When do women start lactating or producing colostrum?

Question

I know it will take awhile, but I was wondering because I have had a breast reduction and hoping to see some indication that I could breast feed. Is it after you have the baby or can you produce before this time. How many weeks generally do you start producing colostrum? As this is my first pregnancy I was wondering. I have read alot of books about pregnancy, but I haven't really read very many pregnancy books that explain when milk production begins.

17 weeks pregnant.

Answer 1

Many women start to notice colostrum leaking in small amounts (a few, in large amounts!) sometime in the late 2nd/early 3rd trimester. Some women show no signs of it, but somewhere within, the changes *are* taking place that lead to full lactation after the baby's birth.

Once the baby is born, the body sends out a new combination of hormones to jump-start milk production. Colostrum continues to be produced even as the milk begins to "come in". Usually, milk production is in full swing by about the 3rd to 5th day, earlier in subsequent pregnancies, and later in some cases (including previous breast reduction or surgery, preeclampsia, medicated labors, and many other reasons).

Since you have had a breast reduction, you will naturally have a harder time putting faith in your body's ability to produce milk and fully nourish your baby. And you would be prudent to be watchful; I'm sure you already know that your chances of having a full milk supply may be compromised somewhat. But please try not to let your watchfulness become distrust. The body is capable of doing amazing things.

It may sound corny, but I suggest you do some affirmation exercises. Look in a mirror at your breasts, and tell yourself every day that they are full of milk, so full and ready to feed your baby when s/he arrives. A positive attitude can do amazing things too!

I applaud you for your decision to breastfeed. Getting as much information and education ahead of time is the best thing you can do to ensure a good start to your breastfeeding relationship when your baby arrives. Congratulations on your pregnancy, and best of luck!

Answer 2

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
When do women start lactating or producing colostrum?
I know it will take awhile, but I was wondering because I have had a breast reduction and hoping to see some indication that I could breast feed. Is it after you have the baby or can you produce before this time. How many weeks generally do you start producing colostrum? As this is my first...

Answer 3

I started leaking, wha tI think was colostrum, around 25 weeks. That only lasted about two weeks.
After I had the baby it was about 3-4 days before the milk came in.

If you're not sure whether you'll be able to nurse... have formula and bottles ready to go. There's nothing more frustrating than a hungry baby, and the pressures of learning to breastfeed.

Answer 4

it depends on the woman, some women start lactating right after they start puberty (just a drop or two) i started when i was 18, lactated through my pregnancy and I'm still lactating and my daughter is 2, i stopped breastfeeding when she was 5 months, like i said it depends on the woman, if you want to start or are worried that you won't produce enough (due to your surgery) there is a type of tea that can help boost your production, good luck!

Answer 5

It USUALLY begins late in pregnancy....you might be able to express a drop or two at 8 months or beyond.

If your concerned about your ablility to breastfeed, I would talk to your OB as well as the doctor that preformed your reduction. Nowadays, I don't think it harms your chances of being able to nurse.

If you just want to wait and see on your own, you're looking at around 32 weeks or so. It may start sooner, it may start later. It's different for everyone.

Answer 6

usually right around birth

6 Breastfeeding Tips for Your Hospital Stay
Get your baby hooked on the breast as early as possible.
By Jessica Hartshorn




Get your baby used to breastfeeding as quickly as you can after she's born. Here are six things you can do in the hospital:

1. Put baby to your breast right after birth. Newborns are born with a suckling instinct that's strongest in the first hour of life. Taking advantage of this right away may make breastfeeding easier going forward.

2. Try nursing approximately every two hours, or whenever your baby cries. This will start your milk production and give both you and baby practice at latching on. Also, baby will get colostrum, a premilk liquid that's rich in immunity-boosting antibodies.

3. Enlist the help of a nurse or lactation consultant to "spot" you each time you feed. Once you leave the hospital you may not have so many experts at hand! Don't hesitate to ring the nurse-call button frequently to get assistance.

4. Take a breastfeeding class if it is offered. The cliche is that although breastfeeding is natural, it doesn't always come naturally -- and that's certainly true. Expert guidance and practicing in a class can help.

5. Don't accept formula if you want to breastfeed exclusively. While some moms like to stash it away "for emergencies," it's important to never supplement with formula in the early days while you're trying to build a strong milk supply. Breast milk production works on a supply-and-demand basis, and if baby is drinking formula, your body might not make enough milk. And just the sight of formula can undermine your confidence!

6. Go home with the phone number of someone you can call for help. You may feel you've mastered nursing in the hospital, then feel unsure of yourself once you're home. Ask if there's a nurse, lactation consultant, midwife, or hotline you can call with questions. It also doesn't hurt to make a list of mommy friends who have nursed successfully -- you can call them for tips, or ask one of them to come over and assist you on your first day home.

Answer 7

During the process of delivering baby, a hormon called oxitocin released and stimulate the production of milk. so whenever the baby want the milk,it's already available. colostrum is a protein found in the first milk excreted by the mother, and this protein is the most important one for the baby.make sure your baby get it.

Answer 8

it really depends! Some women 'don't get it' until the baby is born or very close. other women get it in the third trimester- with my second pregnancy- i got it towards the beginning of my second trimester though! try not to worry! my sister had breast reduction done too and she was able to breastfeed w/ no problems

Answer 9

it will be soon as you deliver the baby ,because the child birth hormone is released during the labour and it is also responsibel for making the mother lactate there new ones
you are normal dont worry have balanced diet and be happy
wishes

Answer 10

late in pregnancy with the first child. since i had my babies so close together sometimes i was still making milk anyway even though i wasn't breastfeeding. but that's just me, every woman is different. my youngest is 3yrs old, i havent breastfed her for 2years and i'm still making milk. go figure! btw congrats!!