how long till the hind milk?

[MamaChris]

I am bf-ing my 2.5 week old. He tends to feed in 5-10 minute bursts, with a minute or two sleep between. When he's been on the same side for more than 20-30 minutes, I tend to switch sides (mostly because by then my nipple is burning and needs a break!)

But this week I went to a BF-ing support group, and there was a woman whose 4 week old fed (strong sucking the whole time) on the same side for a full 40 minutes before falling asleep. And the BF counsellor said to her that when the baby wakes, she should put her back on the same side so she could get the hind milk.

So my question - how long does it take for the hind milk to come through? How long does a baby need to feed on the same side to get to the hind milk, and how do you know s/he's got some?

Hi there just wondered about this hind milk. I have been told to feed my baby 20mins on breast and 80ml of formula. my we boy is three months but very hungry so reason I have to do top up. But just wondered if I feed him on the one breast for 20 mins will he get the hind milk. And should I change breast for his next feed?

Hi Annabel

Two very important analogies I use with breastfeeding:

1. Breasts are factories, not warehouses (they never empty, they are constantly making milk); and
2. Foremilk/hindmilk is outdated advice. Think of it as turning on a hot tap, you need to run it a little before the cold water turns warm then hot. Then turn it off. Then turn it immediately back on and it will be hot almost straight away. It is the same with your milk.

The best thing you could do for your baby is not to time feeds. Let him feed for as long as he wants on the first breast until he comes off naturally. Then wind him and offer him the second breast until he naturally comes off himself.

You have done brilliant to get this far feeding your little one. Please don't hesitate to pop in to your local Breastfeeding Support group if you need any further advice

Gosh this thread is almost ten years old - and here I am still . Annabel, the advice you have had is a bit puzzling. If you are keen to keep up bf it might be good to ask again if you need to do what you are doing esp if your baby's weight is ok now.