Starting Your Lactation Journey
Congratulations! At 20 weeks, you’re officially halfway through your pregnancy and at the beginning of your lactation journey. Your body is now creating colostrum, the nutrient-dense first milk, which begins production between 16 and 20 weeks gestation. This liquid gold is packed with proteins, antibodies, and nutrients to nourish and protect your baby in their earliest days.
Whether this is your first experience with lactation or you’re a seasoned pro, The Human Milky Way is here to celebrate and support you. Every step of this journey brings unique changes, from how your body prepares for milk production to how it adapts to your baby’s needs.
In the coming weeks, you’ll receive updates filled with tips, encouragement, and evidence-based information on topics like milk composition, setting sleep and pumping schedules, latching techniques, expression tips, and your rights as a breastfeeding parent.
Tips for You Today:
- Take a moment to celebrate the incredible transformation happening within your body. You’re growing life and preparing to sustain it—how amazing is that?
- Stay hydrated and nourished; your body’s preparation for lactation requires energy and care.
- If you’re already leaking colostrum, know it’s perfectly normal. You might consider using soft nursing pads for comfort.
Fun Fact:
Human milk is often referred to as the ultimate “superfood” because it’s perfectly tailored to your baby’s nutritional and developmental needs. And because you’re making it, you’re nothing less than a superhero yourself! Welcome to your lactation journey, Wonder Woman!
