foremilk
Initial breast secretion
Foremilk is the milk produced at the beginning of a breastfeeding session, before the fattier hindmilk flows.
It is thinner, more watery, and higher in lactose than the milk that comes later.
The distinction matters to nursing mothers and lactation consultants because an imbalance—too much foremilk relative to hindmilk—can cause digestive discomfort in infants.
Initial postpartum milk
- hindmilkFat-rich later lactation
- letdownFailure to satisfy expectations
- latchDoor-securing catch
- nursingMedical caretaking profession
suckle · engorgement · expressing · breast pump · pumping · lactation consultant · nipple · areola
Initial postpartum milk
- hindmilkFat-rich later lactation
- prolactinMilk-production hormone
- oxytocinBonding neurotransmitter from hypothalamus
- lactogenesisOnset of milk secretion
mammary gland · alveoli · secretion · hormonal · postpartum · fat content · watery · thinner
Initial postpartum milk
- hindmilkFat-rich later lactation
- antibodiesProteins targeting pathogens
- immunoglobulinsProtective blood proteins
- proteinsAmino acid polymers
lactose · hydration · carbohydrates · fatty acids · whey · casein · electrolytes · vitamins
colostrum
Initial postpartum milk
nursing · suckle · engorgement · expressing · breast pump · pumping · lactation consultant · nipple · areola · breastfed
colostrum
Initial postpartum milk
- hindmilkFat-rich later lactation
- prolactinMilk-production hormone
- oxytocinBonding neurotransmitter from hypothalamus
lactogenesis · mammary gland · alveoli · secretion · hormonal · postpartum · fat content · watery · thinner
colostrum
Initial postpartum milk
- hindmilkFat-rich later lactation
- antibodiesProteins targeting pathogens
- immunoglobulinsProtective blood proteins
proteins · lactose · hydration · carbohydrates · fatty acids · whey · casein · electrolytes · vitamins · minerals
colostrum
Initial postpartum milk
satiety · growth · development · bonding · maternal · immunity · digestive system · colic · gassiness · imbalance
- infant feedingbaby bottle, baby formula, bottle feeding, formula feeding, infant formula
- Breast Milkcolostrum, hindmilk, lactose, whey, casein