When it comes to breastmilk bunkum, Wendy Lever IBCLC has probably heard it all, so this Unii Babies episode is essential listening.

Is hindmilk the key to developing a heavier, healthier baby? This Unii Babies episode sheds some light on the subject. “I think the breastfeeding myth that makes me want to smack my head against a brick wall the most is the whole foremilk/hindmilk thing,” says Wendy Lever, Unii Baby Feeding Expert and lactation consultant. “I don't know if you've heard of this. So, where babies who have faltering growth, or are not gaining weight as quickly as possible, mums are often told to keep them longer on the one breast so that they get that hindmilk.” She explains the problem with this advice to our host, paediatrician Dr. Saranya Ravindran. Hindmilk is supposedly really fatty and people think of foremilk as water. But there's no two distinct types of milk! The emptier the breast gets, the slightly higher fat content there is. But ultimately it’s the volume [of milk intake that] drives weight gain. And actually the best thing for those babies to be doing is switching sides really frequently to get as much volume as they can.”

Our lactation expert, who requalifies every five years, constantly impresses us with the breadth of her knowledge. “Even if there is two or three calories more per tablespoon in that hind milk, if they drink 10 mls of the hind milk, but 50 mls of milk from the other side, total calories are still much greater by switching and getting more milk. But the number of babies who have faltering growth, who essentially get half their food taken away from them in this endless search for hindmilk, is very frustrating.” So, there you have it, mums! Milk is milk and, where light babies are concerned, volume is what matters.

Whether breast or bottle-feeding works for you personally, we know you and your baby will benefit from completing Wendy’s Baby Feeding Journey with Unii.com. Sign up for a trial to learn about weaning, how to know when breastfeeding is going well, and choosing the right bottle. And join Wendy and Unii Babies host Dr. Saranya Ravindran for more exclusive baby feeding advice in this fascinating Unii Babies podcast episode.

Unii Babies is created and owned by London-based family wellbeing educational platform Unii.com, which offers hundreds of episodes of expert-led video courses and a library of medically reviewed articles devoted to improving both baby and child health and your parenting journey. We can also have your parenting questions expertly answered. Contact us with what you want to know, and you may see one of our experts discuss it on our podcast or Unii.com: Because Family Matters.

The Unii Babies podcast is for reference and entertainment purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice and should not be relied upon as such. Specific medical advice about your specific circumstances should always be sought separately before taking or deciding not to take any action.

Unii’s Baby Feeding Expert: "The Hindmilk Myth Makes Me Want to Smack My Head"

Unii’s Baby Feeding Expert: "The Hindmilk Myth Makes Me Want to Smack My Head"