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When Does Breast Milk Come In & Signs It’s Coming

The look and feel of your colostrum, or early milk, is much different from your mature, later milk - which often comes in around 2 - 5 days after your baby's birth, though every mama’s timing is different. 

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So, When Does Breast Milk Come In?

Though colostrum production begins as early as 16 weeks pregnant and should begin to be expressed right away after birth (with some moms even experiencing occasional leakage later in pregnancy), its look and composition differs significantly from your later breast milk. This is because colostrum, or your “first milk”, plays a much different role for your baby than your later breast milk, though both forms are incredibly important to your baby’s wellness and development. Though later breast milk may take some time to “come in” after delivery, your milk production has been in the works since early in your pregnancy, so don’t worry, mama – it’ll be here soon enough!

Moms shouldn’t expect to see large milk volumes in the first few days after birth, though most newborns lose weight during this time. Both of these things are normal and expected, and your colostrum is all your newborn needs until your later milk presents. With that in mind, your later milk – or the breast milk produced as your colostrum transitions to your mature milk – “comes in” about 2 – 5 days after your baby’s birth. “Coming in” refers to the significant increase in volume and changes in composition, though this popular term isn’t necessarily accurate. This is because your colostrum is breast milk and should be fed to your baby as soon as possible after birth. When your mature milk comes in later, however, it is accompanied by some very noticeable symptoms.

Signs Milk Is Coming In

Many women, even first-time moms, know exactly when their breast milk has come in, mainly due to common indicators like:

• Breast engorgement, or the feeling of fullness, heaviness, and/or firmness.
• Swelling of the breasts.
• Breast milk leakage, particularly overnight.
• Flattened nipples and/or skin tightening or firmness around the areolas.

This initial engorgement – and the occasional discomfort that may accompany the first time your milk comes in – will dissipate as your body adjusts to a regular nursing and pumping routine. If your breasts are frequently engorged after your milk comes in, this is a sign that your body is working hard to produce milk and you may not be fully emptying your breasts after a nursing session – be sure to have a breast pump and breast milk storage bags on hand, so you can fully empty your breasts after and between breastfeeding your little one. Your pumped breast milk can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer, so you can start a stockpile for your little one – which can be especially helpful if your partner or another person, such as a babysitter, needs to feed the baby. Just be sure to read up on the latest breast milk storage guidelines and use a helpful feeding and pumping log to ensure none of your precious liquid gold goes to waste!

What Else Should I Know?

Though your body’s breast milk production is kicked into high gear within 30 – 40 hours after you deliver the placenta, your later milk coming in is dictated by the hormonal changes taking place in your body during this time. Because every woman – and every pregnancy – is different, there is a range of days during which breast milk may come in. With that in mind, there is evidence that skin to skin contact, initiating breastfeeding within 30 – 60 minutes after birth, and continuing to nurse early and often (or pumping or hand expressing your colostrum to feed your baby, if there are latching challenges) can positively impact your breast milk production.

If your breasts are very engorged, it can be more difficult for your baby to latch properly. Try softening your breasts before a feeding, such as by taking a warm shower, applying a warm compress to each breast, and/or hand expressing a small volume of milk. You can also apply a cold compress – think a bag of frozen vegetables or an ice pack wrapped in a towel – to reduce swelling and discomfort. Prevent engorgement and reduce your risk of developing mastitis or encountering eventual breast milk supply issues by nursing or pumping frequently.

If you have questions about your breast milk coming in, concerns about supply, or are experiencing difficulties getting into a regular breast milk feeding routine, talk to a lactation consultant right away. The sooner you can address any issues you may be facing, the easier it will be to minimize impact on your future breast milk production. Remember, mama, it’s common to encounter early breast milk feeding challenges – especially if you’re a first-time mom – and it may take some time for your body and hormones to adjust. After all, you just did an amazing thing by welcoming your little one into the world! The most important thing to remember is to persevere and continue finding ways to ensure your baby receives all that great liquid gold that your body is making – whether by pumping, nursing, or a combination of both. As your milk comes in and you adapt to life with a newborn, you and your baby will eventually get into a regular feeding routine. Congratulations on your new bundle of joy – and be sure to enjoy this unique bonding time together!

Colostrum during pregnancy | Medela

Colostrum is sometimes called liquid gold, and not only because of its color. We will tell you why this first food is so important for a newborn baby.

