my breasts are producing milk very thin just like water . my baby is just 5 days old?

Question

i need to know why it is not thick it's just like water.

i've heard colostrum is a thick sticky and yellowish. is it normal with my milk

Answer 1

That's normal for breastmilk! Don't expect your milk to look like the stuff you buy in pints from the supermarket. It's fine. Just carry on feeding as often as your baby wants to and for as long as your baby wants to. Let baby come off one side before offering the other - and if he doesn't want the other side, then offer that one first the next time he feeds.

--edit--

Re colostrum - this is only evident in the first two to three days after giving birth. Your milk is now changing over to "full" breastmilk.

Answer 2

Hiya Hun

Firstly congratulations on the birth of your baby. Your colostrum should have been a yellowish coloured liquid and that should have stopped now. You milk should be coming in at the minute (which means that your boobs probably feel like they're going to explode! Don't worry they wont! The thin milk you're seeing is your foremilk, which is used to give baby a drink, it's meant to be thin and watery, after your baby has drunk this s/he will then get the hind milk, this is slightly thicker and provides more nourishment. This is why you should always let your baby empty one breast before offering the other so that s/he isn't getting 2 drinks and no food. If your bubs is providing 6-8 wet nappies a day and gaining weight you're doing fine. Well done.

Answer 3

If your baby is 5 days old then you are not passing colostrum any more - that's just for the first 2 or 3 days until your milk comes in. Breast milk IS very watery looking. It doesn't look like cows milk. It can often be grey or blueish in colour. It doesn't mean anything about the quality of your milk. Wet and dirty nappies and weight gain are the main indicators of whether your baby is getting enough milk.

Answer 4

I think its colostrum. Your breasts are producing what the baby needs at this stage in its life. Its only 5 days old, it doesnt need the very heavy milk right now. Plus it needs water, and that is coming through in your milk ehich is why your milk is watery.

it may be a few days yet till your milk comes in fully, and even then it still wont be that thick

Answer 5

Sounds like it is just right! If you had really thick milk, how would it get out? There are small ducts the milk comes out of, and it needs to be thin enough for baby to swallow!! Your body knows what it is doing, so don't worry. Also, the milk at the beginning of a nursing session is always "thinner" then at the end. The first milk is to quench thirst, and then the yummy filling milk follows! As long as you baby is gaining weigh, everything is working out fine!!

Answer 6

you only start producing breast milk in a small quaniity at first and looks rather runny it is the colostrum excuse my spelling this is the initial feed for a babyand is the best first milk it is rich in all vitamins and helps build childs immune system dont worry soon it will be pouring and looking white this is the hind milk later milk the more satisfying milk can take up to 2 weeks before it comes through properly no need to worry

Answer 7

It's colostrum which is just as good for your baby because it contains all the antibodies etc for a good start. Your milk should come in any day but so long as your baby is thriving carry on feeding. Ask your midwife if still worried.

Answer 8

When you begin nursing your baby, your milk will be thin. As your ducts empty, your milk becomes thicker, with a higher fat content. This sounds normal, but if you're concerned, ask your doctor.

Answer 9

Most of your milk is watery. They call it skim milk. The end or hind milk is fatty and thicker. You'll see if you ever pump how the two separate.

Answer 10

Breat milk is not thick like the milk we drink. It is filling her up and giving her the vitamins she needs.