Breastfeeding: Hindmilk

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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 breastfeed long enough on one breast to get the hindmilk.

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

Other Places To Get Help

Organizations

La Leche League International
www.llli.org
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: Women's Health
www.hrsa.gov/womenshealth/index.html

Related Information

Credits

ByHealthwise Staff

Primary Medical ReviewerSarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine

Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine

Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine

Specialist Medical ReviewerKirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology

Current as ofMarch 16, 2017