I just had my baby, and the nurse told me my milk would come in a few days from now. What does that mean?
That can be confusing to hear, and many mothers wonder what their baby is getting before their milk “comes in.” The nurse was referring to a natural transition in your body as it begins to produce more milk for your baby.
After your baby is born and the placenta is delivered, a hormonal shift occurs that causes your milk to change from colostrum to transitional milk. A sudden drop in estrogen and progesterone, along with an increase in prolactin (the milk-making hormone), triggers this process.
For the first few days of life, your breastfeeding newborn receives colostrum from your breasts. Gradually, this colostrum transitions to a larger supply of mature milk. To fully understand what it means when your milk “comes in,” it’s helpful to learn about the three phases of breast milk:
Colostrum > Transitional Milk > Mature Milk.
Phase 1: Colostrum (AKA Newborn Milk)
Your body begins producing colostrum about halfway through your pregnancy. Your newborn will receive colostrum for the first 2–4 days of their life. It is thick, sticky, and often yellow in color. Colostrum is produced in very small amounts, which is perfect for your baby’s tiny tummy. These small amounts help your baby learn to coordinate sucking, swallowing, and breathing at the same time.
Colostrum is rich in nutrients, vitamins, antibodies (which strengthens your baby’s immune system), antioxidants, protein and growth factors. It is very easy to digest and helps your baby poop.
Why Is it Important for a Baby to Poop After Birth?
A baby’s first poop, called meconium, is thick, black, tarry and sticky. Meconium contains a substance called bilirubin. If too much bilirubin builds up in the baby’s blood, it can cause jaundice. Pooping helps eliminate bilirubin from the baby’s body, reducing the risk of severe jaundice.
It’s important for your baby to breastfeed well, so they can get as much colostrum as possible. Colostrum, which acts as a natural laxative, makes pooping easier!! Passing meconium is an important sign that the baby’s digestive system is working properly.
Your transitional milk will “come in” right on time with the effective and frequent removal of colostrum.
Remember:
-
- Breastfeed EARLY (as soon as possible after delivery)
- Breastfeed OFTEN (8–12 times in 24 hours).
The early days are very important for future breastfeeding success.
[Click here for recommendations on how to plan for your hospital stay.]
[Click here to learn more about the amazing benefits of colostrum.]
Phase 2: Transitional Milk
About 2–4 days after giving birth, your breast milk volume increases. This is often referred to as your milk “coming in.” Your baby’s tummy is growing and can hold more now. This transition phase lasts about two weeks, as colostrum gradually decreases and is replaced by mature milk. Transitional milk often has a bluish-white appearance.
Your breasts may feel engorged (overly full, tight, tender and hard).
Tips for managing engorgement:
-
- Hand express a small amount of milk to soften the nipple, which can help with latching.
- Avoid pumping unless directed, as it signals your body to produce more milk than needed.
- Use ice packs to reduce swelling, and ask your doctor about taking ibuprofen for pain and inflammation.
-
Nurse on both breasts frequently.
Engorgement typically improves significantly after 24–48 hours. Your body will regulate and begin producing the right amount of milk for your baby’s needs. You shouldn’t feel this type of engorgement again; fullness should only occur when feedings are delayed or skipped.
Phase 3: Mature Milk
This stage begins about 10–15 days after giving birth and continues until you wean your baby. Your milk supply will adjust based on how often milk is removed.
-
- Feeding more often (during growth spurts) signals your body to increase milk production.
- Feeding less often (when baby starts sleeping through the night) causes a decrease.
If you’re concerned about your milk supply, adding breastfeeding or pumping sessions will signal your body to produce more milk.
Once mature milk is in, allow your baby to empty the first breast before switching to the other. This ensures they receive the fattier milk that comes later in the feeding.
Your breast milk is constantly changing to meet your baby’s growing needs. While nursing on breast, baby’s saliva enters your breast, which “communicates” with your body and tells it what your baby needs at that time to grow and thrive.
For example:
-
- If more protein or fat is needed, your breast milk will start to contain more.
- If your baby is sick, your body will produce made-to-order antibodies within 20 minutes that speed the recovery process.
Although milk volume will increase over the first month or so, it doesn’t need to keep increasing beyond that. Instead, breast milk becomes more fat, calorie, and nutrient-dense. This means that the same amount is still filling up your baby.
[For more information on making milk, click here.]
Trust the Process
Understanding the phases of breast milk can help you feel more confident in your breastfeeding journey. From the nutrient-packed colostrum to the ever-changing mature milk, your body is designed to provide exactly what your baby needs at each stage. Trust the process—your milk and your baby are perfectly matched!
---
---
Sources: