When will milk come in and when to begin breastfeeding?

When you are a mom-to-be, breastfeeding comes with its fair share of questions. Here are some answers to some common inquiries that mothers - new and veteran - might have.

When will my milk come in?

During the first few days after birth of your baby, your body produces colostrum, a sort of pre-milk. In some women, colostrum is thick and yellowish. For others it may be thin and watery. Colostrum contains several protective properties, including antibacterial and immune-system-boosting substances which are important to your baby and aren't found in infant formula. The flow of colostrum is extremely slow, which allows your baby to learn how to nurse and also how to coordinate sucking, breathing, as well as swallowing.

After around 3 to 4 days of nursing, the breasts will start to feel less soft and more firm as your milk changes from colostrum to milk which looks like skim milk. Your milk will be transitional for first 10 to 14 days, after which it's considered to be mature milk.

During this time, the amount of milk that your body produces will increase, responding to your baby's nursing. The milk supply is determined by the stimulation that your body receives. In other words, the more you breastfeed, the more milk your body will produce.

Mothers who deliver by Caesarean section (C-section) may find that it takes longer for their milk supply to increase. Sometimes, for no obvious reason, a mother's milk may take more than a few days to come in. This is absolutely normal and is usually no cause for concern; however make sure to let your doctor know. While babies don't need more than some colostrum for the first couple of days, the doctor may need to ensure the baby is getting enough to eat. It can help to breastfeed more frequently, putting the baby to the breast after every 2 to 3 hours.

If your milk still hasn't yet come in within 72 hours after the birth of your baby, you must talk to your doctor about temporarily supplementing with formula (only till your milk supply is up) so that the baby gets enough nutrients and does not lose weight unnecessarily.

Don't be alarmed if your baby loses a little weight at first. Most babies characteristically lose up to 7% of their body weight during the first few days.

When should I begin breastfeeding?

If possible, try to start nursing within an hour after your baby is born. Many babies will intuitively take to the breast, even if it's their first time. After the initial period of being alert, a newborn spends much of the next 24 hours sleeping. So, it may be more difficult to get your baby to take on after the first few hours.

Even if your baby doesn't officially latch on (or properly attach to your breast), starting early will help you and your little one to practice and get accustomed to the idea of breastfeeding.

It might take a few times before getting it right, but it's essential that your baby nurses with a wide-open mouth and takes as much as possible of your areola (that is the dark-colored area of breast) in his or her mouth (and not just the tip of the nipple). If your baby is sleeping at the breast, try to wake him or her up by simply tickling the feet or undressing the baby. Frequent attempts to burp and changing the diaper between breasts could also be helpful.

To help both you as well as your baby get used to breastfeeding, try to feed about every 3 hours, even overnight. In a lot of hospitals, you can ask for your baby to "room in" (that is stay in the hospital room along with you). For moms who want - and/or need - the extra shut-eye during the first couple of days after birth, you can have the baby stay in the nursery at night and ask the staff to get your newborn to you to feed.