How painful is milk coming in?

Understanding the Pain of Milk Coming In
The experience of milk coming in, particularly for new mothers, can vary significantly from person to person. For many, this physiological process occurs a few days after childbirth, marking a crucial transition in breastfeeding. While some women report discomfort, others describe the sensation as merely surprising or even pleasant.
What Happens When Milk Comes In?
When a mother’s milk comes in, it typically coincides with hormonal changes following the birth of the baby. The body begins to produce milk in response to the baby’s needs, leading to an increase in breast fullness. This can result in a feeling of heaviness or tightness in the breasts, which some women may interpret as painful. According to experts, this sensation can range from mild discomfort to more intense pain, depending on individual circumstances and factors such as breast engorgement or improper latching during breastfeeding.
Pain Levels and Sensations
For many women, the initial experience of milk coming in is characterized by a tingling sensation rather than outright pain. One mother recounted that her milk “came in with a bang,” but she found it more surprising than painful. However, for others, especially those who may experience engorgement—where the breasts become overly full and swollen—the discomfort can escalate. Engorgement can lead to significant pain, making it difficult for the baby to latch properly, which can further exacerbate the situation.
Factors Influencing Pain
Several factors can influence how painful the experience is. These include:
– Breastfeeding Technique: Proper latching is crucial. If the baby does not latch correctly, it can lead to sore nipples and increased discomfort.
– Frequency of Feeding: Regular breastfeeding or pumping can help alleviate engorgement and reduce pain. Infrequent feeding can lead to increased pressure and discomfort.
– Individual Sensitivity: Each woman’s body reacts differently to hormonal changes and physical sensations. Some may have a higher pain threshold, while others may be more sensitive to the changes occurring in their bodies.
Managing Discomfort
For those who do experience pain when their milk comes in, there are several strategies to manage discomfort. Applying warm compresses before feeding can help ease the pain and promote milk flow, while cold compresses afterward can reduce swelling and soothe soreness. Additionally, ensuring that the baby is latching correctly and feeding frequently can help mitigate the discomfort associated with engorgement.
In conclusion, while the experience of milk coming in can be painful for some, it is often a manageable part of the breastfeeding journey. Understanding the body’s responses and employing effective strategies can help new mothers navigate this significant transition with greater ease.

How long do breasts hurt when milk comes in?

It’s normal during the first week after a baby is born for a mother’s breast to become heavy, and tender, and full as the milk is coming in. And even before that as the blood flow is expanding and the lymph flow is expanding to allow the milk to come in. But sometimes that progresses to something we call engorgement.

What does it feel like when milk comes in?

Some mothers feel a tingling or pins and needles sensation in the breast. Sometimes there is a sudden feeling of fullness in the breast. While feeding on one side your other breast may start to leak milk. You may become thirsty.

How long do breasts stay engorged after milk comes in?

Treatment for engorgement usually resolves extreme symptoms within 24-48, hours but if not treated promptly can take 7 – 14 days or longer. It is important that engorgement is treated in order to prevent both mastitis and a decreased milk supply.

Do you get achy when your milk comes in?

Breast engorgement. Breast engorgement is when, for whatever reason, your breasts become overly full. They may feel hard, tight and painful. In the early days, engorgement can be due to your milk coming in.

How long will I be engorged when my milk comes in?

Remember, not all breastfeeding parents get engorged when their milk comes in. Those that do, though, typically only experience engorgement for 12-48 hours after their milk comes in.

Is the first latch painful?

You may feel slight discomfort when your baby first latches on and perhaps even for the first few sucks. But once they begin to suckle steadily you should not feel pain.

Does it hurt for milk to come in?

Overview. Your breasts will start to make milk in the first couple of days after you give birth. This happens even if you don’t breastfeed. You may have some milk leak from your breasts, and your breasts may feel sore and swollen.

What are the stages of milk coming in?

Breast milk has three different and distinct stages: colostrum, transitional milk, and mature milk. Colostrum is the first stage of breast milk. It occurs during pregnancy and lasts for several days after the birth of the baby.

Can milk coming in be extremely painful?

They are making milk and have extra blood flow, so they may feel tender and full. But if your breasts are warm, hard, and painful, they may be too full of milk, or engorged. If you think your breasts are engorged, speak with your WIC breastfeeding staff.

Is it painful for a baby to latch on?

If the baby is latched correctly, you should not feel pain. Remember, some discomfort may be felt in the first 30-60 seconds. If you’re experiencing pain during the feeding, pull down on the baby’s chin to bring the lower lip out. If pain persists, decrease the suction by placing your clean finger inside baby’s mouth.