Breast milk production begins during the first trimester of pregnancy, but tends to intensify from the 2nd trimester onwards. For this reason, many pregnant women may experience milk leakage a few weeks or months before birth. This milk is known as colostrum and is the first type of milk that a woman produces to feed her baby, being very rich in water and proteins.
“True” milk, richer in fat and carbohydrates, only appears after birth, when the hormones produced by the placenta decrease and the baby stimulates greater production when sucking from the breast. See how breast milk evolves over time.
How to stimulate milk letdown
In general, milk takes longer to come down during the first pregnancy, making it necessary to drink at least 4 liters of fluids per day, as water is the main component of milk. Furthermore, the baby should be placed on the breast to breastfeed even if no milk comes out, as this contact between the mother and the child further increases the production of the hormones prolactin and oxytocin, which stimulate the production and letdown of milk.
After the baby is born, breast milk production only increases considerably after around 48 hours, the time needed for the hormone prolactin to increase in the bloodstream and stimulate the body to produce more milk. See a complete guide on how to breastfeed for beginners.
How to increase milk production
To increase breast milk production, you can follow some tips, such as:
- Drink plenty of fluids during the dayabout 3 to 4 liters per day;
- Have a balanced and healthy dietincreasing the consumption of fruits, vegetables, legumes and cereals, which provide the nutrients necessary for milk production;
- Massage the breasts about 2 times a day to stimulate milk production and letdown;
- Breastfeeding on demandas the sucking movement made by the baby also stimulates the production of more milk.
However, if milk production does not increase even after following all the recommendations, it is important that the pediatrician is consulted to advise on the use of infant formulas to ensure the baby’s adequate and healthy development. Check out more tips for increasing milk production.
