Foremilk Hindmilk

Once you have transitional milk, the volume greatly increases. This increase allows for milk to absorb/contain more fat. Breastmilk is produced on an ongoing basis by lactating moms. The newest made milk is refered to as foremilk, it is nutritious but not fatty. Only the milk that has been stored in the ducts absorbs more fat and is referred to as hindmilk. I draw an analogy of foremilk being like skim milk and hindmilk is heavy cream. The foremilk quenches the babies thirst and the hind milk satisfies there tummies.

Sometimes babies do not obtain enough hindmilk during feeds and as a result are fussy, frequent eaters who do not gain weight. This usually occurs because moms are feeding improperly. How can you avoid this? Simple. Once your transitional milk comes in (aka engorgement) change your feeding pattern. You are told in the hospital to do 10 minutes on each breast. While this is true for colostrum, it is not the best way to feed with the increased volume of milk. If you continue this 10/10 pattern, babies will usually only empty the foremilk on each breast causing the above listed problems. A better feeding method goes like this: 10 minutes on the left breast, burp baby, put back on left breast for 5-10 minutes OR until baby falls asleep OR until baby is rooting for more and they can start on the right breast. Then for the next feed start with the fullest breast.

How do you know if your baby is getting too much foremilk?

• Fussy baby
• Gassy baby
• Baby feeds very frequently (every 45minutes- hour instead of every 2-3 hours)
• baby has foamy stools

Want to learn more about breastfeeding in an easy to watch DVD? Here is a great one by a board certified lactation consultant.

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