How long does it take bf babies to reach the hind milk?

[tinkerbug]

My DS is 7 weeks old and have been exclusively BF since birth.

Had some extremely sore nipples for quite a few weeks at first, although these seem to have settled down a bit.

My question is, how can you tell that the baby had reached the hind milk and then emptied the breast? Have tried leaving him on until he comes off himself but left to his own devices he stays on for an hour or more which leaves my nipples so sore I usually take him off and switch breasts. Am concerned he is not getting the hind milk or not fully emptying my boobs! Sometimes I take him off and he is prefectly happy, and obviously full and not rooting.

Also, sometimes he appears to have fallen asleep and is still sucking... should I take him off the breast at this point? Or can babies still eat in their sleep? Or is he not really asleep?

As you may be able to tell I am a 1st time Mum and am worried am doing the wrong thing....

At nights he goes without a feed for up to 8 hours but usually cries for a feed after about 2 hours during the day which seems v odd to me....he is gaining about half an lb per week and has plenty of wet and dirty nappies and seems generally pretty happy. So should I just carry on what I am doing?!!

they don't have to 'reach' the hindmilk, or 'empty' the breast. these are really quite old dated ideas. have you found these in a book? or a midwife/hv?

your best bet for up to date breastfeeding info is kellymom see here

there is no hind milk - there's just milk - baby takes what it needs - end of

I haven't looked at the link, but I recall my (good ) HV telling me that they don't have to clear the foremilk to "get to" the hind milk. They get a mix which gets more calorific as they feed and then drops off (both baby and calories!)

From what I have gathered the foremilk/hindmilk thing is a bit of a red herring and as long as they are on for at least 5 minutes then they will be getting adequate. If you think he has taken plenty and is suckling in his sleep then I would try unlatching him and then see if he stays asleep. You can try pushing his chin up with your finger to stop his mouth falling open after (think this has the rather dubious name of the Pantley Pull-off)

If he is going 8 hours at night count yourself lucky!!!! . My 7 month old doesn't ever go more than 3 hours day or night. I'd say 2 hourly during the day time sounds about right.

Sounds like you are doing a fabulous job, just trust your baby and your own instincts.

Hi! Well done you! It all depends really on how good his latch is, a baby can be sucking (ineffectively) for ages and not get a lot but a good latch will ensure that he gets what he needs. If your niples are still sore then maybe he isn't latched on as well as he could be? Is he taking a deep mouthful of breast and not just sucking on your nipples?

Does he start off with quick little sucks that change to slower, more rhythmic sucks and deep swallowing sounds? If yes then that means that he has triggered the let-down reflex and the hind milk won't be far behind.

Babies can't really 'feed' when they are asleep but they can stay latched on and every so often do little butterfly sucks but this is not really feeding. When you notice this, just break the suction and switch breasts, this should be enough to start him off again. If not then he has probably had enough.

If you are getting a lot of green nappies then that can be a sign that he is not getting enough hind milk. Occasional green nappies are normal.
It sounds to me as though he is gaining weight fine and seems like he has setled into a nice routine for you, he has already worked out the difference between night and day you lucky thing!!

Every two hours during the day,sleeps for 8 hours at night ! at 8 weeks ! you have the dream baby.He is clearly thriving and you are doing great.I would just keep on as you are.All babies like to fall asleep and still have the occasional suckle.If you co-sleep then they would happily do this all night long.I never got the hang of feeding lying down and I have large breasts so I worried about falling asleep while feeding when my babies were v.small and so I fed sitting up and latched them off when they were basically asleep and just having a little suckle every minute or two.They just settled happily at that point.As they get bigger they feed for less time anyway as they are better and faster at suckling.Glad the sore nips are improving,it all gets easier ,honestly.

A MW told me that when their chin wobbles slightly and the sucking slows they have reached the hind milk. My DS was the same, fed for over an hour at each feed (got to watch lots of telly!). good luck and well done on your contented baby