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Breast-Feeding: Hindmilk

Topic Overview

Hindmilk makes up the last two-thirds of the milk in each breast. It contains more fat than the rest of the milk, called foremilk, so it is rich in calories and nutrients. It is important for babies to breast-feed long enough on one breast to get the hindmilk.

To get to the hindmilk, breast-feeding (or pumping) should continue on one breast until it is emptied. This usually requires at least 10 to 20 minutes of breast-feeding per breast.

Related Information

Credits

By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Kirtly Jones, MD, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology
Last Revised April 14, 2011

Last Revised: April 14, 2011

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine & Kirtly Jones, MD, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology

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