If you're a breastfeeding mother, it can be difficult to decide if your breastmilk is properly nourishing your infant. Do you want to know how to make breast milk fattier for your little one? Understandably, this is a worry that many mothers have.
Thankfully, there are plenty of measures to take to boost the fat content levels within your breast milk supply.
All About Breast Milk
Breast milk is amazing - not only is it beneficial for your baby, but it's also free and available on demand. It adapts to meet the changing needs of your baby as they grow and develop from the perfect first food to the ideal nourishment to cater to their growth and development.
Rich in vitamins, minerals, digestive enzymes, and customized proteins, breast milk helps keep babies healthy by boosting their immunity and reducing the risk of many illnesses. Breastmilk also provides added protection against allergies and reduces the risk of obesity later in life.
These make it a practical and recommended choice for mommas looking for a nutritious solution for their growing babies.
Did you know there are two types of breast milk? Both are important to your baby’s growth and development, but one is typically higher in fat than the other.
1. Foremilk
This is the milk your infant consumes at the beginning of their feedings. It's composed mainly of water with other nutrients added and is thinner, helping to fill them up quickly but unable to provide lasting satiation.
When babies only consume foremilk, it can lead to frequent nursing and overeating. Unfortunately, when too much of this type of milk is ingested, abdominal pain and gastrointestinal issues may arise in infants.
2. Hindmilk
After your baby is finished with the foremilk, they will receive this fatty milk that follows. This usually takes around 10-15 minutes to reach and its texture becomes richer as your breast empties.
With this luxurious creaminess, you can be sure that both mother and child are getting all of the nutrients needed for a successful feeding experience!
What Are The Calories and Fat Content In Your Breast Milk?
Breast milk is a rich source of total fat, with up to 11 grams per cup. All the nutrients present in breast milk contain 3-5% fats.
Although this number of fatty acids can vary depending on several factors such as how full your breasts are, declining levels of fat, and your baby's age.
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How To Make Breast Milk Fattier
1. Eat Healthier Fats
Indeed, your diet may not influence your breast milk fat, but it will shape its composition. Incorporating unsaturated fats into both your and your baby’s diets is essential as they are known to be beneficial for health.
Nuts, salmon, avocados, seeds, eggs, and olive oil are all excellent sources of this type of healthy fats - so ensure these items make an appearance on regular meal plans. After all - what you consume impacts the quality of nutrition received by your infant; think ahead with each bite that passes through those lips!
To help increase your breast milk fat, make sure you are consuming plenty of healthy fats and limiting saturated and trans fats. That said, don't deprive yourself - remember to enjoy all types of food in moderation.
Whether it's a bacon cheeseburger or a buttery biscuit (or anything else!), treat yourself now and then without going overboard!
2. Ensure To Eat More Protein
Protein is indispensable for both your and your little one's diet, as it makes up part of breast milk too. Breastfeeding moms are advised to increase their protein intake, they can boost their fatty breast milk supply. This means more nutritious sustenance for your baby, making human milk even richer with fats.
Eating protein-rich foods such as chicken, lean meats, fish, eggs, dairy products, and nuts is a simple way to ensure you meet your daily nutrition goals. If you need extra help getting enough protein in your diet or are vegetarian/vegan then consider adding a protein supplement or powder for shakes.
These can make breastmilk fattier.
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3. Always Drain Your Breasts After Nursing
Your body's intricate process of breast milk production starts with the alveoli, clusters of specialized cells in your breasts. Your nourishing and precious liquid gold is then pushed through these tiny alveolar passageways on its way to bigger milk ducts that store it until you're ready to feed your baby.
For fattier milk, ensure your baby is draining both breasts during a feeding session. This means that first, they'll consume the thinner and more liquid foremilk before transitioning to the thicker, higher-caloric hind milk. Allow them to fully empty one breast before switching sides if still hungry afterward.
To build a healthy supply of breastmilk, and to keep your baby nursing for longer periods, it is beneficial to switch breasts during feedings. Additionally, pumping on the other side can help ensure you have an ample amount in store for later use.
4. Note Down The Details
If you haven't already, think about investing in a journal to keep track of your breastfeeding sessions. Noting down the details will allow you to recognize any patterns throughout each session, such as times when your breasts feel fuller. You might notice that your breasts appear fuller at various times of the day, such as in the morning, afternoon, or evening.
Every new mom has different experiences, but usually, the evening and nighttime are when the fat content in breast milk is highest. If your little one isn't hungry while you feel full of milk, it would be a great opportunity to pump some extra for later storage. Especially if that batch of pumped liquid gold will contain more fat than normal!
5. Use a Breast Pump
If you are looking to increase your milk production and bolster the fat content of your breast milk, a breast pump is an invaluable tool. Empty breasts typically produce fattier milk but not everyone can always wait for them to empty naturally.
To get the best of both worlds, plan to pump a few times during the day before feeding. Some breastfeeding mothers find that pumping out the thinner milk in advance and saving it for their baby can be beneficial. This is because it is thinner and helps the baby nurse for fattier breast milk afterward.
6. Breast Compressions Work Magic
Increase the fat content of your breast milk and keep blocked ducts and mastitis at bay with a few simple massages. Place one hand on the top of your breast, then delicately squeeze it while your infant is nursing. This will help push out the milk quicker through the nipple!
Fat globules in your breast milk will move more effectively through the fat passageways, encouraging the release of fatty hindmilk.
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Conclusion
By following these tips, you can be assured that your little one is getting all of the essential fatty acids they need for proper growth and development. The most important thing is to trust your body. It knows what it is doing, and you can be sure that your milk supply will eventually meet the needs of your infant.