Foremilk and Hind milk imbalance: How to fix it?

July 6, 2022January 27, 2023 | Srilekha

Mother’s milk or breastmilk is the very first food the baby consumes after birth. From immunity to nutrient intake and balance, mother’s milk provides all of it to the baby. Breast milk is generally known to have two components – foremilk and hindmilk. Hence, any imbalance in the composition of foremilk and hind milk can badly affect the health of the baby. Read more to understand what is foremilk and hind milk imbalance and ways to overcome them.

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What are hind milk and fore milk?

Hindmilk and foremilk are not at all separate milk. These terms indicate the time of feeding whether in the beginning or end of feeding the baby. The breast milk that the infant receives at the beginning of a nursing session is referred to as foremilk; it contains less fat and more water. As breastfeeding continues, the amount of breast milk decreases and its fatty content steadily rises. The hindmilk is the breast milk that is produced at the end of the nursing session and has a lower volume but a much higher fat content.

Also, check NUTRITIONAL NEEDS FOR BREASTFEEDING MOMS

What is hind milk and foremilk imbalance?

Hindmilk and foremilk imbalance is a condition where breast milk does not have a good mixture of hindmilk and foremilk for feeding the baby.

Usually, the mother’s breast produces only one type of milk which is naturally rich in fat. But, as the feeding is continued, the amount of fat in the breast milk varies. When the milk is produced in the breast, the globules of the fat in the milk stick to each other and move towards the walls of the alveoli. When there is a gap between the feedings, the milk gets collected inside the breast and then slowly moves towards the nipples leaving behind the fat in the milk ducts. When there is more gap between the two feedings, the fat content in the milk reduces in comparison with the fat content at the beginning of the feeding.

Also check, 11 Foods to increase breast size

Causes of hind milk and foremilk imbalance:

When the baby is breastfed in the proper manner, it receives a good mixture of hindmilk and foremilk. However, the baby when too hungry and quickly drinks the milk, or when the baby switches between breasts, there will not be proper mixing of foremilk and hindmilk and as a result, the baby consumes more foremilk than the hindmilk.

Also, check HOW TO INCREASE BREAST MILK: 7 FOODS TO EAT?

Symptoms of hindmilk and foremilk imbalance:

1. Baby when passes blood in poop:

When there is foremilk and hindmilk imbalance while baby feeds, there is more pressure on the digestive system. They may pass gas which causes their sensitive anal area and intestine to be pressurized frequently. This might result in the blood spots occuring in the poop of the baby.

Also, check BABY POOP TYPES AND COLOUR: WHAT DOES IT MEAN?

2. Regular and Repetitive Problems of digestion:

Milk imbalance usually causes digestion problems regularly. The major evidence for that is gastric problem. Babies may fart more often and burp many times in this case.

3. Reduced weight:

Breast milk forms a strong foundation for a baby’s nutrition as it facilitates weight gain and builds the fat necessary to keep the body warm and immune. But, as the hindmilk contains more of these nutrients than the foremilk, any imbalance in their composition may result in reduced weight of the baby.

Also, check HOW TO INCREASE WEIGHT IN BABIES?

4. Required to feed more frequently:

As the hindmilk has more fat, it fills up the stomach of the baby and makes him feel satisfied. If there is no hindmilk, the foremilk which is thin and light cannot satisfy the baby and the baby demands to be fed more and more.

5. Occurrence of diaper rashes:

The hindmilk and foremilk imbalance changes the whole milk’s nature. It may result in slightly acidic milk, resulting in difficulties in pooping, leading to diaper rashes.

6. Gastric Problems:

The baby may suffer from stomach pain due to gas, and sometimes colic attacks. Some babies release gas by farting and burping but others may not do that. As a result, the stomach muscles may tighten and spasm, and your child may tend to cry loudly, and may sleep in a foetal position to relieve the pain. It may also result in a swollen belly.

7. Babies may poop immediately after being breastfed:

In case of an imbalance of hindmilk and foremilk, there will be a larger amount of foremilk which hardly gives the stomach and intestines any time to do their work. Milk now passes directly forward, resulting in immediate bowel movement and poop.

8. Unnatural texture and nature of poop:

A Baby’s poop indicates how healthy the child is and whether or not the baby is receiving the right nutrition. Breast milk, if imbalanced, will contain more lactose than usual. The baby’s poop may get a green tint and liquid nature rather than solid.

How to combat foremilk and hind milk imbalance?

