How do we produce Milk?
The process of making milk, also known as lactation begins during pregnancy and generally begins around the 16-week mark.
This is caused by the hormones; estrogen and progesterone, they rise which causes your breasts to become fuller to prepare for milk production. It is also common for your nipples to darken and your areolas to become larger. This makes it easier for babies to do the nipple crawl once they are born.
Around the 16-week mark your body also begins to make colostrum, which is highly nutritious and filling, this serves as your baby's first milk/ feed.
About two to three days after birth your milk production will intensify. This is caused by the hormones released in your body signaling the hormone prolactin to produce milk.
This is often referred to as milk ‘coming in’ as it increases dramatically. It also causes engorgement and sometimes sore and painful breasts.
Milk will generally continue to be produced whilst milk is being removed from your breast, by a breast pump or your baby. The more milk that’s removed, the more milk your body will make to replace it.
Although this isn’t the case for some women, as they may struggle with milk production, latching, bonding and the stress of becoming a new mum, It isn’t always easy and sometimes take time to find what works best for you and your baby and that is okay too, A fed baby is a happy baby.