For countless new mothers in India, a familiar and exhausting pattern unfolds: the baby nurses for a few minutes, drifts off to sleep peacefully, only to wake up shortly after, crying and seemingly hungry again. This cycle leaves parents drained and worried about their infant's nutrition.
The Root Cause: Incomplete Feeding and The Two Types of Milk
According to renowned pediatrician Dr Mohit Sethi, this frustrating scenario is one of the most frequent breastfeeding challenges. In a widely shared social media video, he clarifies that the core issue often lies in parents not understanding the vital distinction between two types of breast milk: foremilk and hind milk.
Dr Sethi explains that the milk released at the beginning of a feed is called foremilk. This milk is thinner, has a slightly bluish tint, and primarily serves to hydrate the baby. "It only quenches the baby's thirst," he states. While important, foremilk lacks the high fat and calorie content needed to truly satisfy hunger and support substantial growth.
The natural behaviour of a newborn adds to the problem. Babies suck vigorously at first, but after four to five minutes, this physical effort tires them out, causing them to fall asleep. "This is the stage when many mothers believe the baby is full and put them down," Dr Sethi adds. "But in reality, the baby hasn't reached the most nutritious part yet."
Hind Milk: The Key to a Full and Satisfied Baby
The milk that follows foremilk is the crucial hind milk. This milk is thicker, richer, and appears more yellow due to its higher fat content. Hind milk is essential for weight gain, development, and most importantly, for making the baby feel full.
"Hind milk is what actually satisfies your baby's hunger," emphasizes Dr Sethi. "If the baby doesn't reach this stage, he will wake up within minutes asking for milk again." This explains the short, unsatisfying feeding cycles that leave both baby and mother restless.
A Simple Technique for Complete Breastfeeding
To ensure the baby receives both types of milk, Dr Mohit Sethi offers a clear, practical solution. If the infant dozes off after the initial few minutes, parents should gently wake them to continue feeding.
His advised method is to gently flick the baby's feet or softly touch their ears to rouse them. It may take a couple of minutes, but the goal is to get the baby nursing again. Crucially, he stresses that feeding must resume on the same breast, not switch to the other.
"If you change the breast, the baby will again receive foremilk from the new side," he cautions. "Always continue on the same side so the baby can get the hind milk."
By following this approach for a total of 10 to 15 minutes on one breast, the infant consumes a balanced feed of hydrating foremilk and filling hind milk. This leads to a fuller stomach and typically results in longer, more peaceful sleep periods of about one to one and a half hours.
Dr Mohit Sethi's insight highlights how a small adjustment in breastfeeding technique, grounded in an understanding of foremilk and hind milk, can make a significant difference. Ensuring a complete feed helps keep babies more satisfied, calmer, and optimally nourished during their critical early growth stages.
