What To Do Instead of Worrying About Foremilk and Hindmilk
FYI, foremilk/hindmilk imbalance is now called lactose overload
If you’ve ever Googled anything about breastfeeding, some random webpage has popped up telling you your baby isn’t getting enough hindmilk or fatty milk. Am I wrong? Websites like this perpetuate the idea that something is wrong with you or with your milk or that you’re doing something wrong. This blog aims to demystify these concepts, guiding you through what you really need to know about your breast milk's composition, and what lactose overload truly means for your baby.
Understanding Foremilk and Hindmilk: The Basics
Foremilk is the milk available at the beginning of a feeding. It's generally thinner and lower in fat. Foremilk is meant to satisfy thirst. Hindmilk, on the other hand, comes later in the feeding and is richer in fat content. Hindmilk is meant to satiate hunger. It's crucial to understand that this distinction is more about the gradual change in milk composition during a feeding, rather than two distinctly different types of milk. There is no point in the feeding where foremilk switches to hindmilk.
Research indicates that the concern over foremilk and hindmilk imbalance, often blamed for issues like infant fussiness or gas, is largely overstated. Breast milk changes continuously and naturally throughout a feeding to meet your baby's needs.
With a paid subscription, you can dive into our latest blog where we unravel the myths surrounding foremilk and hindmilk in breastfeeding. Learn why concerns about milk imbalance are often exaggerated and explore what lactose overload really means for your baby. We provide insightful, evidence-based info on managing lactose overload and optimizing your milk's fat content for your baby's needs. Join us and get practical steps you can take right now to make feeding better.
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