Why is my Breastmilk watery?

Breastfeeding is a beautifully unique journey for every mother and baby. As a lactation bakes company, we understand that sometimes, concerns about the consistency of breastmilk can arise. One common concern that many new moms have is "watery breastmilk." In this blog post, we'll dive into the world of watery breastmilk, addressing its causes and helping you feel more confident on your breastfeeding journey.

Understanding Watery Breastmilk

Watery breastmilk, also known as "foremilk," is the thin, clear, and sometimes bluish fluid that is produced at the beginning of a breastfeeding session. It's often a source of confusion for new mothers who may worry that it lacks the essential nutrients their baby needs.

The fat content in your milk is never static.  And there’s never really a specific time when your body only produces watery milk vs. thicker, creamier milk. What happens is your breast milk gradually gets fattier, and thicker throughout your breastfeeding and pumping session.

Is Watery Breastmilk Normal?

The short answer is yes! Watery breastmilk is completely normal and plays a crucial role in your baby's nutrition. It's designed to hydrate your baby during the initial moments of breastfeeding, quenching their thirst and providing essential hydration.

Is Watery Breastmilk Worse than thick and creamier milk?

No!

Watery breast milk is absolutely safe (and necessary!) for your baby to drink! 

Breasts do not create two different kinds of milk. 

Breast milk simply transitions throughout a feed. 

Babies need breast milk both at the beginning of a feeding session and at the end of a feeding session.  They’ll get both if you breastfeed on demand and/or pump your milk for long enough. The more watery, foremilk helps the baby stay hydrated and the thicker, hind milk  later milk) fills them up and helps keep them satiated.

Your baby can get too much watery breastmilk if:

• baby switches sides too often before they finish one breast completely

• baby is spacing out feedings too long

• you have an oversupply of breast milk

Causes of Watery Breastmilk

1. Foremilk-Hindmilk Imbalance: Watery breastmilk can sometimes be a result of an imbalance between foremilk (thin, watery milk) and hindmilk (thicker, creamier milk). This is typically resolved as the feeding progresses.

2. Hydration: Your body adjusts milk composition based on your baby's needs. If your baby is well-hydrated, your breastmilk may appear thinner.

3. Breast Health: Certain factors, such as breast surgery or breast anatomy, can influence milk composition.

About Foremilk

At the beginning of a nursing/pumping session, the breast milk that flows out first (the foremilk) tends to be more watery. 

Foremilk has less fat and higher levels of lactose (milk sugars).  Sometimes it’s thinner, tinged blue or seems more clear.  This early milk that comes out is super important for your baby because it helps hydrate them and the sugars help fuel their body and give them energy.

About Hindmilk

As the feeding/pumping progresses, more fat globules dislodge from the breast and start to flow out. 

The milk towards the end a nursing/pumping session is call hind milk. 

Hindmilk is thicker and creamier and gradually increases in fat. 

The breast milk that comes out at the end of a session is also important for your baby because it is good for baby’s weight gain, overall growth, and helps to satiate their appetite and keep them fuller for longer.

Addressing Concerns

If you have concerns about your breastmilk, here are some steps you can take:

• Nurse on Demand: Let your baby feed whenever they show hunger cues to ensure they receive a good balance of foremilk and hindmilk. Let your baby decide how to long to feed for and allow your baby to feed on each breast until full. As long as your baby is breastfeeding effectively, baby is most likely getting the perfect combination of foremilk and hind milk.

• Pump longer: Pump for a longer time than you usually do, to extract more hind milk. This will give you milk with a higher fat component.

• Breast Compression: During feeds, try breast compression to encourage your baby to access the richer hindmilk.

• Stay Hydrated: Ensure you're well-hydrated to support your body in producing milk tailored to your baby's needs.

• Consult a Lactation Consultant: If you continue to have concerns, don't hesitate to seek guidance from a lactation consultant who can offer personalized advice.

Confidence in Your Breastfeeding Journey

Remember, your body is a remarkable creation, finely tuned to provide the perfect nourishment for your baby. Watery breastmilk is just one part of this incredible process. By understanding the reasons behind it and taking simple steps, you can breastfeed confidently, knowing that you're giving your baby the best start in life.

At Cookie Dealer, we're here to support you every step of the way. Our lactation cookies, brownies, nuts, and teas are specially designed to complement your breastfeeding journey, ensuring you and your little one have the nourishment you need.

Embrace the uniqueness of your breastfeeding experience, and trust in your body's ability to provide the best for your baby. If you have any questions or concerns about breastfeeding or lactation, don't hesitate to reach out to us. Your journey is our passion, and we're here to help you thrive.

Reference:

https://milkology.org/content/why-is-my-breast-milk-wateryhttps://exclusivepumping.com/watery-breast-milk/#:~:text=The%20more%20empty%20the%20breast,milk%20expressed%20at%20the%20end.