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Colostrum, the first milk produced at the start of breastfeeding, is the ideal nutrition for a newborn. It is very concentrated and rich in proteins and nutrients, so even in small quantities it saturates the tiny tummy of a newborn for a long time. Colostrum is low in fat and easy to digest, yet provides the baby with all the essential ingredients for an optimal developmental start. And perhaps most importantly, it plays a decisive role in the formation of the baby's immune system.

Colostrum looks thicker and yellower than mature milk. Its composition also differs in accordance with the special needs of the newborn.

Colostrum fights infections

Almost two-thirds of the cells in colostrum are white blood cells, which not only protect the baby's body from infections, but also teach them to fight them themselves. ¹ “White blood cells are very important for the development of immunity. They provide protection and counteract pathogenic microbes,” says Professor Peter Hartmann of the University of Western Australia, a leading lactation expert.

After giving birth, your body no longer protects the baby, and he must confront the new dangers of the world on his own. The white blood cells found in colostrum produce antibodies that can neutralize bacteria and viruses. These antibodies are especially good at dealing with indigestion and diarrhea, which is very important for very young children, whose intestines are not yet fully developed.

Colostrum supports the child's immune system and intestinal function

Colostrum is especially rich in secretory immunoglobulin A -
is the most important antibody that protects the child from diseases, but not through the circulatory system, but as a protective coating of the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract. ² “The molecules that provide the mother's immune defenses enter the mother's bloodstream into the breast, where they combine to form secretory immunoglobulin A, which is then transferred to the baby along with colostrum,” explains Professor Hartmann. “Secretory immunoglobulin A accumulates on the mucous membranes of the intestines and respiratory system of the child and protects him from diseases that the mother has already had.”

Colostrum also contains many other immunological components and growth factors that stimulate the development of protective mucous membranes in the intestines of the child, and the prebiotics contained in it contribute to the formation of beneficial microflora. ³

Colostrum prevents jaundice

Colostrum not only protects against indigestion, but also has a laxative effect. This helps newborns to empty the intestines frequently, removing from it everything that was digested there in the prenatal state, in the form of meconium - dark and viscous feces.

Frequent stools in newborns also reduce the risk of jaundice. A baby is born with a high level of red blood cells that absorb oxygen from the air. As these cells break down, the liver helps to process them, producing a by-product called bilirubin. If the child's liver is not yet sufficiently formed to process it, bilirubin begins to be deposited in the body, causing jaundice. ⁴ The laxative properties of colostrum help the baby to remove bilirubin from the body along with the stool.

Colostrum contains vitamins and minerals

Carotenoids and vitamin A give colostrum its characteristic yellow color. . ⁷ Babies are usually born with a low supply of vitamin A, ⁸ and colostrum helps to replenish it.

"The first three days are especially important for establishing breastfeeding"

In addition, colostrum is rich in minerals, such as magnesium, which is good for the baby's heart and bones, and copper and zinc, which are involved in the development of the immune system. ^9.10 Zinc also contributes to the development of the brain, and there is almost four times more zinc in colostrum than in mature milk, ¹⁰ because the brain of a newborn must develop rapidly.

Colostrum helps your baby grow and develop

Colostrum contains many other ingredients that help your baby grow and develop. The role of some of them is still unknown to scientists.

“Colostrum retains its composition for about 30 hours after the baby is born,” says Prof. Hartmann. - It contains quite a lot of proteins, because all the antibodies in its composition are essentially proteins. It is relatively low in lactose [milk sugar] and has a different fat composition than mature milk. ”

In addition, colostrum is close in composition to the amniotic fluid that your baby swallowed and excreted while in the womb, making it ideal for adapting to the outside world. ¹¹

Transition from colostrum to mature milk

Breast milk usually begins to arrive two to four days after birth. The breasts become firmer and fuller, and instead of colostrum, transitional milk is excreted, which is whiter in color and creamier in consistency.

“The first three days are especially important for establishing breastfeeding,” says Prof. Hartmann. “If everything is done correctly during this period, lactation is likely to be good, and the baby will be able to grow normally.”

It seems unbelievable now, but in just one year your baby will be able to walk and maybe even talk. Colostrum is produced for only a few days, but makes an invaluable contribution to the development of the baby during the first 12 months, and the resulting benefits remain with him for life.

