How is breastmilk produced – during pregnancy?

·       Breast, nipple & areola size increases.

·       Milk ducts form & grow.

·       By approximately 20 weeks: can produce milk, however breast development continues to term.

·       Third trimester: many women see colostrum (high in protein, sodium & immunoglobulins, and low in lactose & fat).

·       Full milk production is inhibited by progesterone (this starts to drop following removal of the placenta).

How is breastmilk produced – following birth?

·       Removal of the placenta = drop in progesterone.

·       Full milk production starts approx. 36hr following birth, increasing 10-fold in the next 36hr.

·       During this phase, we see 'transitional milk' as colostrum changes to mature milk.

Ongoing milk production:

·       Relies on milk removal.

·       Important to feed on demand to establish supply.

·       Variation in milk storage capacities & infants stomachs size =wide variation frequency & duration of feeds.

·       Important to learn your infants’ hungry cues & feed accordingly.

Common hunger / feeding cues:

·       Turn their head from side to side.

·       Open their mouth.

·       Move their hand to mouth.

·       Suck their lips & hands.

·       Become restless.

·       Make cooing or sighing sounds.