How long should I nurse my baby on each side so she can get enough fatty hindmilk to gain weight?
- jaimiezaki
- May 27
- 4 min read
Wondering how long you should nurse your baby on each side to ensure they get enough fatty hindmilk for better weight gain? You're not alone!
Imagine this: you’re nestled in your favorite chair, baby in arms, ready to feed—yet a niggling worry tugs at your mind. “Am I giving my little one enough fatty milk for healthy weight gain?” You’re not alone. Whether you’re a first‑time mom or adding another little one to your crew, questions about foremilk and hindmilk come up all the time. Let's talk about hindmilk, foremilk, infant weight gain and give you the confidence to trust your body’s design.
Foremilk vs. Hindmilk
You’ve probably heard that foremilk is “watery” and hindmilk is “creamier,” with fat loaded at the end of each feed. It sounds simple—and even a bit frightening if you think your baby isn’t getting enough of that “rich” milk. But here’s the unpopular truth bomb: milk composition shifts gradually throughout a feeding, not in two distinct phases. Your body adjusts the balance of water, fat, and nutrients based on your baby’s needs.
Why Fatty Milk Matters for Weight Gain
Fat equals calories, and calories support healthy weight gain. But weight gain isn’t about your milk being "good enough", what really matters is feeding habits & latch efficacy.
Here’s what really helps your baby gain enough weight:
Deep, Comfortable Latch: When baby’s latch is optimal, they can draw milk efficiently and stimulate supply.
Milk Transfer: The amount baby removes signals your body to make more.
Frequent Feeding: Frequent feeds tells your body to keep making milk (and can reduce fat separation)
Practical Tips to Boost Milk Fat Distribution
Still want some hands-on solultions for making sure your baby gets enough fat each feed?
Gentle Breast Massage: Before and during feeds, cradle your breast and apply light pressure, sweeping from chest wall toward the nipple.
Breast “Shake” Technique: Before feeding you can give your breast a gentle shake—this can help mix the creamier milk back toward the nipple.
Finish One Side First: Let baby fully empty one breast before offering the second. This ensures they cycle through higher‑fat milk naturally.
If you're worried about weight gain, hindmilk isn't the answer.
Instead of fixating on “hindmilk,” watch for these indicators:
Diaper Output: By day 5, aim for six or more wet diapers and stools per 24 hours.
Contentment Between Feeds: Baby should seem satisfied for one to three hours after feeding.
Steady Weight Gain: After initial newborn weight loss (up to 7–10%), most babies gain about 1 ounce per day.
If these markers are on track, your baby’s getting plenty—even if it doesn’t look like textbook “hindmilk.”
Overlooked causes of slow weight gain
If you're still wondering why your baby might be gaining weight slowly, let's consider these factors:
Ineffective Feeds: If your baby takes FOREVER to nurse, taking naps in between suckles, and seems "lazy" OR has very short, quick feeds but still seems hungry, she may not be getting enough milk
Strict Schedules: Rigid feeding schedules can signal the body to make less milk, ultimately slowing your baby's weight gain
Unaddressed Tongue‑Tie or Low Muscle Tone: These can hinder latch and milk transfer—seek help from an IBCLC if you suspect an issue.
Hey, Mama - If you're struggling with breastfeeding - dealing with uncomfortable latches, worrying about milk supply, or wondering if your baby has a tongue tie, but you don't know where to turn next? Here's your answer!! The Breastfeeding Success Bundle includes 3 Essential Breastfeeding Guides to answer the most common breastfeeding questions & fix the most common mistakes. This bundle is worth $99 -- available now for just $27!
Joyful breastfeeding is closer than you think!
Next Steps for Breastfeeding Success
If you're reading this, and you're still worried about your baby's weight gain, but are ready to STOP fixating on hindmilk, and start implementing solutions that work, here's what you can do next:
Grab the Breastfeeding Success Bundle for just $27 -- simple latch fixes and understanding milk supply can make a HUGE difference! You'll learn what's normal, what's not, and what is a red flag you need more support.
If you find yourself ready for personalized guidance to ensure breastfeeding is going well, create a plan that works for you and your baby, and create a positive breastfeeding experience, book a Concierge Breastfeeding Consultation now! You'll get 1:1 care and guidance that makes you feel seen, heard, and in charge of your breastfeeding story!
Jaimie Zaki is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) and mom of 5! Jaimie has volunteered as a La Leche League Leader, worked as a nurse, doula, and birth photographer, and is the host of the Breastfeeding With Confidence Podcast and founder of the Confident MamaBear Society. Jaimie provides holistic breastfeeding advice for pregnant & new moms, helping them overcome unexpected latching trouble and milk supply issues. She empowers mothers to make informed decisions from a place of confidence and intuition.
Breastfeeding Resources Available:
