New mothers often worry that their milk isn’t coming in right after birth. Of course, it is possible that milk doesn’t come in right away and many factors may affect that. But, sometimes the very small amount of milk that is produced is confused as no milk.
Lets talk about colostrum AKA liquid gold
It’s important to understand how colostrum differs from your mature milk. Colostrum is the first milk produced. Production begins around the mid-point of your pregnancy. This milk is very thick and a yellowish color. Very small amounts are produced at a time, so we measure it in teaspoons. Unlike mature milk/formula which we measure in ounces. It may be alarming and make you feel like your milk isn’t coming in.
If you are able to express small amounts of colostrum, don’t worry- your milk is there!
The small amounts of colostrum might not seem like much but it is just what baby needs. Don’t forget, your newborns tummy is the size of a cherry, so that small amount is just enough for baby. Everything baby needs the first few days of life in colostrum
– It is a natural laxative to help pass meconium (baby’s first poopy!)
-It has a ton of natural vitamins, proteins, nutrients and antibodies for baby
How can you help encourage your milk production?
Colostrum doesn’t make baby feel full for long so they will want to nurse often. Nursing often can help promote a positive breastfeeding relationship. Breastfeeding is similar to “supply and demand”. When you constantly respond to baby’s feeding cues and put him/her to the breast, you are telling your body to produce more milk. Your body will typically respond by producing what baby needs. In most cases, colostrum is replaced by mature milk by the second week of life. You will slowly begin to notice changes in your breasts as the first days pass, these changes indicate your mature milk coming in. Also, make sure you nourish your body! Staying hydrated and eating often throughout the day may also promote milk production.
Every body is different and every baby is different
If you feel like you are struggling to produce enough milk or baby struggles to latch well- contact an IBCLC. An IBCLC will evaluate you and baby and may easily be able to guide to through any struggles!
Check out this link at Kellymom.com for more information on colostrum and factors that may affect your milk production.