Milk production typically begins during pregnancy, but mature milk comes from the breast after birth. Colostrum production can begin as early as 16 weeks of pregnancy, transitioning to mature milk in the days following delivery.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
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During Pregnancy (from approximately 16 weeks): The breasts begin producing colostrum, a nutrient-rich "first milk." Some pregnant individuals may experience leakage. This is not considered "mature milk" yet.
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After Birth (within a few days): The mature milk comes in, typically between 2-5 days postpartum. This is when colostrum transitions to a larger volume of mature breast milk. This change is often referred to as "milk coming in."
Therefore, while colostrum production starts during pregnancy, the "milk" most people refer to when asking about breastfeeding starts coming from the breast after the baby is born.
