Breast-Feeding: Hindmilk

Topic Overview

Hindmilk makes up the last two-thirds of the milk in each breast. It contains more fat than the rest of the milk, called foremilk, so it is rich in calories and nutrients. It is important for babies to breast-feed long enough on one breast to get the hindmilk.

To get to the hindmilk, breast-feeding (or pumping) should continue on one breast until it is emptied. This usually requires at least 10 to 20 minutes of breast-feeding per breast.

Related Information

Credits

ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical ReviewerSarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical ReviewerKirtly Jones, MD, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology
Last RevisedApril 14, 2011
By: Healthwise StaffLast Revised: April 14, 2011
Medical Review: Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine
Kirtly Jones, MD, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology

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