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.
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