How I Got My Milk To Come In Fast - 4 Days After Delivery

Waiting for milk to come in is one of the most nerve-wracking parts of the early postpartum days. With baby number four, it arrived in just four days — faster than with any previous pregnancy. Here’s exactly what helped speed things along, both in the hospital and at home. If you’re looking for a step-by-step program to help you lose weight safely, explore Strong Postpartum.

Many new mothers eagerly await the arrival of their milk postpartum. Breastfeeding in the initial days can feel challenging because it seems like nothing is coming out. The newborn keeps sucking and practicing latching, seemingly for nothing. With each baby, the anticipation for milk to come in can be intense. For some, like with a fourth baby, milk arrived around four days postpartum, faster than with previous children.

Here are the steps taken in the hospital and at home that may help your milk supply come in quickly.

You might also like: How I Lost 12 lbs By 10 Days Postpartum

Keep Baby “Nursing” As Much As Possible

From the moment the baby is in your arms, focus on latching and breastfeeding. Persist until the baby learns to latch. This is crucial for ensuring your milk comes in quickly. Make latching and sucking a top priority in the first few hours after birth. If you’re having trouble, reach out to a lactation consultant, usually available in hospitals. The earlier you get the baby to latch and practice sucking, the sooner your milk will start coming in. Stimulating your breasts encourages milk production, so start immediately.

Eat The Right Foods Right Away – Not Just Hospital Food

Having nutritious snacks at the hospital can be a blessing. While relying on hospital food, consider packing a few nutrient-dense snacks. Foods rich in milk-boosting herbs can be particularly beneficial. For instance, products like Milk Dust bars and protein powders can provide extra nutrients alongside hospital meals.

Important Foods for Milk Supply After Delivery:

Some of these foods can be ordered at the hospital. Consider packing fresh fruit like apples and oranges, as well as nuts and seeds in your hospital bag!

Fresh fruits (helpful for your digestive system too!)
Nuts and seeds
Hearty soups with bone broth for healing
Sweet potatoes
Overnight oats or fresh oatmeal

Hold/Wrap Baby All The Time

Keep the baby close to enhance milk supply through pheromones. When your baby needs to sleep in the hospital crib, keep it close to maintain the connection. Avoid moving them to another room, as they sleep better when they can smell you.

Co-Sleeping Can Be a Big Help Too!

Co-sleeping can be effective for some families. There are many safe ways to co-sleep with new products and sleepers on the market. Options like the Dock-A-Tot can be considered. Here are some other options:

Swaddle Me By Your Side Sleeper

Baby Bedside Sleeper Bassinet

Baby Lounger and Baby Nest Co Sleeper

Bring a Milk-Booster Drink + Snacks

Milk-boosting drinks and snacks are essential right after birth. Whether you choose lactation tea, drinks, or oatmeal, ensure you consume items that promote a healthy milk supply. There are many options available now, so try a variety of samples to find what works best for your body.

Products like Mother’s Milk Tea with fennel and fenugreek can be effective. These ingredients are in many lactation products, and you can combine teas with protein powders, bars, and foods like oatmeal and almonds to boost your milk supply.

Herbs and Supplements That Boost Milk Supply:

Milk thistle
Turmeric
Fennel seed
Brewer’s yeast
Fenugreek

These foods provide essential nutrients that support milk supply and nourish your body, helping it function optimally. This is the foundation of Strong Postpartum. Focus on nourishing mothers properly, limiting excess sugar and low-nutrient foods, and encouraging a healthy diet overall.

Drink A Lot Of Water

Staying hydrated is crucial because breast milk is a liquid. Hydration is linked to milk supply. Eating lots of fruits and veggies, along with drinking water, infuses your body with electrolytes and antioxidants. These support optimal hormonal function and ensure your body has the liquid it needs to produce breast milk.

Consider sipping on sparkling water, natural fruit juices, and plain water. Unsweetened iced teas are also a good option if you’re not a big water drinker. Frequent bathroom visits are common initially, but this also helps shed the extra water weight stored during pregnancy—a win-win for milk supply and losing pregnancy pounds!

These tips and tricks have worked for many, and they may work for you too!

If you haven’t yet, explore Strong Postpartum for more guidance.

FAQ

How soon can I expect my milk to come in after delivery?

Typically, milk comes in 3 to 5 days postpartum. However, this can vary based on individual factors and practices such as frequent nursing and proper nutrition.

What foods help increase milk supply?

Foods like oatmeal, nuts, seeds, fresh fruits, and hearty soups with bone broth can support milk supply. Milk-boosting herbs like fenugreek and fennel are also beneficial.