Breast Milk and water break

SweetTea0212

I just had a couple of questions. One when does your breast milk usually come in? And what if it doesnt come in after the baby is born? I am afraid if I start him on bottles he wont take breastmilk. and also about water breaking. Do you have to have contractions and then your water breaks or can it just break without contractions?

annie11.08

My milk came in about 5 days after I had DD#1.  I think anywhere from 2-7 days is what the lactation consultant said is normal. But you are producing colostrum which has tons of nutrients and is usually all baby needs for the first few days.

 As for your water breaking question, I can't really answer that since it never broke for DD #1 (dr. broke it once I got to the hospital)

MrsCarroll.6-10-07

The breast milk thing is different for everyone. Your  body doesn't signal to start producing it until after the placenta is delivered. For some ladies it is within a day for others it is 4 days. Luckily when baby is so teeny their stomach is also teeny so all they need is the teeny bit of colostrum you produce at first. I don't really believe in the "milk won't come in" thing, your body is made to do it (unless you have a medical condition that prevents it). Most babies will take breastmilk just fine.

I strongly suggest talking to a lactation consultant as much as possible while you are IN the hospital. They should have them there almost 24 hours a day. I had one LC sitting with me for half a day because of latch issues in the beginning.

A lot of people I know got contractions first and then water broke later. A few people I know had their water break first and then got contractions....but I think contractions first are more likely.

kilissa

Your milk typically comes in 2-5 days after you deliver.  The colostrum can sustain the baby until the milk comes in because it is packed with nutrients.  According to my breastfeeding class you should supplement with formula, introduce bottles or pacifiers until at least 4 weeks after you've been nursing.  Formula should only be used as a last resort.

I think your water can break without contractions. 

schirinos

Google La Leche League and you will find loads of useful info on their site.  As PP said you will already be producing colostrum which is what sustains your baby until your milk comes in.  One surprising thing I learned at my breast feeding class is that for the first few days babies only drink about a teaspoon full of colostrum at a time.  So no need to worry if she's getting enough.  Also RELAX... milk production is dependent on oxytocin levels in your system.  Ocytocin's worst enemy is Adrenaline (stress hormone) so relax and try not to get too stressed out about BFing.  Also please do meet up with a lactation consultant.  Though BFing is natural it doesn't come to us naturally and we all need a helping hand.

KessyWessy

Your breastfeeding question has been well answered by previous posters, so I'll take the water breaking one.

It can happen either way. Most people have contractions first and their water breaks (or is broken by dr) later.  Some of us (me) are surprised by water breaking first. It can be a trickle or a gush (me). If your water breaks and there are no contractions you don't have to go to the hospital immediately unless you are GBS+(me), or if you develop a fever. Contractions should start on their own within a few hours, but sometimes they don't and they'll want to induce them at that point (me).  You should ask your dr at your next appt when they want you to go if your water breaks first, different hospitals recommend slighty different things.