What Is Foremilk and Hindmilk?
Foremilk is the milk your baby gets at the start of a feed. It’s thinner, hydrating, and packed with proteins, lactose, vitamins and minerals – perfect for giving your baby energy and supporting brain and nervous system development. Hindmilk, on the other hand, has a higher fat concentration and provides more calories for growth and development.
It’s important to understand that foremilk and hindmilk aren’t two separate types of milk. Instead, fat content gradually increases as the breast empties. Fat globules are “sticky” and cling to the ducts and alveoli walls in your breast. As feeding progresses and your letdown occurs, the fat globules move into the milk, gradually making it richer – quite like turning on a hot tap and waiting for the water to warm up.
Do you need to let your baby finish one breast before switching to ensure they get enough hindmilk? The answer isn’t black and white (with factors like lactose overload or low milk supply that can influence the way I would answer this), so here’s the grey answer: the fat content increases as the breast empties naturally during feeding, so babies can still get fatty milk even if they don’t fully empty the breast. Did you know that your breastmilk changes throughout the day and night to meet your baby’s needs perfectly? For example, when your breasts are less full – like in the afternoon or evening – your milk actually has more fat and calories to nourish your baby. So even if your breasts feel softer at certain times, don’t worry, your milk is just right.
Did you know: For babies up to 6 weeks old, frequent feeding (cue that evening cluster feeding) is encouraged to help establish and regulate milk supply, with switching sides and responding to hunger cues being key practices. Worried if they’re getting enough fat? Babies who feed more frequently for shorter periods throughout the day have been found to receive the same amount of fat as those who feed less often but for longer.
Fat content in breastmilk can vary naturally between mothers and even throughout the day. What truly supports healthy weight gain is the total volume of milk your baby consumes, not how long they stay on one breast or when they receive hindmilk.
Dinner and Dessert
Rather than focusing on whether your baby is emptying the breast, consider a flexible approach like the ‘dinner and dessert’ method. Let your baby finish feeding on the first breast (think of this as their dinner) offering the second breast as dessert. You’ll find that most of their milk intake will likely come from the first breast, and they may or may not take the second, and that’s ok! When you come to feed them next time, start with the breast that was offered second last time, as it will now serve as their dinner. If your baby’s sucking slows down as they get to the end of a feed, you can try breast compressions to encourage them to drink more. If they keep flutter sucking then wind them and either offer the other breast or, if they are on the second breast, end the feed.
Fun fact: After feeding, you might want to hand-express a few drops of milk onto your nipples – breastmilk can help lubricate and protect against infection.
When Should You Switch Sides?
Instead of following strict rules, focus on your baby’s cues. Here are some signs they may be ready to switch:
- They release the breast on their own.
- They fall asleep or relax at the breast.
- They turn away or seem disinterested.
- Their fists unclench, and their body relaxes.
If your baby still seems hungry after finishing one breast, offer the other side. Alternatively, if they’re content after just one breast, that’s okay too! The key is to follow their lead.
Is My Baby Getting Enough?
Every baby and breastfeeding journey is unique and sometimes googe won’t always be able to tell you that your baby is getting enough. Instead, look out for these key things to ensure your baby is getting enough:
- Regular weight gain and growth.
- Meeting developmental milestones.
- Contentment between feeds.
- Enough wet and dirty nappies (5 wet disposables or 6–8 wet cloth nappies daily).
If you see these signs, your feeding approach is working for you and your baby.
The Role of Education and Support
Breastfeeding can sometimes feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to figure it all out on your own. Working with a lactation consultant (like me!) can provide tailored advice, reassurance, and support as you navigate your journey. I can help you understand your baby’s cues, troubleshoot feeding challenges, and build your confidence.
Check out my feeding services here.
Remember, there’s no right way to breastfeed. It’s about finding what works for you and your baby, trusting your instincts, and staying flexible. Breastfeeding isn’t about following rules – it’s about connection, nourishment, and care.
You’re doing an amazing job, Mama, and I’m here to support you every step of the way.
With love,
B.
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