Difference between foremilk and hindmilk

Foremilk : This is the milk that the baby gets at the beginning of a feeding session. It is watery and high volume but low in fat and bluish in color . The fat volume increases and volume decreases as breastfeeding continues. Foremilk is high in carbohydrates, proteins and vitamins.

Hindmilk : This contains more fat than the rest of the milk. It is therefore rich in calories and nutrients. It looks thicker and darker in color.  It is important that babies feed long enough to get hind milk. To get this milk, breastfeeding or pumping should be done till one breast is emptied before going to the next breast. This requires at least breastfeeding for about 10 to 20 minutes on each breast.

NOTE

The longer a woman waits to breastfeed,  the more foremilk is allowed to collect  and the longer it will take the baby to receive hindmilk. Foremilk is high in lactose which is essential for brain development and also quenches the child’s thirst. Hindmilk is essential for growth and helps the baby feel full.