'Milk production peaks at 6 weeks' ... WTH?

[WantsALittle1]

I'm sorry if I've posted this before. I really can't remember.

Can someone explain this to me? I have been told this exact sentence by TWO different lactation consultants now. How in the world could milk production peak at 6 weeks?

Surely a 6 month old baby cannot survive on the amount of milk that a 6-week old baby can. What do people mean when they say this?!

 

[Rachel_C]

It's a REALLY bad way of saying it but maybe they mean that supply tends to regulate from some point between 6-12 weeks? I agree with you that what they actually said is completely wrong though! Your boobs can feel softer/less full after that so I suppose that could lead people to believe they're making less although it's not true.

 

[annio84]

Have a look at this https://kellymom.com/bf/pumpingmoms/pumping/milkcalc/

It explains how between about 1 and 6 months the volume requirements of breastmilk don't really change because the composition of the milk does.

 

[sheldonsmommy]

I've never heard this. My milk production peaked at about a week. I swear one time I pumped 10 ounces.

It definitely regulated for me at about 6 weeks to 2 months though. Perhaps that's what they're implying, but I agree it is poorly worded if that's what they meant

 

[Flake-y]

Milk supply evens out at around 6 weeks. Sometimes, but not always! It will always work on a supply & demand basis though, the more baby feeds, the more milk is produced. You are always making the exact amount your baby needs at any time. If they're feeding more, it's their way of building up your milk supply.

And pumping is never an indicator of supply. A major part of breastfeeding are the hormones released when you are with your baby, hear your baby crying & have skin to skin contact with your baby. Those hormones help send the signals to your brain which tells your body to produce milk. A plastic pump cannot replace it.

Also, a pump removes milk by suction, a baby uses both suction & compression so will always get more.

Regular pumpers will get more milk cause their bodies are more used to the pump.