Foremilk/Hindmilk and a lot of confusion!

Something that comes up a lot is the question of foremilk, hindmilk and how to ensure baby gets not too much of the first, yet enough of the latter.

So what’s the deal?

Recently in the world of breastfeeding support, there has been a movement to drop the terms “fore” and “hind milk”.

Breasts only make one type of milk and using two names proves confusing to many.

As the breast fills, the increased volume of milk causes the sticky fat globules to adhere to the walls of the alveoli and to each other. This means that when the letdown or milk ejection occurs and the milk moves down the ducts, that which is expelled first is lower in fat - because it has moved down without large amounts of fat (that’s still stuck higher up).

As this milk is released, it allows the fat to become dislodged and then this can also begin moving towards the nipple. Thus the milk gradually becomes fattier as volume within the breast decreases. At the end of a feed when the breast is nearly empty, fat moves freely and levels are at their highest.

"Foremilk" is just as valuable

Because the first milk can look more watery, it's common for people to feel it isn't as important or is less nutritious, yet this isn't the case.  Lactose fuels brain-growth and as the breast drains, the fattier milk help baby to feel fuller for longer.

The fact is that there is no magical amount of time to spend at the breast as there are too many variables.

We know that whilst most women are capable of producing roughly the same mean amount over 24 hours, the amount held in the “initial store” varies from mum to mum (NOT related to breast size).

Babies also feed at different rates; some will be fast, effective “power feeders”, and others take their time as though savouring every mouthful. Much like adults really, how often at a table is everyone ready for a round at exactly the same time?

So let’s look at how trying to apply the rules often suggested works out.

Take a mum with a pretty typical supply - she puts baby to her breast and he gets a nice hit of thirst quenching lower fat milk. As he feeds the fat levels start to increase and he’s just starting to feel satiated. Suddenly the mum (looking at the clock) realises baby has been feeding for the x minutes she was advised to feed for and swaps him over to the other breast.

Baby is met with more thirst quenching but lower fat milk, which fills up his tummy – but due to the overall lower levels of fat, he’s hungry again half an hour later, possibly windy and very unsettled too as his body struggles to breakdown the higher levels of lactose. 

Any unprocessed lactose can sit fermenting and symptoms can be very similar to those of a dairy or secondary lactose intolerance, colic or reflux.

Baby b in contrast, has quickly and effectively munched his way through mum’s smaller initial store and is ready for another big hit rather than the drip drip he is receiving. He’s had lots of fatty milk from the first breast and so quite enjoys more quenching milk, like a mid meal beverage. He might even go on to empty that one too…

So two babies have responded completely differently to the same course of action.

This time, instead of swapping at x minutes – this mum is concerned about sticking to one breast as advised to ensure baby gets hindmilk. This suits baby a, as this time he gets to finish his feed.

Baby b however is as mentioned, ready for more big guns – but instead is repeatedly coaxed back on to the first breast. Eventually baby gives up and falls asleep or remains unsettled, crying then windy and wants to feed again 30 minutes later.

See why there are no hard and fast rules?

The only way to know how long to feed your baby and on which breast is to watch the baby – they are the ones feeding.

When baby is feeding she will let you know she has finished with that side by either falling asleep or pulling away from the breast. This is likely to take roughly 10-20 minutes. Some babies do it in less and thrive, others slightly longer; but if baby is feeding for much longer ie 40 mins plus and then wants to do the same the other side or naps briefly and lightly before wanting to resume feeding (ie appearing hungry again) it may be worth seeking support to ensure baby is feeding effectively.

Babies can also pull away from the breast shortly into a feed due to discomfort and one reason for this might be they need to burp. So if baby pulls off after a few minutes of effective feeding - winding before reoffering the same breast can be an idea as sometimes they will then continue happily feeding.

If they had actually finished with that side, when reoffered baby will perhaps feed for a moment or two (or refuse outright) before repeating the sign to let you know they’ve done, ie sleeping or pulling away.

You can then offer the other side. Again there are no rules and if you need to run to the shops or drive to a baby group and baby is happy and content, you can always offer the other side when you get there or when baby lets you know they are ready for more. That’s the convenience and ease of breastfeeding over having to prepare and use something instantly.

Some babies will always have at least some of the second breast if not all, others will refuse – some will have two and some feeds and one at others.  It's generally polite to offer, rather like being offered the desert menu in a restaurant.

As you get to know your baby you will recognise roughly how long they like to feed, whether they get windy and so on – until which side becomes as instinctive as lifting your top. Each mother and baby combination is unique but following your babies cues ensures you meet the needs of your baby.