Making Enough Breast Milk for Your Baby

A mother’s body is amazing! Breast milk changes as your baby grows to support their growth and health.

First Milk – Birth to 5 Days Old

What it looks like: Thick and yellow. You may or may not see it when feeding your baby. This milk has lots of nutrients and antibodies to protect your baby.

Your baby: Newborns eat every 2-3 hours. Your baby is learning how to suck, breathe, and swallow in a rhythm.

Your body: Your breasts may feel full and leak. The milk flows slowly so your baby can learn to feed.

Transition Milk – 5 to 14 Days Old

What it looks like: Yellow and creamy. Thinner than the first milk. It has all the nutrients your baby needs.

Your baby: Your baby needs to eat often — 8-12 times in 24 hours. Their sucking will be long and slow as they keep learning.

Your body: Your breasts will feel fuller and warmer. They may leak. Your body is figuring out how much milk to make, so you may make more than your baby needs right now. Keep breastfeeding or pumping often to maintain your supply.

Mature Milk – 2 Weeks and Beyond

What it looks like: Thinner and more watery, like regular milk. It may be white, light yellow, or have a blue tint.

Your baby: At this time, your baby may have a growth spurt when this milk comes in. They may want to eat very often — sometimes every hour. This is called "cluster feeding" and is normal.

Your body: Your breasts may look softer and smaller than before, though they're likely still larger than before pregnancy.

If you're concerned about your milk supply or having trouble feeding your baby, reach out to your health care provider, lactation consultant, or WIC staff for help.