Want to know more? Read our free e-book Surprising Breast Milk Facts and article What is Transitional Milk?.

Literature

1 Hassiotou F et al. Maternal and infant infections stimulate a rapid leukocyte response in breastmilk. Clin Transl Immunology. 2013;2(4): e 3. - Hassiot F. et al., "Infectious diseases of the mother and child stimulate a rapid leukocyte reaction in breast milk." Clean Transl Immunology. 2013;2(4):e3.

9 Kulski JK, Hartmann PE. Changes in human milk composition during the initiation of lactation. AUST J EXP Biol Med SCI . 1981;59(1):101-114. - Kulsky JK, Hartmann PI, "Changes in the composition of breast milk at the onset of lactation". Aust Zh Exp Biol Med Sai. 1981;59(1):101-114.

10 Casey CE Studies in human lactation: zinc, copper, manganese and chromium in human milk in the first month of lactation. Am J Clin Nutr 1985;41(6):1193-1200. - Casey S.I. et al., Female Lactation Study: Zinc, Copper, Magnesium, and Chromium in Breast Milk in the Early Months of Lactation. Am J Clean Nutr. 1985;41(6):1193-1200.

11 Marlier L et al. Neonatal responsiveness to the odor of amniotic and lacteal fluids: a test of perinatal chemosensory continuity. Child Dev . 1998;69(3):611-623. - Marlier L. et al., "Newborn response to amniotic and milk odors: testing perinatal chemosensory continuity. Child Dev. 1998;69(3):611-623.

Colostrum during pregnancy and after childbirth

Elizaveta Shatunova

By Daily Baby

#newborn #breast-feeding #childbirth #colostrum

Colostrum is the first mother's milk, which is produced at the very beginning of breastfeeding. This is a valuable product for the baby - here the doctors are unanimous. Colostrum provides the child with all the essential components for an optimal developmental start. But it happens that it begins to be produced even during pregnancy. And you should not be afraid - this is considered the norm. We will tell you in detail about colostrum during pregnancy and after childbirth.

When does colostrum begin to be produced?

In some women, a yellowish-white fluid oozes from the nipples as early as the first trimester of pregnancy. Moreover, this can happen even in the first couple of weeks after the fertilization of the egg.

In a number of cases, a woman realizes that she is pregnant just by escaping colostrum. But already from the 30th week of pregnancy, colostrum appears in most women. Just at this time, you have to stock up on special absorbent inserts in the bra. But in "full strength" colostrum will make itself felt only after childbirth - when the process of breastfeeding begins.

Colostrum during pregnancy: when, how much and reasons for concern

Doctors rush to reassure expectant mothers that the amount of colostrum produced during pregnancy has nothing to do with how much milk a woman will have after childbirth. These processes are not related to each other in any way. Do not worry if for all nine months you have not seen the "cherished" drops of the first milk. This is also considered normal. Colostrum is produced - it just remains in the ducts of the mammary glands, and therefore does not flow out of the breast.

There are a number of factors that provoke the release of colostrum during pregnancy:

• sexual intercourse;
• high ambient temperature;
• hot bath or shower;
• hot drinks;
• severe stress (caused by both positive and negative emotions).

The amount of colostrum produced during pregnancy can vary. From a couple of drops to a thin stream. But no matter how much first milk a mother has, it is absolutely impossible to express it. It is believed that this can lead to uterine contractions - a serious risk of miscarriage and premature birth.

Sometimes small blotches of blood are observed in colostrum, which is also considered normal. Provided, of course, that these are isolated cases that are not accompanied by other frightening symptoms - chest pains, swelling and high fever. But a consultation with a doctor is still required! Small bleeding may indicate an expansion of the ducts of the mammary glands - the body is preparing for early breastfeeding. This process in some cases is accompanied by rupture of capillaries, as a result of which blood, mixing with colostrum, comes out of the nipples. If it seems that there is a lot of blood discharge, and they do not stop, an immediate examination of the doctor is required.

An unpleasant smell of colostrum and painful sensations in the chest during its discharge are also considered abnormal. This may indicate the development of an inflammatory process or even a tumor in the mammary glands. Contact your doctor if you have any suspicious symptoms.

