Breastfeeding – Milk Consistency

Is breast milk similar to formula, all the same consistency?

One of the amazing attributes of breast milk is that it is designed to fulfill your baby’s needs. So the initial milk, called foremilk, is watery and designed to quench baby’s thirst. As the baby suckles and triggers the let-down reflex, the richer hind milk is released which satisfies the baby’s hunger and keeps the baby content for longer. The calories, protein and fat that the baby needs to thrive are contained in this hind milk and thus it is essential to feed until each breast is emptied. Changing the baby over to the second breast too quickly can mean that the baby gets mainly foremilk. Since it is less satisfying and less nourishing than hind milk, the risk is that the baby is full but does not get the nourishment required and does not stay full for long. This can lead to a difficult situation in which you are frequently feeding a baby who seems constantly dissatisfied. The simple act of feeding on one side until the breast feels empty can go a long way to resolving this problem.

See also:
Breastfeeding – After Caesarean
Breastfeeding – Alcohol to boost milk
Breastfeeding – Basic info
Breastfeeding – Breast infection continuing feeding
Breastfeeding – Breast infection or mastitis
Breastfeeding – Difficulty
Breastfeeding – Effect of exercise
Breastfeeding – Effect of laughter
Breastfeeding – Engorgement Discomfort
Breastfeeding – Engorgement Pain Relief
Breastfeeding – Engorgement Reason
Breastfeeding – Fear
Breastfeeding – Feeding positions
Breastfeeding – Feeding when ill
Breastfeeding – Frequent feeding
Breastfeeding – Importance
Breastfeeding – Increasing Milk
Breastfeeding – In the beginnning
Breastfeeding – Jaundice
Breastfeeding – Latching
Breastfeeding – Leaking Milk
Breastfeeding – Let-down Reflex
Breastfeeding – Medication
Breastfeeding – Milk Release
Breastfeeding – Milk Starting
Breastfeeding – Mother’s Sickness
Breastfeeding – Mother’s Stress
Breastfeeding – Mother’s Thirst
Breastfeeding – Nipples Healing
Breastfeeding – Nipples Painful
Breastfeeding – Nipples Washing
Breastfeeding – Overdue Baby
Breastfeeding – Reasons Not To
Breastfeeding – Restless Baby
Breastfeeding – Second Baby
Breastfeeding – Shape Of Breasts
Breastfeeding – Simplicity
Breastfeeding – Sleepy Baby
Breastfeeding – Some Advantages
Breastfeeding – Watery Breastmilk
Breastfeeding – Weight Loss
Breastfeeding – When To Wean
Breastfeeding – World breast feeding day