Let’s Break Down Each Breastfeeding Stage

Lactation is a beautiful and complex process that begins long before your baby is born. Even during pregnancy, your body starts preparing for milk production, and you'll notice a variety of physical changes as you progress through the stages of lactogenesis. Here's a detailed breakdown of what happens at each stage, along with what you can expect to feel and see.

Lactogenesis I (First Trimester to Birth)

This stage starts early, during the first trimester of pregnancy. You may not realize it, but your body is already getting ready for breastfeeding. Hormones like estrogen and progesterone stimulate the growth of your milk ducts and mammary glands. During this time, your breasts will start to increase in size, often feeling fuller, heavier, and more sensitive. Some women experience tenderness or even soreness as the breast tissue expands.

Your nipples and areolas will also undergo noticeable changes. The areolas may darken in color, and you might see an increase in the size of both your nipples and areolas. This darkening helps your newborn visually locate the nipple after birth! You may also see little bumps around your areolas called Montgomery glands—these are normal and help secrete an oily substance to keep your nipples moisturized and free from infections while nursing.

As blood flow to your breasts increases, you may notice the veins on your breasts becoming more prominent. This is all part of your body's way of preparing to nourish your baby. Though actual milk production doesn't start yet, some women may begin leaking small amounts of colostrum (the rich, yellowish first milk) during late pregnancy, especially in the third trimester. This is a normal sign that your body is gearing up for lactation.

Lactogenesis II (2-4 Days After Birth)

This is where the magic really starts to happen! Around 2 to 4 days after giving birth, your milk will "come in." You'll likely notice significant changes during this time. Your breasts may become much fuller and firmer, sometimes even feeling engorged as your body switches from producing small amounts of colostrum to more copious amounts of mature milk. Your nipples might feel sensitive, and your breasts can feel warm or heavy as milk production ramps up.

During this stage, you may experience a tingling or "pins and needles" sensation in your breasts when your baby nurses or when you hear your baby cry. This is known as the let-down reflex, triggered by the hormone oxytocin. The let-down reflex helps your milk flow from the milk ducts to your nipple. Some women find the sensation pleasant, while others find it a bit uncomfortable at first, but it varies from person to person. You may also feel a sense of relaxation or even sleepiness when the let-down happens, thanks to the effects of oxytocin.

Leaking is also common during this stage, especially between feedings. You might find that your breasts leak milk when they are too full or when the let-down reflex is triggered, even if your baby isn't nursing at that moment. Breast pads can be helpful if you're experiencing a lot of leaking.

Lactogenesis III (Established Milk Production)

Once your milk supply is established, typically within the first few weeks after birth, your body switches to a supply-and-demand system. This is Lactogenesis III, where milk production is driven by how often and how effectively your baby nurses. Your breasts will likely feel softer and less engorged as your body adjusts to your baby's feeding needs. The initial sensitivity in your nipples usually decreases, and breastfeeding may start to feel more comfortable.

Visually, your breasts will likely remain somewhat larger than before pregnancy, though they may feel less full in between feedings. Your nipples and areolas will stay slightly darker, and the veins in your breasts may still be visible due to the increased blood flow. Many women continue to leak milk during this phase, especially when they hear their baby cry or go longer between feedings. The let-down reflex may continue to give you that tingling or warm sensation each time your baby latches on.

Other sensations you may experience include mild uterine contractions, particularly in the early weeks of breastfeeding. This is your body's way of helping your uterus shrink back to its pre-pregnancy size, and it's caused by oxytocin being released during nursing.

DISCLAIMER: THIS CONTENT DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE
The information contained is for informational purposes only and is NOT intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You should not rely solely on this information. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider.