What Stimulates Milk in Nursing Mothers?

Pregnancy

• The lactation process begins during pregnancy with the production of a substance called colostrum, or first milk. In the late stages of pregnancy, your breasts are already producing the primary components of first milk. Some women may even find their breasts start to leak colostrum during pregnancy. At this point, the hormone progesterone is still being produced in high amounts. Once you give birth to your baby, progesterone levels drop, which signals the next phase of milk production.

Early Stages of Breastfeeding

• For the first few days after your baby is born, your body will produce colostrum. After a few days, the consistency of the milk will change and you might experience discomfort as your true milk comes in. As progesterone levels drop and your body responds to your baby's feedings, your milk will go through a transitional phase that usually lasts 10 to 14 days, as noted by the Nemours Foundation on its website KidsHealth. Frequent nursing is critical at this point, since your baby's suckling is what stimulates milk production from this point on, and helps establish a healthy milk supply.

Nursing Frequency

• As you continue to breastfeed, your hormones continue to fuel milk production. Nursing frequency is one of the most important players in maintaining a consistent milk supply for your baby. One of the best ways to ensure adequate milk production is to nurse on demand during the early stages of infancy. As noted by Dr. Sears, feeding your baby frequently not only keeps the milk flowing, but also provides high-fat milk to fuel baby's growth. Although exact frequency varies, generally you should nurse every two to three hours during the first few months after giving birth.

Increasing Supply

• Some women may feel that their milk supply is inadequate to meet their baby's needs. Most of the time, your body will produce enough milk, particularly if you nurse on demand. However, if you feel your baby is not gaining weight or you feel that your supply is inadequate, there are a few simple steps to take. First, get as much skin-to-skin contact with your baby as possible while nursing. Additionally, avoid using pacifiers and bottles until your supply is well-established. If you continue to feel your supply is inadequate, see a lactation consultant to discuss the next steps you can take.