You’ve welcomed your baby into the world, you’re starting to breastfeed, and you may be wondering: when will my milk come in?
In the first few days after giving birth, your body produces colostrum, a rich, concentrated first milk that’s often called “liquid gold.” Then, around days 2 to 5, your milk begins to transition to mature breast milk - a shift that brings changes to your breasts, your baby’s feeding patterns, and how you feel physically and emotionally.
Understanding when and how this happens can give you confidence in your body and help you know what’s normal (and what might need support).
What Does “Milk Coming In” Actually Mean?
When we talk about milk “coming in,” we’re referring to the production of mature breast milk, which occurs after the initial colostrum phase.
This process is called lactogenesis II - the second stage of milk production - and it’s triggered by a sudden drop in progesterone after the placenta is delivered, along with continued nipple stimulation from your baby feeding.
When Will My Milk Come In?
For most people, mature milk comes in between 2 to 5 days after birth. Some people notice changes as early as day 2, while for others it can take up to a week.
This timing can vary depending on several factors:
- First-time birth: May take slightly longer (4–5 days is common)
- Frequent feeding: Encourages faster milk production
- Delivery type: C-sections may delay milk by 1–2 days
- Complications at birth like a postpartum hemorrhage or retained placenta will likely delay your milk coming in
- Medical conditions (e.g. diabetes, thyroid disorders): Can affect timing
- Premature birth: May impact milk transition
If your milk hasn’t come in by day 5, check in with your midwife or health visitor for support.
Signs Your Milk Is Coming In
When your milk starts to come in, you may notice:
- Breasts feeling fuller, heavier, or firmer
- Tingling or warmth in the breasts (known as the let-down reflex)
- Baby starting to take longer, deeper sucks during feeds and audible swallowing
- Increased nappies - at least 6 wet and 2 dirty nappies per day from day 5
- Some people experience leaking from one breast while feeding from the other
Your breasts may feel engorged, especially if your baby isn’t feeding frequently enough - this usually settles after a few days.
What If My Milk Doesn’t Come In?
While most people’s milk arrives on time, sometimes delays happen. Possible reasons include:
- Not feeding frequently enough (less than 8 times a day)
- Baby not latching well or having tongue-tie
- Long or difficult labor, significant blood loss, or retained placenta
- Medical conditions (e.g. PCOS, diabetes, thyroid problems)
- Stress or exhaustion, which can delay the let-down reflex
Speak to your midwife or lactation consultant if:
- You still feel no change in your breasts after day 5
- Baby seems unsatisfied after most feeds
- Nappies are dry or very few in number
- You’re feeling anxious or in pain during feeds
Early support can make all the difference.
How to Encourage Your Milk to Come In
1. Feed Early and Often
If you are able to get support to help your baby latch in the first hour ‘the golden hour’ as it is known will help your milk come in in a timely manner. Aim for 8–12 feeds in 24 hours, including during the night. Your baby’s sucking is the most powerful signal to your body to make more milk.
Skin-to-skin contact can also help trigger feeding instincts and stimulate milk production.
2. Ensure a Good Latch
A deep, effective latch helps your baby remove colostrum and stimulates the breast to transition to mature milk.
Signs of a good latch:
- Baby’s mouth is wide open
- Chin touching the breast and nose is free
- More areola visible above baby’s top lip than below
- No pain beyond the first few seconds
Evidence of swallowing. This won’t be as audible and visible as when your milk comes in, but listen for soft ‘cuh’ sounds or a drop in the jaw.
3. Use Breast Massage and Compression
While feeding or expressing, gently massage your breasts to encourage flow and relieve any firmness or engorgement. Breast compression helps empty the breast more effectively and stimulates further production.
4. Express If Baby Isn’t Feeding Well
If your baby is sleepy, premature, or struggling to latch, hand express or use a breast pump every 2–3 hours.
You can collect small amounts of colostrum into a syringe, and once your milk transitions, pump to keep supply moving until baby can feed more effectively.
5. Look After Yourself
Eat well, stay hydrated, and rest when you can. Hormones like oxytocin (which supports milk let-down) are affected by stress, so create a calm, supported feeding environment.
What Happens After Milk Comes In?
After this transition, your body moves into supply and demand mode - meaning the more your baby feeds, the more milk you’ll produce.
Your milk may look:
- Whiter or bluish in color
- Thinner at the start of a feed, then creamier as it progresses
- More abundant - your breasts may leak or feel full between feeds
Midwife’s Top Tips
- Feed every 2–3 hours in the early days even if baby seems sleepy
- Have your baby skin to skin as much as possible to help stimulate your milk coming in
- Colostrum is enough in the first few days - don’t worry about quantity
- Use warm compresses or showers to help relieve engorgement
- Gently express if your baby is stuggling to latch, or if you need to stimulate supply
- Ask for help early if milk hasn’t come in by day 5
Your milk coming in is a big and exciting moment but remember, every journey is different. For some, it’s a gentle shift. For others, it’s more emotional and physically noticeable.
Either way, your body is doing something amazing and support is always there if you need it. Be patient, feed often, and trust the process. You’re doing brilliantly.
