How long should you breastfeed before the fatty milk comes – Read now

Many ask how long one should breastfeed before the "fat milk" comes, because the baby may seem more or less satisfied at the beginning of a feeding. The short, practical answer is: the more fat-rich milk typically comes later in the feeding itself, as the breast gradually empties. And in the days after birth, the milk also naturally transitions from colostrum to transitional milk and then mature milk. Here's a down-to-earth guide to what you can look out for and what you can do in practice.

"Fat milk" often refers to the milk that comes later in a breastfeeding session. Initially, the milk typically flows more easily, and as the breast empties, its composition changes, so the baby receives more fat-rich milk.

In the first few days after birth, the body produces colostrum, which comes in small amounts but is concentrated. After that, the milk typically transitions to transitional milk when "the milk comes in," and later to mature milk. Many experience that their breasts become fuller and more engorged during this transition.

As several Danish health sources describe, "milk coming in" often happens around day 2 to 5 after birth, but there is entirely normal variation. If it takes longer, you can still have milk, and you can get help assessing the baby's sucking technique and milk transfer.

There isn't a fixed number of minutes that suits everyone, because the baby's sucking technique, your let-down, and the breast's fullness vary from feeding to feeding.

• Start on one breast and let the baby feed there until it clearly becomes less effective.
• Then offer the other breast.
• Start the next feeding on the breast that was offered last (so both breasts are stimulated throughout the day).
• For very engorged breasts, frequent feeding can help, making emptying more even.

The most important thing is not to "chase the fat milk," but that the baby overall gets enough. Therefore, primarily assess breastfeeding based on overall signs, which are often highlighted in guidance from healthcare sources:

• Number of wet diapers and stools (develops with age in the first few days).
• The baby appears alert and has periods of calm and contentment.
• You can hear or see swallows during active breastfeeding.
• Weight development is best assessed in collaboration with a public health nurse/midwife.

If you are in doubt, it is a good idea to get a breastfeeding observation, where sucking technique, sucking sounds, and the baby's positioning are observed.

Seek support from a public health nurse, midwife, or lactation consultant if:

• Breastfeeding causes persistent severe pain, or you develop sores that do not improve.
• The baby appears sluggish, is difficult to wake for feedings, or you are concerned about diapers/weight.
• You do not notice a change in breast fullness after a few days, and breastfeeding is not working well at the same time.
• You have signs of mastitis (e.g., fever, flu-like symptoms, redness, and pain).

Correcting small things in technique and position early can make a big difference.

When breasts change rapidly at first, soft and flexible support can make it easier to relax during breastfeeding. For example, you can look at the Breastfeeding collection, where you will find breastfeeding products for everyday use. Some also benefit from a seamless nursing bra, which provides support without underwire, such as the Gel-Support® Maternity & Nursing Bra, designed as an alternative to underwire, so you get support without blocking milk ducts.

• Sundhed.dk, Patienthåndbogen: Breastfeeding
• Falck.dk: Breastfeeding before and after milk has come in
• Denførstetid.dk: How breastfeeding works / When milk comes in
• WHO: Breastfeeding (general recommendations and background)