Hi ladies,
How long did it take first time mums for their milk to come in? I know it's meant to be around 3-4 days, I'm on my 4th day and I'm 99% sure I'm still only producing colostrum. If I squeeze my left breast nothing comes out (though my son appears to be feeding fine) and my right has a bit of yellowish liquid that comes out when I squeeze, only a very small amount, which is why I'm guessing it's still just colostrum. I feel like my breasts are a bit bigger yesterday and today, and growing more tender, so maybe this is a sign it'll happen soon? I'll seek advice if it still has arrived by the end of the 5th day if it's okay to wait that long, I'm trying not to panic and am feeding regularly. Just new at this. Thank you.
4 Replies
Don't panic, your babies tummy is tiny so can only fit a really small amount in anyway at a time. If your breasts are feeling tender that's a really good sign! Squeezing isn't always a good indicator it's not the same action as sucking.
For faster and more accurate advice ring the Australian Breastfeeding Association for support
Hi, my milk came in at the end of day 4! It is normal to be around 3 - 5 days. Best way to encourage your milk to come in is to put baby to breast as often as he wants. It's called demand feeding. The yellowish liquid is definitely colostrum and really beneficial for baby. When my baby was drinking the colostrum I couldn't squeeze anything out but my baby was still able to drink it with her good latch so I wouldn't stress about your left breast. Newborns only have tiny tummies and do not need to drink a lot so don't be concerned about the amount you are squeezing out. Feeding from the breast is the best way to regulate and increase your supply. As baby gets older, you will produce more. If baby seems settled after a feed and is having about 6 - 8 wet nappies a day then I would say he is getting enough to drink.
Also when my bub was that age she was on the breast for an hour, every hour! So don't be alarmed if baby seems like he is constantly feeding. The first 6 weeks are the hardest - your baby wants to increase your supply and has heaps of growing to do so he will feed, feed, feed! Just roll with it haha! Put a movie on, relax, snuggle on the couch. Make sure you are drinking heaps of water and let baby and your body do what they know best!
Good luck! I wish you all the best with your breast feeding journey! :)
And I agree with the above poster, the amount that you squeeze or pump out is not a good indicator of your supply. A baby suckling is much more efficient than a breast pump or your hands. Best way to tell, like I said, is if baby seems settled, is having 6 - 8 wet nappies per day and gaining weight. Newborns tummies are tiny so don't stress about your supply at this stage, I am sure it is fine and it sounds like it is! :)
Just keep feeding, get bubby to the breast as often as he wants. It will come in. Do you have a midwife coming to visit? If so, get everything checked with them just to be sure.
Contact the ABA for more advice if you need it or contact a lactation consultant.