How to Increase Fat in Breast Milk

Breast milk consists of nutrients that are essential for your baby’s development in the first few months. It provides the necessary amount of fat required for the growth and development of the baby. Therefore, a regular feeding schedule is a must. However, the amount of fat in breast milk varies throughout the day, which might raise concerns in some mothers. But, you need not worry about it as it is completely natural and will not affect your child’s health. Read this article for some more information on fat in breast milk. Let’s begin with why breast milk is important for your baby.

Why Is Breast Milk Important for Your Baby?

Breast milk is a rich source of healthy fats complex carbs, proteins, oligosaccharides, vitamins, and minerals which are absolutely essential for a growing baby. We have shared a little more information about the fat content in breast milk below. Further, colostrum, the yellow fluid produced by the breasts in the first few days after birth contains antibodies that strengthen the immune system of a newborn baby. It also supports the development and functioning of the baby’s gastrointestinal system.

Here are some benefits of breast milk and breast milk fat:

• Good source of energy. 
• Better absorption of minerals, like calcium and magnesium.
• Healthy development of baby’s stomach and intestines.
• Lowered chances of constipation.
• Decreased chances of obesity when you baby becomes an adult.
• Healthy brain development.
• Healthy development of the nerves and spine.
• Healthy development of baby’s eyes.
• Reduces inflammation in the body.
• Stronger immune system.
• Healthy development of the hormonal system.
• Better digestion and metabolism of energy sources like carbohydrates and proteins.
• Breast milk has better taste.

What Is the Average Fat and Calorie Content in Breast Milk?

As mentioned earlier, the fat content in breast milk varies through the day as it depends on the emptiness of the breast; the full the breast, the low the fat. We will talk about this a little more in details below. For now, refer the table below to know the average fat and calorie content and the different types of fat present in breast milk:

What Are the Different Types of Fat Present in Breast Milk?

The fat content found in breastmilk can be classified into:

• Saturated fats
• Monounsaturated fats
• Polyunsaturated fats
• Omega-3 fatty acids

You might wonder why the fat content in breast milk varies throughout the day. Let’s look at some factors that influence the fat content in breast milk.

What Does Fatty Breast Milk Look Like?

Although it is hard to determine the fat content in your breast milk; fatty breast milk looks creamier than non-fatty breast milk. This is not always accurate and can depend on a variety of reasons. 

How Do You Know if You Need to Increase the Fat Content In Breast Milk?

Although there are many factors which can indicate that you need to increase the fat content in your breast milk, here are a few you can look out for:

1. Your baby is not hitting weight goals

Your baby should be steadily gaining and hitting their weight goals. One indicator that your breast milk is not fatty enough is when your baby is not gaining weight even after frequent feeding sessions. 

2. Your baby is losing weight

It is normal for babies to lose some weight in the week following their birth. However, your baby should gain it back and more through feeding on your breast milk. If your baby is still losing weight, you may need to consult with a doctor. 

3. Your baby is often cold

This is a sign of hypothermia due to loss of heat from lack of fats which regulate body temperature. This is a good sign to increase the fat content in your breast milk.

Factors That Influence Fat in Breast Milk

The factors given below could influence the fat content in breast milk:

1. Amount of Milk in the Breasts

An empty breast is richer in fat than a full breast. This is because when you start nursing, the foremilk is the first to emerge, and is rich in proteins, water and so on, but low in fat. However, the hindmilk, which comes later, is much richer in fats. Having said that, the fat content in breast milk will not be the same during each feed and will vary on when the last feed was given.

2. Frequency of Nursing Sessions

The fat content present in breast milk is proportional to the number of times you feed your baby. When you nurse your child faster than your breastmilk replenishes, your baby is more likely to get the hindmilk, which has comparatively more fat content than the foremilk.

3. Time of the Day

As mentioned earlier, the fat content in breast milk varies throughout the day. This is because the time of replenishment of breast milk differs in each mother’s case. Some have fuller breasts in the morning, while some, during other parts of the day. Keeping track of your own experiences is advisable, so you can decide the best time to feed your baby and provide.

