How to Know Your Milk Has Come In

If you're breastfeeding, you might have a concern as to whether your newborn is getting enough to eat. As long as your infant has a good latch, even during the first days after birth, she is likely getting exactly what she needs when you nurse her. Throughout the early days of breastfeeding, your breasts produce colostrum, a special milk that's rich in protein and antibodies, as well as easy to digest, making it perfect for your newborn. When you see a change in the color and consistency of your breast milk, as well as an undeniable change in your breasts, you will know that your milk has come in.

Things You'll Need

  • Soap
  • Water
  • Towel

Instructions

    • 1

      Hand-express a little bit of breast milk so you can examine it. Wash your hands with soap and warm water. Position your thumb above and two fingers below your areola, about an inch behind your nipple. Momentarily press your fingers in toward your chest and then gently squeeze your fingers and thumb together and out. A little bit of milk should come out when you do this. This is because you produce colostrum in small quantities. In fact, you might not be able to express any in the first couple of days, notes the La Leche League International website. Don̵7;t worry -- that doesn̵7;t mean that you aren̵7;t producing any or won̵7;t produce breast milk; your mature milk will come in soon enough.

    • 2

      Look at the color and consistency of your breast milk. Colostrum is either thin and watery or thick and yellowish. After three or four days of nursing, your colostrum will change in color and consistency to resemble skim milk. Expect to have transitional milk for the first 10 to 14 days, after which your milk is considered mature. Once you examine your breast milk, wipe it away with a clean towel.

    • 3

      Take note of how your breasts feel. When the transitional milk comes in, your breasts will feel larger, firmer and heavier than they did right after birth. This can be uncomfortable for some women.

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