Expert: ruth kraft - 12/2/2009

Question
Hi,

Help please...

I have been giving my daughter only hindmilk. Does this mean that she's not getting enough lactose?

I naturally produce about 50 ounces of milk everyday. My daughter is now 7 months old and she's still exclusively breastfed. She doesn't latch anymore though from the time she reached her 2nd month. Since I produce more milk than she needs, I normally just pump and store the 1st 3ounces of each breast every time I express milk, then I only give her very creamy hindmilk. Is this bad? I learned that more lactose is present in the foremilk? Does this mean that she's not getting enough lactose for brain development. Is too much fat in the hindmilk bad as well? I'm really worried.

Thanks,
Mikaela

Answer
If she is developmentally where she needs to be, then I wouldn't worry at all. I have never heard of this ( only giving hind milk ) although there have been studies that say that there is always some "hind milk" at first and vice versa. So, I wouldn't worry really. If your really worried about it, then after you pump say 8 ounces, mix the bottle completely and then give her that bottle of milk. freeze the rest for later, but then its all mixed in and there is no concern to have. Good luck :) If you have way way too much milk that you know you won't use, please donate it to a milk bank for sick and preemie babies.