Is it normal not to produce milk or have a leakage before giving birth?

Question

I haven't had a leakage of milk even after massaging and using hot water... I'm 37 weeks and I want to breastfeed but that worries me...

Answer 1

Yes its normal. Dont worry.

Answer 2

It is normal to not have any leakage or to be able to manually express any milk during pregnancy. With a first pregnancy or any pregnancy. There is a lactation hormone that is triggered and released during labor and after birth. You should have no problem within a day or two of giving birth. Having the baby suckle will trigger the glands to release colostrum and eventually milk. You should not fret or worry about this, but if you still have concerns, talk to a lactitionist or lactation nurse. Good luck and congratulations.

Answer 3

If you're worried about it, bring it up at your next doctor's visit. It's fairly normal. The first thing that you produce will not be breast milk, but a clear fluid called colostrum. Women who notice this leaking or when they milk their nipple near the end of pregnancy will still only see a very small amount. This is because it's produced as the baby needs it. The more you breastfeed, the see more you will produce. Since you're not yet feeding a baby on it; you will not produce much.

Answer 4

Yes it's normal. I massaged in the hot shower too and I've heard that's good and you may or may not get something out. I think I did after a few tries - but it's not important nor does it really seem to make a difference. Your milk won't come in until actually a few days after the baby is born! Meanwhile it'll be really tiny bits of colostrum.

Answer 5

This is totally normal, the Hormones required for Lactation, (ie, the act of producing milk) are suppressed by your pregnancy hormones currently.

After the birth, the sudden drop in these hormones will kick start your breasts to producing milk.

Beware, though, there are some things which may delay milk production, such as Epidurals, and C-Sections, and unfortunately these can become a show stopper for some women.

So the best advice i will give you, is have a pump handy in the case that issues do arise, that way, you will be able to stimulate your breasts to produce the milk, increasing the chance that you will successfully breastfeed.

the most common "not enough milk" issue, is caused by one of the above issues, and stimulation, not being given to prevent drying up.

Answer 6

Yes, it's normal. Most women do not produce milk until after the baby is born; before then you produce colostrum, which is a yellowish-clear substance filled with nutrients (this is what the baby eats in the first few days of life until the milk comes in). Many women start producing colostrum when they are pregnant, and then their milk comes in 2-7 days after childbirth.

Answer 7

You do not actually make milk until after baby is born. Right before birth and for about 24 - 48 hours after birth you will produce colostrum... a very good and important vitamin filled serum for baby. then your milk will come in. the hormones that produce birth are the ones that tell body to start making milk. Try looking up la leche league - it is a breastfeeding group that tells how to do it, support, education, encouragement, etc. Congratulations on your soon to be arrival.

Answer 8

Very normal! I have a HUGE supply of milk , and the only time I saw ANY milk before I gave birth was when I was pumping to try to induce labor, and even then it was just a single drop.

Usually you will produce a little colostrum right after your baby is born -- he/she only needs a small amount, because it's very nutrient-rich, and your regular milk will come in two to four days after the baby is born. (You'll basically feel like you have two boulders on your chest!)

Answer 9

It is very normal. Most women's milk doesn't come in until aboout three days after the baby is born. Massaging and trying to stimulate milk production before the baby is born is usally not reccomended. Just relax and think anout your baby. Once he/she is born the more you can relax and keep in mind that breast feeding doesn't just happen and you have to give it time the easier it will be. Just know that your body knows what your baby needs and everything will happen as it should. Best wishes to you.

One more thing. It is best not to leak before the baby is born because the first milk is colostrum and it is very very very good for your baby. If it all possible let him/her be able to get that.

Answer 10

Oh no worries. It will come! I promise! Even after my baby was born it took a few days for my milk to come in. However, when babies are born they have a reserve that helps them out the first few days. Plus you'll have colostrum, this weird yellowish stuff that is packed with healthy things for your baby that will come first. It's hardly any, but will help your baby a lot. And I promise, that milk will come, it'll be flowing, make sure to have nursing pads!

Answer 11

It's totally normal, please don't worry. I'm 40 weeks pregnant in my 3rd pregnancy, and I've never leaked milk before giving birth. I gave birth to twins with my 1st pregnancy and breastfed them both for a year, plenty of milk but it took 4 days to come in! They were good and hungry by the time it did and I almost gave up but I'm glad I didn't. The 2nd pregnancy was the same, and I had plenty of milk for my little singleton after the 3rd day.