Breastfeeding – Watery breastmilk

When I saw my breast milk for the first time it looked watery and sort of blue. Can that really be nourishing enough for my baby?

Just as the volume of milk is linked to your baby’s needs, so the composition of milk matches baby’s needs too. Baby’s thirst is first quenched by the production of the more watery fore milk. Perhaps this is the milk you saw.

Once the baby has sucked for a time, you will be producing a much richer and more nourishing milk, called hind milk. This is why it is vital to feed for long enough on each breast, because the hind milk has more protein, fat and kilojoules and provides the real food your baby needs. Your breast should be well drained before you change the baby to the other side.

Remind yourself that your milk is perfect for your baby. Keeping a log of frequency and length of feeds can help to reassure you. Coupled with at least eight really wet nappies a day, and a baby who is gaining weight steadily, should help you feel that your baby is getting all the nourishment required.

See also:
Breastfeeding – After Caesarean
Breastfeeding – Alcohol to boost milk
Breastfeeding – Basic info
Breastfeeding – Breast infection continuing feeding
Breastfeeding – Breast infection or mastitis
Breastfeeding – Difficulty
Breastfeeding – Effect of exercise
Breastfeeding – Effect of laughter
Breastfeeding – Engorgement Discomfort
Breastfeeding – Engorgement Pain Relief
Breastfeeding – Engorgement Reason
Breastfeeding – Fear
Breastfeeding – Feeding positions
Breastfeeding – Feeding when ill
Breastfeeding – Frequent feeding
Breastfeeding – Importance
Breastfeeding – Increasing Milk
Breastfeeding – In the beginnning
Breastfeeding – Jaundice
Breastfeeding – Latching
Breastfeeding – Leaking Milk
Breastfeeding – Let-down Reflex
Breastfeeding – Medication
Breastfeeding – Milk Consistency
Breastfeeding – Milk Release
Breastfeeding – Milk Starting
Breastfeeding – Mother’s Sickness
Breastfeeding – Mother’s Stress
Breastfeeding – Mother’s Thirst
Breastfeeding – Nipples Healing
Breastfeeding – Nipples Painful
Breastfeeding – Nipples Washing
Breastfeeding – Overdue Baby
Breastfeeding – Reasons Not To
Breastfeeding – Restless Baby
Breastfeeding – Second Baby
Breastfeeding – Shape Of Breasts
Breastfeeding – Simplicity
Breastfeeding – Sleepy Baby
Breastfeeding – Some Advantages
Breastfeeding – Weight Loss
Breastfeeding – When To Wean
Breastfeeding – World breast feeding day