4. Nutrition

Although this is a commonly-held belief, adding more fats to your diet does not alter the fat content in breast milk. In fact, this misconception has no basis whatsoever.

How To Increase Fat In Breast Milk

Fat supports the development of the brain and nervous system. Here are some tips to increase the amount of fat in your breast milk or how to thicken breast milk naturally:

1. Breastfeed with one breast or pump out the foremilk when feeding with both breasts.

It is important for mothers to breastfeed from both sides in each nursing session. The baby needs to be allowed to decide the nursing duration and frequency at each breast, so he effectively has foremilk and hindmilk from both sides. As the baby suckles, the fats in the milk get stuck to each other and adhere to the alveolar walls of the milk ducts. As the milk enters the nipples, the fatty hindmilk is left behind while the foremilk comes out. If at this point, you switch your baby to the other breast, he will only have consumed the foremilk from the first breast. And, by the time the hindmilk of the second breast reaches the nipples, your baby will be too full to drink any more breastmilk.

2. Massage your breasts.

Breast massages and breast compressions improve the flow of breast milk through the milk ducts. You can do this by holding your breast and squeezing it gently. With these compressions, the fatty portions of the milk move towards the nipples. Massage enables stimulation and letdown and frees up ducts for smooth flow.

3. Eat a balanced diet.

Fat content in breast milk is not dependent on the mother’s diet. A balanced diet with healthy fats can ensure the mother gets adequate nutrition. You may include enough protein in your diet as it helps in the synthesis of breast milk. The best sources of protein are eggs, nuts, milk, chicken, cheese, fish, etc. If you’re vegetarian or vegan, you can ask your lactation specialist for a protein supplement that compliments your current diet. Having a healthy balanced diet for the mother’s well-being will provide the nutrition required for the baby’s growth and development.

4. Increase the frequency of feeding sessions.

The often you nurse, the more your child is likely to get the fat-rich hindmilk. Establishing frequent feeding sessions might be difficult if your baby gets full sooner than you estimate. Therefore, keep track of the feeding sessions and diaper changes to know the time your little one is likely to get hungry.

5. Pump some breast milk out.

You can pump out some foremilk using a breast pump and allow the hindmilk to flow through during your child’s feeding sessions. Do not forget that foremilk is also essential for your baby’s growth and development. Therefore, ensure your child gets some of that, too.

6. Consult a lactation expert.

A lactation expert can help answer and resolve several questions/issues you may have had when trying to breastfeed your baby. Seek help as soon as possible to establish a breastfeeding relationship and overcome any challenges that hinder the child’s nutrition.

7. Use your body’s natural cycle.

Fat concentration in human breast milk varies throughout the day. You may often notice that your breast milk is fattier in the evening as compared to the next morning. Take notes of such things and use them to your benefit. This will enable you to provide your baby with fattier milk. 

8. Separate the breast milk.

If you are producing and pumping more than your baby needs in a day, you can increase the ratio of fat in your milk. A good method for this is to separate the first 1/3rd of the total milk you pump. You are left with 2/3rds of milk which has a higher fat content. The separated milk can later be used to feed your baby when they are hungry. 

When To Consult The Doctor?

One of the most important signs is if your baby is not gaining weight or is losing weight. This is one of the biggest signs that indicate an issue with the fat content in your breast milk. If you notice issues with their weight, immediately consult your doctor. 

FAQs

1. Does Sunflower Lecithin Make Breast Milk Fattier?

Yes, sunflower lecithin supplements help make breast milk fattier. They help increase the amount of polyunsaturated fatty acids in breast milk. This also prevents the milk ducts from blocking. 

2. Does Your Baby Need To Eat Frequently If You Have Low Fat In Breastmilk?

Yes, if you have low fat content in your breastmilk, your baby will need to be fed more often to make up for the required daily fat. 

As explained, the importance of fat in your baby’s diet cannot be understated. With timely feeding sessions, you can ensure your baby’s growth and development is adequate. The fat content in breast milk is comparatively higher when the breasts are almost empty; therefore, let your newborn suckle on one breast until it is completely empty before switching.

Also Read: Foods That Increase Production of Breast Milk