Help! My milk hasn’t come in yet. What should I do?
“Milk coming in” is what people call that first mature breast milk. But let’s rewind a bit. Throughout your pregnancy, your body was making breast milk. The first milk, which is present after baby is born, is called colostrum. Colostrum is very thick and slightly yellow and is packed with vitamins, nutrients, and antibodies. Your mature milk will be less thick, more whitish than colostrum, and comes in by the fourth day after birth -- some moms’ milk comes in earlier than others’.
Breast milk production is based on supply and demand. When your body releases milk, it starts working to replenish it. To get your milk to come in, it’s important to nurse baby frequently. Whenever she shows signs she’s hungry -- feed her! (Babies don’t tell time, they just know they’re hungry!) Feeding her on demand will stimulate your body to make more milk and will establish your milk supply.
More from The Bump:
Top 10 Breastfeeding Problems Solved
Track Baby's Feedings
5 Foods To Avoid When Breastfeeding