Hand vs pump expression

[flyingma]

I have recently purchased the Ameda Lactaline pump on recommendation from MN to take over from the hand expressing I have been doing in an attempt to up my supply to catch up with DS' intake.

Each machine expression session (both sides) goes for about 20 min on the manufacturer recommendation. Each session does not produce enough for a feed so I am storing in the fridge till I accumulate enough to replace a bottle feed.

I have noticed that since I switched from hand expression, the floaty white bits (I am assuming fats) seem to be less than before. Am I being paranoid or am I perhaps only managing to machine-express foremilk and none of the hindmilk.

Some of the lactation ppl I have spoke to say that recent research shows that fore or hind milk both have the same amount of fat so in a sense is equally good for my baby. But I read something else that said that if the baby gets too much foremilk and not enough hindmilk, it can make them colicky? We are stuggling with wind/ colick probs at the moment despite the Infacol so wonder if this might be contributing? DS is 5 weeks tomorrow.

disclaimer: I have never expressed and just put DS to the breast to increase supply (he wasn't as young as yours)and I am just a BF mother rather than an "expert"
BUT
won't the machine expressed milk remove the milk at greater pressure and sort of mix the bigger milk solids through the milk, whereas the hand expression is gentler and therefore the milk solids stay separate, iyswim...?

As far as fore/hind milk goes, I think the thing to do (from my MN education!) is not to worry too much about all that and instead just don't limit time at the breast.