Establishing a Milk Supply: Why the First 3 Days Matter

The first few days after birth are an incredible time of transition for both you and your baby. Your body is learning to make milk, and your baby is learning how to feed. These early days, especially the first 72 hours, set the stage for your milk supply in the weeks and months to come.

What’s Happening in Your Body

During pregnancy, your breasts begin making colostrum, the thick, golden milk often called “liquid gold.” After birth, hormones signal your body to begin producing mature milk. This process, called lactogenesis II, usually begins between day 2 and day 5.

But here’s the key: For your milk to come in fully and within 3-5 days, your breasts need frequent stimulation and milk removal - either by effective latching with good drinking or by pumping.

Why Latching (or Pumping) Early and Often Is So Important:

1. Stimulates milk production: Each time milk is removed, it sends a message to your body: “Make more!” Each time our baby latches well with a deep latch in the first 2 weeks, it signals our body to make prolactin receptor cells in our breasts. Prolactin hormone attaches to these cells and tells our body how much milk to make. We lay down these receptor cells in the first 2 weeks, but they peak around 3 days. The first 72 hours after delivery are really important for providing good signals. Without latching or pumping regularly in the first days, our bodies may not make a full supply.

2. Prevents engorgement and delays with milk coming in: As your milk comes in your breasts may get engorged: swollen, firm, and painful breasts due to inflammation and an increase in milk production. This can be very painful and cause your breasts to become too full for baby to latch to. Start with gentle pressure around the areola to move the fluid away from the areaola and then massage starting at the nipple and massage away from the breast toward your chest. Pumping to remove some of the milk before latching may help the baby get a deep latch and remove the milk more easily. Imagine trying to suck on an apple. That would be difficult. Too much stimulation can create an oversupply so be mindful of how much milk you remove. Pay attention to how your breasts feel and stop pumping when your breasts are more comfortable but maybe not soft. If you stimulate your breasts too much, you can create an oversupply, and that can cause other complications. Most women prefer a bit of an oversupply compared to not having enough. So when in doubt, pump and reach out for assistance.

3. Helps your baby practice and learn: Most babies aren’t born experts at latching - it’s a learned skill. The more opportunities your baby has to practice in those early days, the quicker they’ll get the hang of it. Cluster feeding has a purpose but our babies need to be latched comfortably and be removing milk. If your baby is doing a good job latching, then you will make a better milk supply. If the baby is unable to latch well, is cluster feeding but falling asleep after a minute or two, then get a pump and get the milk out. If nothing is coming out, that's ok, keep pumping and stimulate your breasts. This stimulation will help increase your milk supply. We can’t go back and redo the stimulation, so err on the side of overstimulation rather than not enough.

4. Builds connection and confidence: Those quiet, skin-to-skin moments and early feedings help regulate your baby’s body temperature, heart rate, and stress levels - and give you a beautiful start to bonding. Remember, we are mammals, and mammals like to snuggle. Babies love skin-to-skin. Undress your baby every feeding and get your baby awake before latching and offer both breasts every feeding. Baby may need a few minutes between breasts. Placing the baby in your lap for a few minutes, rubbing on the lips, and talking to your baby may help your baby to wake and be ready to latch to the other side.

How Often Should You Feed or Pump in the First 3 Days?

Aim for at least 8 feedings or pumping sessions in 24 hours, including overnight. This usually means about every 2–3 hours, or whenever your baby shows feeding cues. Some babies will want to latch every 1-1.5 hrs or 12 times every 24 hours in the first weeks. This is normal. Please be mindful of how the latch feels. If the latch is painful, your nipple is smashed and blistered when baby unlatches, then baby is not on deep and is probably not removing the colostrum well. Unlatch the baby and try again.

If your baby is sleepy, premature, or separated from you (such as in the NICU), start pumping as soon as possible after birth - ideally within the first hour - and continue regularly. Early pumping helps mimic baby’s natural feeding rhythm and tells your body to make milk.

If Things Don’t Go as Planned

Birth experiences vary, and sometimes early feeding doesn’t go perfectly. Whether you had a C-section, complications, or separation from your baby, it’s never “too late” to support your milk supply. Pump every 2-3 hours starting within the first hour if possible. If complications keep you from latching or pumping in the first hour, then pump as soon as you are able. An IBCLC can help you create a plan for effective pumping, hand expression, or latching when baby is ready.

The Bottom Line

The first few days after delivery are a priority for laying the milk-making foundation. Every latch, every drop of colostrum, and every pumping session helps build your long-term supply.

If you’re unsure whether your baby is latching well or you need guidance regarding latch and supply, Gulf Coast Lactation is here to help. With expert and compassionate care, Scotty will make sure you and your baby get off to the best possible start.