Lactating.....or lack there of?

Question

I am almost 33 weeks pregnant and still have no signs of lactation. Is this normal?
All my friends said they did before this and a friend that is due the same day as myself, has been leaking for about 6-7 weeks.
Should I be worried?

Answer 1

Don't worry about it, some women leak like crazy, others don't notice anything until 3-7 days after birth when their milk comes in. Regardless of how your breasts feel or whether or not you are able to express anything, just put your baby to the breast immediately -- as soon as you have the opportunity after giving birth. Both of my babies nursed less than an hour after giving birth. They won't be very hungry but will most likely be interested in nursing. As long as s/he is latched on properly, your baby will be able to get colostrum from you, which is rich in protein and antibodies and vitally important for your baby's health in those first few days. Then, put your baby to the breast as often as s/he seems to want to, and before you know it your milk will come in full-force within 3-7 days. Your baby doesn't need ANYTHING else during this entire time, so you can give away all those free cans of formula and politely give the bottles of glucose water that your nurse might bring you to the plants. It's a good idea to keep your baby nursing on demand during this time, mostly so that you can practice latching him on properly while you still have the free help of lactation consultants in the hospital. Soon you'll have so much milk you won't know what to do with it all!

Congratulations and good luck with your new baby! Feel free to contact me if you need any help at all or have any questions.

Answer 2

I never leaked. About a week before my delivery I had maybe a drop or two. My breasts also didn't increase in size until after I gave birth.

I exclusively breastfed for almost 7 months and even now at 1 year my son gets mostly breastmilk.

Really it has nothing to do with anything.

Another thing to keep in mind is that a baby's stomach is the size of a chickpea when they are born. That isn't a heck of a lot of colostrum to fill up that small space.

You will have enough milk, and then some, in all likelihood. Only 1% of women don't make enough.

Answer 3

Define "leaking." I never "leaked" colostrum, but I could express some if I tried. Sometimes a little crust of colostrum would form, but never noticeable leakage. You may be able, if you kind of press/squeeze in a downward motion on your nipple/areola, to express a little liquid. There won't be much, even after you give birth, until your actual milk comes in; just a few drops in each breast.

Good for you on aspiring to breastfeed! Don't give up; you'll be really glad you did it!

Answer 4

Not at all, I never leaked with my first pregnancy and I went a week overdue. Everyone is different and I had plenty of milk for him. So, don't worry. The best measure is if your breasts get tender as you get close to the end of your pregnancy, this tells you that your milk ducts are preparing to make milk. You're just fine!!!

Answer 5

Some people never lactate before they have the baby. Once you have the baby and start nursing it will come, more then you need. Don't worry.

Answer 6

NO, not at all. Actually the milk does not develope until the baby is born. First you might have something come out of your breast called colostrum, this is not milk, but other liquid, which is very good for your baby as well. It does not come necessarly and usually developes after you give birth. Then after birth your baby will not drink the first 24 hours, but you should give him the breast to start learning succking on it, that like 2 days after birth you will have your milk coming and get very BIG breasts, it can even hurt! Your baby will start drinking it, after learning how to suck and drink it.

Answer 7

I didn't lactate during either of my pregnancies. In fact, in my 2nd pregnancy, my breasts didn't even swell up! (Bummer for my figure) I still breastfed both of my kids within the first hour of life.
Don't worry! It will happen when your body is ready:)

Answer 8

every pregnancy is diffrent... i did not lactate untill i heard my baby's crys and even then it was a week b4 i had enought to fill her up.
if you plan on brestfeeding congrats! don't give up and sourund yourself wiht people woh encourage you. for more help on brestfeeding and parenting go to www.askdrsears.com

Answer 9

nope don't be worried. Some women don't start till the start having contractions.

Answer 10

You probably need to eat more and drink more liquids. Don't drink soda and eat junk food, drink orange juice, milk and water and eat healthy.