Lactation: What to Expect After Delivery

After your baby is born, your body will start making breastmilk to feed them.

Here is what to expect in the first few weeks:

1. Colostrum
   Right after birth a thick yellowish milk called colostrum is produced. It’s full of nutrients and protects your baby’s immune system. Even though it’s a small amount (5-7mls), it’s exactly what your baby needs in the first few days.
2. Transitional Milk
   A few days after birth, your breasts will make more milk (22-27mls). You might feel your breasts get fuller or even a bit sore. This is normal and helps your baby get the extra milk they need as they start to feed more. By the end of 1 week postpartum milk supply increases even more (45-60mls).
3. Mature Milk
   After about two weeks, your body will make mature milk (80-150mls). It has two parts:

• **Foremilk**: This is thin and helps with hydration.
• **Hindmilk**: This is thicker and helps your baby grow.

Your baby will feed 8-12 times per day, which helps your body keep making milk.

4. Supply and Demand
   The more your baby feeds, the more milk your body will make. So, it’s important to breastfeed often, especially in the early weeks.
5. Is Your Baby Getting Enough?
   You’ll know your baby is feeding well if they have enough wet diapers (6 a day), dirty diapers (3-4 a day), and are gaining weight.
6. Common Challenges

It’s normal to have some challenges at first. With practice and support, these usually get better.

• Sore Nipples: Sore nipples can be a sign of a shallow latch. If your baby does not have a deep latch this causes nipple damage. It also leads to your baby not transferring enough milk from the breast.
• Engorgement: Breasts can become overly full and hard, making it difficult for the baby to latch, and leading to discomfort or blocked ducts.
• Low Milk Supply: Some mothers worry they aren’t producing enough milk to satisfy their baby’s needs, which can be caused by various factors.
• Oversupply: Producing too much milk can lead to fast flow, making it hard for the baby to feed comfortably and causing digestive issues.
• Blocked milk ducts: These can occur when milk isn’t fully drained from the breast, causing tender, swollen areas that can lead to mastitis.
• Mastitis: A painful inflammation of the breast tissue, often due to a blocked duct or infection.This requires a visit to your healthcare provider for antibiotics.
• Inverted or flat nipples: This can make latching more difficult for the baby, requiring specific techniques or tools that a lactation consultant can help with.
• Tongue-tie or lip-tie in baby: These conditions restrict the baby’s ability to move their tongue or lips effectively, impacting latching and milk transfer.
• Exhaustion and stress: Breastfeeding on demand can be exhausting, and stress can sometimes affect milk production.

If you are struggling with any of these issues, reach out to an IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) for help and support. You can schedule an appointment with an IBCLC through the hospital or birth center you delivered at. Many Pediatrician offices also have IBCLCs on staff. The Lactation Network is also another source to find an IBCLC in your area. Friends, family or social media moms groups will usually have recommendations on IBCLCs as well.

Lactation Consultants are covered by many insurances. Contact your insurance company for more information.

Breastfeeding takes time to get used to, but it will get easier as you and your baby learn together.

Sarah Quintana RN, IBCLC 
Postpartum Doula 
Sarah’s Newborn Care