After childbirth: transition from colostrum to mature milk

Colostrum, when compared with "normal" breast milk, appears more yellow and thicker. This is what the child receives in the first days after his birth. The amount of colostrum is very small, but every drop is needed by the baby. According to doctors, it is extremely important not to miss the moment and attach the baby to the breast in the first three days after birth.

Active secretion of colostrum falls on the first day after childbirth. Then its quantity gradually decreases. 2-5 days after birth, the so-called "transitional milk" appears.

Usually lighter in color. At this stage, the breast becomes firmer and fuller, the body prepares for the active production of mature milk, which appears 2-3 weeks after birth. A very stressful period in establishing breastfeeding, since there is a lot of milk, then there is not enough milk. Doctors advise breastfeeding more often to speed up the process.

What are the benefits of colostrum for a child

Colostrum is produced only for a few days, but it makes an invaluable contribution to the development of the baby. It contains immunoglobulins, proteins, polypeptides, trace elements and vitamins - those substances that will give a huge impetus to the physical development of the child. The first milk is relatively low in lactose, and its fat composition is different from mature milk. It is believed that colostrum in its properties is close to amniotic fluid - the environment where the child "lived" for all nine months. It is ideal for the baby in the period of his adaptation to the outside world.

So what exactly is the benefit of colostrum?

Formation of immunity

Colostrum contains a large number of leukocytes and immunoglobulins. They protect the child's body from infections, teach them to fight them on their own. This is why colostrum is often referred to as a baby's first immune defense. Leukocytes contribute to the production of antibodies that can neutralize bacteria and viruses.

The formation of the “correct” bowel function

Immunoglobulins and prebiotics, which enter the child's body along with colostrum, contribute to the development of mucous membranes in his intestines and the formation of beneficial microflora. The first milk has a mild laxative effect, which allows you to quickly remove from the body everything that was not digested in the intestines of the baby in utero. And timely bowel movement in newborns is also the prevention of jaundice.

Physical development

Colostrum contains growth factors that stimulate active cell regeneration in the baby's body. This gives impetus to his active physical development.

Calcium and other trace elements, which are 2-4 times more than in mature milk, are involved in strengthening the baby's skeleton. Potassium, in turn, has a positive effect on the functioning of the cardiovascular system.

Prevention of eye and skin diseases

Colostrum has a yellowish color due to the high content of vitamin A in it. This substance is extremely important for the prevention of diseases of the eyes and skin, strong immunity. As a rule, newborn children have a low supply of carotenoids, and colostrum helps to make up for this “defect”.

Colostrum Breastfeeding Tips

Doctors say the first days of breastfeeding are important. The child actively “masters” the reflex of sucking and swallowing, receiving, together with colostrum, all the necessary nutrients for its development. These skills will be very useful to the baby when milk is produced in greater quantities.

Here are some tips from experts for successful breastfeeding:

1. Try to breastfeed your baby within the first hour after birth. This will start the production of colostrum. And of course, it will bring great benefits to the child. If for one reason or another it is impossible to do this, doctors recommend expressing the first milk in order to give it to the baby later. This is especially important if he was born prematurely.
2. Correct breastfeeding is the key to successful breastfeeding. It is on this that the amount of milk arriving and the development of the sucking reflex in the baby depend. Incorrect grip, moreover, often causes damage to the nipples. When applying the baby to the breast, direct the nipple to his palate. Then the child will correctly capture the nipple and part of the areola under it. And while you are in the hospital, do not hesitate to consult with doctors on the correct attachment of the baby to the breast.
3. Colostrum in the first days after childbirth is produced in small quantities - about 20-40 ml per day. As long as the baby is enough. But in order to speed up the appearance of transitional, and then mature milk, it is better to put the baby to the breast as often as possible - up to 10 or even up to 14 times a day, including at night. At this stage, the duration of feeding can be delayed - the baby only learns innate reflexes.
4. Most doctors now insist that the child should be fed not by the hour, but on demand. The more the baby eats in the first days after birth, the more milk you will have. And the more he will receive valuable substances from colostrum. Try to feed your baby when he gives "signals" that he is hungry.
5. Breastfeeding in the first days after childbirth becomes a test for many mothers. The process is often very uncomfortable. The chest and nipples hurt, they become very sensitive. The appearance of spasms in the uterus is also disturbing (as during menstruation).

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