“When does milk supply come in” is a question that is among the most repeated concerns when parents are new and after delivery. During those first couple of days of postpartum, you will have colostrum, or early milk, which is viscous, rich milk, and then switches to mature breast milk. The transition may be rather abrupt and overwhelming when you are in a situation where you are unsure of how normal it is.
It is a normal event to experience a combination of excitement and fear during the first few days as you live in anticipation while your body takes time to adjust in response to your baby. Although the timeline is in any case different for each moms in terms of their physical consideration and birth experience, there are general guidelines that you may check to determine your progress. This guide will give you an in-depth examination of the common timeline of lactation, the physical symptoms of milk production, and some practical measures that you can apply to help promote a good and healthy supply, even at the very onset.
When Does Milk Supply Usually Come In After Birth
The breastfeeding process is in phases, and knowing these phases will give you some realistic expectations in the first week of your newborn baby. Production of milk occurs in phases. Immediately after birth, your body will also create colostrum, a thick, nutrient-depleted early milk that satisfies the requirements of your baby in small doses. After delivery, mature milk is usually received between two and five days.
- Stage I (Colostrum)
It starts during pregnancy, and it continues in the first two to three days of birth. You will end up with small nipple sized milk, which is rich in antibodies and protein.
- Stage II (Transitional Milk)
It is the coming in phase. In the majority of cases, this happens during the time interval of day two to day five after delivery to the mother. There will be a lot of enhancement in the volume of milk, and the color will change to a creamy white.
- Stage III (Mature Milk)
At around ten to fourteen days of age, your milk is enough to be considered mature. It is less fatty, more bluish-white, and of the ideal fat, sugar, and water mixture of your growing baby.
Signs Your Milk Supply Is Coming In
As your milk goes through the transitional milk phase to colostrum, it tends to be very obvious that the milk is going through a phase. Since not all milks are colostrum, when your milk starts becoming mature milk, there might be some physical and feeding changes.
- Breast Fullness and Heaviness
The breasts can become much firmer, heavier, or even slightly warm as they begin to experience more blood circulation and milk production.
- Tingling Sensations
You may be able to feel the pins and needles move through you, in what is commonly known as the let-down reflex, as milk starts flowing through the ducts.
- Leaking
It is normal that the other breast should leak when you are breastfeeding, or the two breasts leak when you hear a baby cry.
- Change in Baby’s Swallowing
You will start hearing audible rhythmic “gulps” rather than little suckages.
- Satiated Baby
Your baby can start to have longer intervals between feeding or appear more milk drunk and more relaxed after a session.
Factors Affecting When Milk Supply Starts
Not all parents use the seventy-two hours as a window of milk arrival. Transitioning to Stage II lactation may be based on a number of biological and environmental factors.
- Birth Experience
Sometimes, a stressful labor process or the unexpected C-section may be the cause of postponing the hormonal change that is necessary to allow milk to come in.
- Hormonal Disproportions
Diseases such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), thyroid, or the presence of placental remnants may disrupt the progesterone decrease to induce the production of milk.
- Premature Separation
In the case of a NICU stay, when you are separated from your baby, you will be required to use a good electric pump to replicate the baby’s demand of the baby. A hands-free pumping bra is highly recommended to ease the process and make this process more productive, such as Momcozy pumping bras. It enables you to give breast compressions and massage during pumping, and this has been proven to enhance milk production as well as accelerate conversion into stage II milk.
How to Support Milk Supply Coming In
This can best be done by feeding frequently, for at least at least eight to twelve times per twenty-four hours. Since lactation can be described as a system of supply and demand response, the more the breasts are empty, the quicker the body will switch to the abundance of milk than colostrum.
This hormonal action is greatly supported by regular skin-to-skin contact that causes the secretion of oxytocin. In order to simplify these regular feedings, rooming-in is advised by a number of hospitals and birth centers. Maintaining your baby in your room enables you to immediately recognize early signs of hunger, like rooting or sucking hands, thus enabling you to start a feed before the baby starts crying.
As your own body is doing the hard work of synthesis, make sure you are taking proper care of yourself in terms of hydration and nutrition. You do not need a perfect diet, but your body needs the right kind of sufficient calories and fluids to keep the energy levels required to produce milk.
What to Do If Milk Supply Is Delayed
In case milk has not increased significantly after five days, there is no need to panic. Slowness occurs and may frequently be corrected through additional assistance.
Steps to take:
- IPV (increase the feeding/pumping frequency).
- Make certain that the latch fits or the pump fits.
- Attempt pumping during the post-nursing period.
- Consult with a lactation consultant.
- Observe wet diapers and the weight gain of your baby.
Your health care provider may assist in eliminating underlying causes and prescribe tactics involving specifics of your case.
Conclusion
Knowing when milk supply arrives can relieve the pressure in the early days of breastfeeding. Although the majority of moms report rising during the first few days following delivery, the timeline is dependent, and many factors can account for it. It is important to notice your body, eat regularly, and employ aids to support the healthy milk supply. When your milk appears to be late, it matters that you receive a boost.
A patient approach, appropriate guidance, and regular attention usually help you in getting your body to react on time, and then you and your baby can find a more secure and good tempo of feeding.
