. It doesn’t always happen right away. If you’re still struggling to breastfeed after getting help, know that you’re not alone and there’s no need to blame yourself. All that matters is that you’re doing well and that your baby is eating enough. Dr. Miller says you should talk to your baby’s healthcare provider and keep an eye on your baby’s weight.
“Most babies lose a certain percentage of their birth weight and then gain it back, so talking to your doctor to make sure your baby is OK can be really reassuring,” Dr. Miller says.
