When Will Your Milk Come in?by Mary Ann Romans | More from this Blogger 13 Jul 2009 12:09 PM In spite of the fact that breastfeeding in a completely natural way to feed your baby, there is a lot of anxiety about the practice, as well as a good learning curve. One of the most frequent questions that I get from pregnant ladies is: "When will my milk come in?" Here is a little bit of information and advice just on that subject. First of all, even right after birth, your breasts are capable of providing for your baby. This is in the form of colostrum, a rich milk that is full of protein, antibodies and other immune factors and a whole host of other ingredients that are just what your baby needs soon after birth. Anywhere from the second day to the fifth day, your mature milk will start to come in. At first, this milk will still contain colostrum mixed in with the regular mature milk. Eventually, it will be all mature milk, although your milk will continue to have immune factors throughout the entire time you are nursing. That is the great thing about breastmilk. It continues to change to fulfill the needs of your baby. There are different factors that can affect how soon your mature milk comes in. Having an uncomplicated birth, rooming in with your baby, having a lot of skin to skin contact with your baby, breastfeeding right away, offering frequent feedings, avoiding formula unless medically necessary and having a support system in place (lactation consultant, husband, friend) can all contribute to your mature milk coming in right away. The other question I get that is related to when will my milk come in is, "How will I know when my milk comes in?" I see you experienced moms laughing at this. When your mature milk comes in, it is pretty obvious. You will go from somewhat normal breasts to rock hard torpedos on your chest. Usually this occurs overnight and can be quite shocking. But don't worry. As you nurse over the next day or two, your breasts will calm down to a more comfortable level. Meanwhile you can express a little milk as needed between feedings. Related Articles: How to Increase Your Milk Supply Learn more about Mary Ann Romans  Mary Ann Romans is a freelance writer, wife and mother of three children. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, the kids and a 16-pound cat. Relevantbaby tags User Comments  Kimmama |
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