Give Breastfeeding the Time and Patience it Deserves:

For most of the mothers and every baby, breastfeeding is a new experience. After many trials and errors, both will adjust to each other’s preferences, positions, and time schedules and finally end up on the one that works for both. So, it’s important for both baby and mother to be patient so that the breastfeeding experience is comfortable.

Pump Out a Little Milk Before Breastfeeding Your Baby:

Foremilk comes first before the fatty hindmilk. Hence, it’s important to pump out some of it before feeding the baby if it is getting full by the foremilk itself. This would frame a good balance of both foremilk and hindmilk, enabling the baby the right kind of nutrition.

Having a break in between breastfeeding cycles:

It’s common for many moms to finish one breast’s milk before switching to the other. This gap is much more before continuing the feeding by the other breast. It’s good to make the child burp and then giving him some rest ensures that he can feed for a longer time and mom can get a good proportion of hindmilk, too.

Trying different breastfeeding positions:

In cases of milk imbalance, lying on your side helps to provide a good flow of milk, also helps the baby to take a small nap in between feeding, and makes him drink more. Otherwise, you can lie down and place the baby on top of you or adopt an upright position of sitting, which helps to give the baby more control over feeding.

Also, check 12 BEST FOODS TO INCREASE BREAST MILK SUPPLY

Initiate Breastfeeding the Moment Your Baby Is Hungry:

If the child is hungry for a longer time, it will become more aggressive and his breastfeeding will be devouring. This may result in drinking higher foremilk compared to hindmilk. Immediately feed him once you understand he is hungry and he will get both kinds of milk in the right proportion.

Extend Your Feeding Duration as Much as Possible:

The breastfeeding cycle of a baby can be compared to a three-course meal. The foremilk increases the appetite, whereas the hind milk supplies the majority of the proportion of a meal. Biologically, the hindmilk may take some time to start flowing from your breast. Hence, by increasing your breastfeeding time frame, you can make sure a fulfilled meal for your baby each time.

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Nutritional Needs for Breastfeeding Moms

May 26, 2022November 25, 2022 | Srilekha

Breastfeeding is one of the most nutritionally demanding times in a woman’s life, particularly during the first three months of lactation. During this time, a woman needs a rich supply of protein, carbohydrates, healthy fats and more. But exactly which foods provide the nutrients her body — and her growing baby — need? Read on to learn more about nutritional requirements and diet for breastfeeding moms, which help their kid grow and maintain a healthy weight.

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Nutritional needs in lactation:

It is always vital to have a nutritious diet, but it is more crucial during nursing.

Breastfeeding consumes a significant amount of both energy and nutrients. It’s critical that diet for breastfeeding moms includes the following nutrients:

Calcium
Iodine
Iron
Vitamin D and
Other vitamins

For adequate breast milk production, to meet the nutritional needs of the infant and for your own health and well-being, you require these nutrients. Consume a diverse range of healthful meals on a daily basis.

Energy:

During the first six months, the diet for breastfeeding moms requires an additional 550 kcal per day. Although the milk supply is lowered when an Indian woman continues to lactate beyond six months, an additional 400 kcal per day is required from six to twelve months.

PROTEIN:

Diet for breastfeeding moms must include more protein than non-lactating mothers. During the 0 to 6 month and 6 to 12 month periods of breastfeeding, an extra protein of 16.8g per day and 12g per day should be added to the diet, respectively.

For optimum milk production, enough amounts of high-quality protein (milk, cheese, paneer, curds, poultry, eggs, cereal pulse combinations, nuts) should be provided in the diet.

Milk volume will be reduced if protein and calories are insufficient in the diet. However, if very little protein is consumed, the quantity of casein (milk protein) may be lowered as well.

FATS:

To achieve necessary fatty acid requirements, extra fat should be consumed. This proportion of fat in the diet would offer sufficient energy density to meet the greater energy requirements of nursing women.

CALCIUM:

Nursing mothers are estimated to lose 3-5 percent of their bone mass. This occurs due to the baby’s increasing calcium need. To acquire the recommended intake of 1,000 mg per day, the mother should consume at least 3 to 4 servings of calcium-rich foods each day (milk, yoghurt, sardines, almonds, spinach, or tofu).

IRON:

During breastfeeding, no extra iron is required. Because milk is a poor supplier of this mineral, the baby is born with sufficient stores. The extra iron in the diet of breastfeeding moms does not pass on to the baby, but iron-rich foods are crucial for the mother’s health. Try to include foods like dairy products, eggs, seafood, or iodized table salt.

