Milk coming in
Milk coming in refers to the transition from colostrum to mature breast milk, usually happening between day 2 and day 5 after birth. During this time your breasts may feel noticeably fuller, heavier, and warmer as milk volume increases significantly. Colostrum, the early thick yellow milk, has been feeding your baby since birth, so this shift does not mean your baby was going without. Feeding your baby frequently in the first days helps trigger this process. If your milk seems delayed beyond day 5, speak with a lactation consultant to check latch, feeding frequency, and any underlying factors.
What This Means for You
Understanding Milk coming in is an important part of your postpartum days 2-5 journey. In your baby's first year, you will hear this term from your paediatrician and in parenting communities. Knowing what it means helps you respond quickly and confidently.
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KKH and NUH both have in-hospital lactation consultants who can assess milk coming in and latch in the early postpartum days. Mothers who deliver by caesarean section may find milk comes in slightly later than those who deliver vaginally.
Related Terms
Source: https://medlineplus.gov/infantandnewborncare.html
Always consult your healthcare provider for personalised advice.
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