When Does Breastmilk Usually Begin Being Produced?

Breastmilk usually doesn't come in until 3-5 days after delivering. what you have is colostrum. i started seeing mine at 5 months. my baby was born 2 weeks early. colostrum is very normal, it doesn't mean you'll go into early labor.

Hi Candace!

I leaked colostrum 8 weeks into my first pregnancy and only 4 days into my 2nd one. ;) That's what gave me the clue that I was pregnant! haha!

It's very normal!

M.

Breast milk can start being produced any time during the pregnancy. It has no bearing on when your labor will begin. I actually started producing milk at 4mos and continued throughout the pregnancy. I delivered only 2 days before my due date. Invest in some washable, reusable cloth breast pads. They will last you longer. Good luck, and don't worry!

Hi C.!

Beginning to produce colostrum ( that's the clearish breastmilk ) early on is very very normal. And it's not an indication by any means of delivering early. There really is no "time frame" that women begin to leak colostrum in relation to delivery time. I think it's great that you're already producing it! Your body is gearing up to produce enough for two. ; ) The best way to have enough breastmilk for two babies is also to have a natural delivery. And I mean *natural* in the true meaning of the word, not just vaginally. ; ) A friend of mine had twins at home, and she had an awesome experience.

Anyway, I went off on a tangent there. LOL You're good. It definitely is not an indication of early labor.

Christy
Birth Doula and Midwifery Apprentice

I started leaking around 6 mo. pregnant with all my kids. This is good as it means you will have enough to feed your babies if you choose to breastfeed. Just dont start pumping. I made this mistake the first time and then my body thought I needed to produce this extra milk and had way too much.
This is just one of those things that nobody ever told you about, or the books dont really mention.
Congrats on the twins.

Hi C.! Your post was all to familiar for me I had to write you a quick note!! :o) When I was 6 months pregnant my breasts started leaking as well and I was just sure that I had to be further along than the doctors had aniticipated and that I was going to deliver too soon! Our bodies are so incredible that within the nine months of pregnancy they prepare themselves for what is to come. It's the only time that we don't have to "help out" aside from just taking care of ourselves. About half way through pregnancy our milk is not on a "supply and demand" system. It is hormonally driven, so therefore, increased hormones=milk production begins. It's called endocrine control system and it continues up until 30-40 hours after birth. The milk itself as it is now is called colostrum and will be the most nutrient filled food for your baby in the first 3-4 days. After that, as your baby continues to breast feed and has an increased appetite, you will produce milk as long as milk removal is happening. i.e breastfeeding or pumping. I hope this has helped. I ended up delivering one week late and breastfeeding has been incredible! Good Luck

You should be fine. I started leaking during my last trimester. Maybe just call your doctor - but I would not worry about it.

Good luck with the twins!!!

Hi C.-
Some women create colostrum (that's what you've got) throughout their whole pregnancy. Since your having twins, our got more hormones surging around your body than normal, which may be why you're already producing the colostrum.
As afr as the pre-term labor thing goes, one has nothing to do with the other. But of course, be on the look-out for contractions, back aches that come and go, spotting down below.
Good Luck, A.

Hi C.,

Producing milk starts to happen very early on in the pregnancy. Ususally between 4-6 months. Alot of mothers are concerned because they plan on breastfeeding, usually the milk will leak (if pressure is applied). If you had not noticed leaking but had itchy nipples in the morning , then this would mean you are leaking at night and the itches are dried milk on the nipple.
Also be aware, this does not mean you will automatically leak milk if you are breastfeeding.
PLease do not try to express or pump any milk during pregnancy unless you had been already nursing (plan on tandem nursing)another child. If the breasts get too much stimulation (pumping, squeezing&messaging, or hand expression) that triggers the body to release ocytocin and could preduce premature labor. If you have ever heard of being induced w/ pitocin. Well the body naturally knows when ocitocin is present then delivery os next. Oxytocin that the body produces is the same thing as pitocin, just its man made.

I hope this answers your questions about milk production. If you have other questions or concerns, feel free to write back. I am a board certified lactation consultant.

Good Luck!

H. B.
IBCLC

C.,

You are leaking colostrum and it is normal. Some women just leak it while pregnant. It means absolutely nothing other than you'll be going to be going through a lot of nursing pads. But, if you are concerned, ask your OB about it. They are used to all sorts of questions. I've had 2 high risk pregnancies and believe me, the only dumb questions are the ones you don't ask. FWIW, one of my friends started leaking when she was about 4 months pregnant and she delivered a healthy, full term boy months later.

:-)T.

the clear liquid leaking out is Colostrum. I started mine around the same time too. Everyone is different as to when they actually produce breast milk. The nurses at the hospital said some people can go as long as 4-5 days AFTER you deliver your child to actually produce real milk. That is why alot of mothers give up on breast feeding because the colostrum just doesn't seem to be enough for the baby. But, keep in mind... it is. They assured me that colostrum has enough nutrients in it to sustain a newborn until the real milk comes in.

Hope that helps some and congradulations!!

C.
mother of a 5 month old

Hello what you are having is the what i call pre milk its normal your breast milk will come in 2 to 3 days after the baby is born.Good luck with the twins.T.

I started the clear stuff leaking at 6-7 months pregnant as well but didn't deliver early. It's just your body getting ready.

Some women begin leaking from their breast around 20 weeks into their pregnancy or so, that does not mean you are going to go into labor early. Also, if you do not leak it does not mean you won't get breastmilk in. First you will have colostrum (which is what you are leaking right now) and then within a week after giving birth your milk will "come-in." Good luck, I hope you have healthy, easy, and full-term pregnancy!

Hello- your body is starting to produce colostrum, which is what is very important to baby before your milk comes in. So- it is a good thing.
"The Colostrum is a high-protein, low-fat substance. It is very good and helps get things moving in baby (bowels) and has great anitbodies to protect baby.
You can leak is as early as 24-27 weeks." (Kasier babynote book)

Best of luck with the twins- I'm gettting ready for my 4th due in 4 weeks.
Have a blast and enjoy te blessings from above-
A.
(mom of 3 girls and little brother coming very very soon)

You're right on track. Weird isn't it? You're body is just beginning the process.

your stimulation of the breast may cause fluid or other medical reasons.Your doctor can tell you for sure." I have had clear leakage" usually close to a period or a sexual partner that was a little more rough with the breast. The colostrum comes close to the end of the pregnancy . The milk usually comes three to four days after the baby arrives. The baby needs the colostrum first. To give antibodies. You may have a hormone change that makes you have more fluid. you can ask the doctor to test the thickness of your cervex to see if you have the chance to deliver early. I am on my 7th pregnancy I hope to help...Reg