Should I throw away the foremilk?

Understanding Foremilk and Hindmilk
When it comes to breastfeeding, the terms foremilk and hindmilk are crucial for understanding the nutritional dynamics of breast milk. Foremilk is the milk that is released at the beginning of a feeding session, characterized by its lower fat content and higher lactose levels. In contrast, hindmilk is the richer, creamier milk that comes later in the feeding, packed with essential fats and calories that are vital for a baby’s growth and development.
The Dilemma of Discarding Foremilk
The question of whether to throw away foremilk often arises for mothers dealing with issues like overactive letdown or oversupply. Many mothers find themselves in situations where their babies are gassy or uncomfortable after feedings, leading them to consider pumping or expressing foremilk before breastfeeding. This practice aims to ensure that the baby receives more hindmilk, which is believed to be more satisfying and beneficial for their nutritional needs.
However, the notion of discarding foremilk can be troubling for many mothers. Breast milk is often referred to as “liquid gold,” and the idea of wasting any part of it can feel counterintuitive. Some mothers express their reluctance to throw away what they perceive as valuable nutrition, even if it may not be ideal for their baby’s immediate needs.
Should You Discard Foremilk?
The decision to discard foremilk is not straightforward and depends on individual circumstances. For mothers experiencing oversupply, pumping out foremilk can help manage the flow and reduce discomfort for the baby. In these cases, it might be beneficial to express some foremilk before breastfeeding to allow the baby to access the richer hindmilk more quickly.
However, it’s important to note that foremilk is not devoid of nutritional value. While it may not be as calorie-dense as hindmilk, it still contains essential nutrients and hydration. Therefore, instead of discarding it, some mothers choose to save the foremilk for later use, such as mixing it with other milk or using it in a bottle for a later feeding.
Conclusion
In summary, whether to throw away foremilk is a personal decision that should be made based on the specific needs of both the mother and the baby. While managing oversupply and ensuring the baby receives adequate hindmilk is important, mothers should also consider the nutritional value of foremilk and explore options for utilizing it rather than discarding it entirely. Ultimately, the goal is to create a comfortable and nourishing breastfeeding experience for both mother and child.

Can too much foremilk make a baby sick?

‌This out-of-balance amount of foremilk causes a lactose overload for your baby. The undigested lactose has nowhere to go but the large intestine, where it gets fermented and creates a lot of gas. This gas is the root of your baby’s foremilk/hindmilk imbalance symptoms.

Is foremilk worth keeping?

It’s not exactly two types of milk, it’s a continuum with more fat getting into the milk the longer you feed. “Foremilk” is just as good as “hindmilk”. It is the quantity of milk alone, not the fore/hindmilk balance, that provides baby with adequate nutrition and calories.

What time of day is breast milk the fattiest?

Breastmilk at night
For most mothers, breastmilk will gradually increase in fat content throughout the day. During the evening, young babies often cluster feed, taking in frequent feeds of this fattier milk, which tends to satisfy them enough to have their longest stretch of sleep.

What does unhealthy baby poop look like?

Poop abnormalities
Color: A blackish stool or greenish stool or reddish stool with or without mucous (normal stool is yellowish). Quantity: Too much or too little. Presence of worms in stool, presence of a foreign body in stool, frothy stools, etc. The baby passes lots of gas and yet seems uncomfortable.

How to tell if baby is getting too much foremilk?

Babies with lactose overload can appear like they’re suffering from a digestive disorder. They may have a lot of flatulence/gassiness (wind), green, foamy or frothy, explosive stools and pain which will usually be noticeable with lots of screaming, not just grumbling or occasional complaining.

What does baby poop with milk allergy look like?

Green, bloody, or mucus-tinged stool—along with some other issues—could indicate a milk allergy. If you suspect your baby has a cow’s milk protein allergy, keep an eye out for these common issues that may occur shortly after feeding: wheezing, coughing, swelling, a rash, gas, crying, and unusual poops.

Should I get rid of foremilk?

Getting too much foremilk is also believed to cause stomach and gastrointestinal (GI) issues in babies because of how quickly the foremilk passes through their digestive system. The undigested lactose from all that foremilk can cause symptoms such as: Gas. Abdominal pain.

What to do with extra foremilk?

So what to do with excess breast milk when the freezer is full?

• Invest in a deep freezer
• Donate to a milk bank
• Donate breast milk informally
• Milk baths (and other random uses for breast milk)

What does foremilk poop look like?

Light green: Consistent green stools in a breastfed baby can indicate an imbalance of foremilk/hindmilk. Foremilk is the low-calorie milk that comes first in a feeding. Hindmilk, which is high in fat, comes second in a feeding. Try feeding longer on each breast.

How long does a baby need to feed to get hindmilk?

You may have read or been told that you must nurse for at least 15 minutes for the baby to get the “good milk” a.k.a. “the hindmilk.” Not true. Some babies get it immediately, for some babies it takes 45 minutes. This depends on your milk supply, the time of day, and the last time you expressed milk.