If you’re a breastfeeding mama, know someone who breastfeeds, or work with breastfeeding families you‘re familiar with the term “milk coming in”. But what is the meaning of this term? For many mamas this term implies they have little or no milk for their baby until some random day, days after birth, when the milk arrives. Well that’s not true. So it’s a little... no it’s a lot of misleading.
Milk is present BEFORE baby is born. Production of colostrum, “early milk”, starts around the 16th week of pregnancy. Some women leak colostrum during pregnancy. Do not be alarmed if this is not you, no leaks in pregnancy does not equal no milk. Colostrum is thick, usually golden yellow, highly concentrated with everything a newborn needs in the first few days of life. It’s also known as liquid gold! Colostrum is expressed in drops. This worries some new mamas. But at day one baby’s tummy can hold about 5-7mL (about 1-1.5tsp). There is also some literature that suggests baby’s stomach has about a 20mL capacity at birth. In any case baby’s tummy can hold less than an ounce (30mL) at birth which isn’t very much. Imagine something between a small marble and a cherry, that’s a newborn’s tummy. Keep in mind the goal is not to fill baby to maximum capacity, which would lead to an overstuffed full feeling and spitting up, but for them to simply reach satisfaction.
Due to its thickness colostrum is difficult to express, when milk isn’t easily visualized this can lead to more worry. If expression is necessary, a hospital grade pump or hand expression is most effective. Another aspect that leads to worry is frequent feedings. Some moms feel that a baby that eats often is doing so because they’re not getting enough. But this is normal feeding behavior. Tiring but normal. Blame it on a small stomach and fast emptying. The frequent feeds will also help build a decent milk supply!
About 48 hours postpartum (up to a few days for some women) colostrum begins to transition to mature milk. This is the process referred to when you hear “milk coming in”. Mature milk is thinner and appears white. This milk will produce in higher quantities. Time in between feedings may increase. When milk starts to transition breast feel full and firm. Engorgement is more likely during this time as the amount of milk needed and feeding habits are not established so more milk than is needed may be produced. Nurse baby often, on demand. Warm compresses and hand expression or pumping for comfort only not to empty can help relieve engorgement. For further guidance and support visit a breastfeeding support group, usually led by lactation consultants or experienced mothers, or schedule an individual consult with a lactation consultant.
Conclusion
When providing education about the early days of breastfeeding a change in lingo can help new mothers better understand the process and feel more confident in their ability to provide an adequate amount of milk for their newborn. So instead of discussing when milk comes in let’s tell mamas about when their milk will transition!
For additional information follow the links under resources.
❤️ Peace & Love From Your Hippie Nurse ☮️
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