VITAMIN D:

It is necessary for bone formation because it aids calcium absorption. Breastfeeding women require 400 IU of vitamin D every day. Vitamin D can also be found in cereals, eggs, orange juice, fortified milk, yoghurt and other foods.

Vitamin needs rise with those for calories, proteins, and calcium during breastfeeding. The key vitamins required in higher amounts at this time include vitamin A, B1, B2, B3, C, folic acid, and vitamin B12.

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2 tablespoons of Milk Jaggery Spread will help to boost milk quality, supply and meet the nutritional requirements of the nursing moms and baby.

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Foods that help to meet the nutritional needs of Breastfeeding moms:

1. Fenugreek:

Fenugreek is one of the most effective meals for increasing milk supply and quality. It helps in adding vitamin A, B1, B2, C and calcium to activate the mammary glands to boost the production of breast milk which helps to increase weight in newborns.

Also check, Nuts and seeds that help with milk production

2. Moringa:

Moringa is rich in iron, vital for a nursing mom. It helps in restoring the lost blood during labour. Also, Moringa, being high in Vitamin K, aids in blood coagulation. It is very beneficial for ladies who are experiencing heavy postpartum bleeding. Consuming moringa leaves can also assist with labour discomfort. The anti-inflammatory and antibacterial characteristics can help in removing uterine sluggishness following birth.

Also, check 20 Best foods for Healthy Body and Hair

3. Shatavari:

This Ayurvedic herb has been used to help women with breastfeeding concerns, aids cellular damage, boosts immunity, and helps with constipation. Shatavari has antidepressant chemicals as well. As a result, it can help to prevent postpartum depression or anxiety, which are common among nursing moms.

4. Ginger:

Breastfeeding women who wish to produce a good milk supply or maintain their supply might benefit from consuming ginger.
It is widely administered to women in the early postpartum period to aid in the healing process.
Digestive enzymes supplied on to the infant through breast milk may help digestion in a baby’s undeveloped stomach, alleviating colic symptoms in newborns.

Also, check How to gain weight for kids?

5. Nuts:

Nuts like peanuts, Almonds, Cashew, and Hazelnut are packed with protein and fibre. It is rich in micronutrients like zinc, iron, copper, and folic acid. Some people are concerned about the high-fat content of nuts, although the majority of the fat is “healthy” monounsaturated fat. These nuts help to boost milk production. These are a reasonably good source of proteins and healthy fats, ensuring a healthy weight gain for the baby.

Also check, Best nuts and seeds

6. Seeds:

During the first two years of life, the brain grows at its fastest. As a result, the crucial fatty acid DHA, which promotes brain development, is a key component of breast milk. Moms may ensure that their milk is full of omega-3 fatty acids by consuming omega-3 fatty acid-rich foods such as ground flax seeds, chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds.

Also, check Baby Poop Types and Colour: What does it mean?

7. Jaggery:

Iron and essential minerals like potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus are abundant in jaggery. It helps in the build-up of milk in the breast. Eating it with a piece of Garlic can help boost breast milk production.

Also, check Growth Spurts in Kids

8. Turmeric:

For hundreds of years, this golden spice has been utilised in Ayurvedic medicine as the best galactagogue (the food that boosts milk production). Hence, Turmeric may help nursing mothers by increasing milk production, boosting immunity, relieving pain, and lowering depression.

9. Vitamin E:

Vitamin E is only transferred to the foetus through the placenta during pregnancy, therefore breast milk is the only source of this nutrient for exclusively breastfed newborns. This is an important strategy to provide the infant with antioxidant protection while also stimulating immune system development. A strong immune system is also responsible for healthy weight gain.

10. Sunflower lecithin:

It is a natural fat emulsifier that can aid to lessen the “thickness and stickiness” of milk. It may also help release existing fatty blockages, boosting milk flow and quantity of milk supply.

Also, check Hearing aids and Speech development

11. Cocoa solids:

It’s chocolate, but it’s healthy!!! It can assist nursing mothers in increasing their milk production. It not only delivers excellent nutrition to enhance a nursing mother’s milk production, but it also gives a slew of additional health advantages to a new mother.

12. Cinnamon:

Cinnamon promotes the flow of mother’s milk. For milk stimulation, combine honey, milk, and cinnamon powder. Having honey and cinnamon is therefore not only healthful but is also a fantastic choice for increasing milk production.

Also, check Role of Prebiotics and Probiotics in Digestion