♡ Baby Friendly USA
♡ LER Handout: Colostrum First
♡ LER Handout: Signs of Good Feeding
♡ PubMed Skin-to-Skin Research

Questions About Milk Production After Birth

Being a Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC) and active in peer group breastfeeding communities on social media, I often see many parents asking about milk production and what to expect in the early days following the birth of their baby.

○ ”When will my milk “come in”?” I will admit, I very much dislike this phrase of milk “coming in.” Let me explain why. First, your body is hard at work altering your breasts with hormonal responses such as glandular tissue growth and increase in density, ducts and hormone receptors begin to activate and respond to hormones, areolar size and sensitivity may increase, darkening of color and pigmentation on the breast and areola may occur, and you will start producing small amounts of antenatal colostrum - usually within your second trimester of pregnancy! You may experience some leaking or you may not! Just know this is not indicative of mature milk production and your colostrum will not “run out” before baby is born.

Now, let’s talk about what happens after your baby is born. Milk production happens in 3 phases: Lactogensis I, II, and III. I won’t go into all the drawn-out details, but I will tell you that with the complete birth of your placenta, Lactogensis II is set in action causing a sudden drop of hormones (which was once being regulated by the placenta) causing the hormone Prolactin (lactation hormone) to rise and trigger your body to fire up the mature milk factory!

Depending on your birth inventions and personal health history, Lactogensis II can be delayed. But in typical, it’s common for your colostrum to transition to mature milk (in color, volume, and consistency) by around days 3-5 postpartum. At this time, you may begin to feel your milk ejection reflex (pins and needles), feel heavy and/or full breasts, and hear your baby swallowing more often while nursing. If you are pumping, you will be able to see the beautiful ombre color effect of your colostrum transitioning to mature milk, as you watch your milk turn from dark yellow to off-white or cream colored within the first week. Colostrum is usually referred to as “liquid gold” because of the golden yellow color.

See photo at top of page for example of how milk transitions in the first 3 -14 days.

○ “What are signs my baby is getting enough milk?” There are a few signs that indicate your baby is getting a sufficient amount of milk. As professionals, we are trained to observe diaper output, infant temperament, weight curves, and assess feedings as needed. As a parent, here are a couple indications that your infant is transferring enough milk while feeding at the breast:
1. Within the first 6 days of life, minimum of 1 heavy wet diaper for each day of life (2 on 2, 4 on 4, etc.)
2. After the 6th day of life, expect a minimum of 6 heavy wet diapers in 24 hours.
3. Your infant’s bowel movements have transitioned to yellow, mustard color by or on day 5.
4. Your infant is passing a MINIMUM of 1 yellow, mustard color bowel movement in 24 hours, no smaller than a US quarter in size.
5. After feedings, your infant seems relaxed with soft body tones (hands, arms and face is relaxed).
6. You audibly hear your baby swallowing milk while feeding and your breasts feel softer after the feed.
7. Your baby is growing according to their specific weight curve and meeting milestones.
8. Your baby is feeding 8-12 times per day, around the clock and is seeming satisfied after feedings.

If you have any questions or concerns about your infant’s health or well-being, I advise you to contact your health care provider for evaluation and guidance. The information listed above is general advice and is not meant to replace the advice from your specific health care provider. If you are having concerns about breastfeeding, or struggling with latch or milk production, I suggest you reach out to a lactation professional who can work closely with you and your provider.