When Does Milk Come In For Second Baby?
If you’ve already had a baby, you’d probably like to know if things will be different the 2nd time around.
Will your milk come in more quickly?
Let’s explore what happens for milk production when this is your second pregnancy…
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For most mothers, their breast milk comes in between days 2 and 5 postpartum. This is an average - some moms have milk earlier and some later.
Many FIRST-TIME moms notice their breast milk comes in around day 3-4 on average. (slightly on the later end of average)
But guess what? A magical thing is happening with a second baby.
When does milk come in for the second baby?
With 2nd and later babies, many women notice their breast milk comes in MORE QUICKLY (averaging around day 2-3!).
If you’ve already had a baby, your breast ductal system and glandular tissue are more developed so your body’s already prepped to give you a head start!
It’s almost as if your breasts “remember” what to do from previous pregnancies.
Not only that, most mothers go into their second pregnancies with more wisdom – having more knowledge and experience on what to do to get breastfeeding off to a great start. So that helps too!
Remember, you already have milk ready to go with colostrum! (the “first” milk)
While you’re waiting patiently for your milk to “come in,” your breasts are already making your first milk, colostrum (kuh-LOSS-trum).
Colostrum provides everything your baby needs until your milk officially “comes in.”
Your body is already producing colostrum in the 2nd trimester of pregnancy.
Colostrum is a rich, concentrated early milk that has tons of benefits for your baby. It has immune boosting properties, is rich in nutrients, and helps fight infection.
The colostrum comes out slowly and in some quantities which is perfect for your baby’s tiny tummy and to help them practice and get better at breastfeeding.
How do you know if your milk comes in with 2nd baby?
For many women, they know right away when their milk comes in. For others, it’s more of a gradual process.
Some indicators that your milk is transitioning from colostrum to more mature breast milk:
breast engorgement (fullness, firmness, and swelling of the breasts)
change in the color of your breast milk from golden-tinged to white
breast milk leakage
change in the amount of milk that comes out
your breasts feel heavy
the veins in your breasts are more pronounced
change in baby’s feeding patterns
tingling of your breasts
warm breasts
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What if my milk doesn’t come in?
After birth, when the placenta separates from the uterus, there will be a sharp drop in the hormone progesterone. This triggers the breast to ramp up milk production.
So no matter if you have a vaginal birth or a tummy birth (c-section), rest assured your milk WILL come in! (it’s just a matter of when)
Things that may delay milk coming in for second baby
severe stress
c-section or traumatic birth experience
bleeding after birth
obesity
infection or illness with fever
diabetes
thyroid conditions
strict or prolonged bed rest during pregnancy
2 of the best things that helps milk come in faster for second baby:
frequent skin to skin
latching frequently
*The more often you feed your baby in the first 2-4 days, the faster your milk will come in and the higher your milk supply will be.
DISCLAIMER: Milk production will begin to shut down if milk is not being removed by the time your milk is coming in.
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Related article:
13 Ways To Help Milk Come In Faster After Birth