Should i start lactating before i give birth or after even if im not breastfeeding?

It is normal for your body to start producing colostrum - the early nutrient-rich milk perfect for newborns - during pregnancy. Not all women notice leaking during pregnancy, but it is quite common.

After you've given birth and the placenta has detached, your body receives the signal to begin producing mature milk. You will continue producing colostrum for 2-5 days before the mature milk "comes in". You will produce this milk even if you bottle-feed.

You do not need to do anything to prepare yourself for breastfeeding, aside from reading and learning as much as you can about it so that you are prepared with some idea of "what is normal". So, you're on the right track - congrats! :)

it is natural for the body to begin the lactating process while still pregnant, this is the colostrum your body is producing and getting ready for the new baby. but your milk doesn't fully come in till a few days after giving birth.
if you decide you do not want to breastfeed your baby, most hospitals have a shot now that stop your milk from ever coming in. Remember, that breastfeeding is a decision that is completely up to YOU! There is nothing wrong with formula at all and don't let others opinions get to you. Not breastfeeding does not in anyway make you a bad mother. Formula nowadays are a lot better than they used to be a couple years ago and give the baby almost everything s/he needs.
The only thing formula is really lacking is your antibodies which will lead to your baby getting sick and/or getting ear infections more often. And even this isnt necessarily a bad thing; it preps your baby's body to learn how to make its own antibodies = )

Lots of women lactate a little from about the seventh month on. This is normal but do not express this as it is not actually milk but colestrum which is rich in antibodies to protect the newborn from diseases. Anyone who has had a baby will produce milk. If you are not nursing and do not want to be lactating there are pills the doctor can give you to stop the milk. Don't express it if this is the case because that will cause even more to be produced

If you aren't breastfeeding you may still get in a milk supply and that could mean leaking some before birth or it could hold off until after but if you get in the supply you will become engorged around 1 wks after giving birth but sometimes it happens sooner.

I didnt breastfeed either one of my babies ( and they are both healthy as a horse). My milk came in about four days after I gave birth. If you aren't going to breastfeed you need to wrap them up real tight with an ace bandage and dont touch them or get them wet for a couple of weeks.

I have had 3 babies, and my milk came in shortly before I gave birth, not sure if all women are the same with this, I did breastfeed. But, I do know I had small amount of milk before I had the babies. Hope this helps!....Bella