When Does Milk Production Start During Pregnancy?
Many think lactation is something that happens after your baby is born, but it’s actually a process that begins while you’re pregnant.
For a lot of women, one of the first symptoms of pregnancy is breast tenderness. It’s an early, tell-tale sign your body is already making preparations to feed your baby breast milk.
During pregnancy there’s a delicate balance of hormones (estrogen and progesterone) produced by your pituitary gland and your baby’s placenta that tell your body to turn glandular tissue into milk-making cells.
Your milk ducts grow in both number and size during pregnancy as your mammary glands prepare for milk production.
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When does milk production start during pregnancy?
Stage one of lactogenesis begins about midway through your 2nd trimester, or about halfway through pregnancy.
During this time your milk ducts become fully developed so you can provide colostrum for your baby even if they arrive earlier than expected.
Signs Of Stage 1 Lactogenesis During 2nd Trimester:
breasts increase in size
breast veins become more noticeable
sore nipples
darker nipples and areola
areola enlargement
montgomery glands (small bumps on the areola) become more pronounced and secrete oil
You also start producing colostrum during Stage One Lactogenesis
Colostrum, also known as “liquid gold”, is the perfect, first milk you make.
Colostrum is:
high in protein and rich in disease-fighting antibodies
concentrated milk that provides everything your baby needs in the first few days after birth
creamy, thick, and sticky
white, yellowish, gold, or even orange in color
Is milk leakage normal in late pregnancy?
Yes! During your 3rd trimester, the hormone responsible for milk production (prolactin) starts to increase and you may occasionally leak small amounts of colostrum.
You might notice a few small yellowish dots on the inside of your bra or you may leak a little when your breasts are simulated. (like during sex or if your breasts rub against fabric)
This is absolutely normal and just your hormones working and your body getting ready to feed your baby.
(If you don’t leak at all, that’s okay and completely normal too.)
If leaking is bothersome to you, use a nursing pad.
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Should you express colostrum during pregnancy before baby is born?
Studies show an increased risk of preterm labor if you express colostrum before birth. Don’t express if you’re at risk for preterm labor, and especially not before 37 weeks.
Risk factors associated with lack of milk production during pregnancy:
No breast changes during pregnancy
Breast surgery
Certain health conditions (thyroid disorders, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), diabetes, )
When does Stage 2 lactogenesis begin?
Stage 2 lactogenesis begins about 2-4 days after your baby and placenta are delivered and is when your milk transitions from colostrum to mature milk.
This stage is what many refer to when they say your milk “comes in.”
It happens after delivery when there’s a sudden drop in the hormones estrogen and progesterone and the milk making hormone prolactin takes over.
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