Gonneke, Thanks for your response. We do differ in our interpretations of what we have read and heard at seminars, don't we. I, too, cannot at this moment take time to put my hands on my references. But while I can accept the concept that fat globules, if adjacent to a duct wall, may adhere somewhat stubbornly, there are other fat globules in the center of the stream just floating there, waiting to rise and separate themselves, molecule by molecule from the aqueous portion. In my imagination, I can see that the fat globules probably move more sluggishly with the force of the MER than does the thinner foremilk. I do not define the formation of foremilk nor its separation from the fat as "seepage" downward, or forward in the breast. I feel certain I read of the concept of lactose actively importing fluid osmotically inward through the duct walls to equalize the concentration inside and outside of those membranes, given time. My interpretation: this is both how the carbohydrate/protein component becomes more and more dilute, and how the volume of liquid increases, in this additional process after actual secretion of the caloric and vitamin-mineral fractions from the alveoli. I think this is the basis of how nature supplies "the first for thirst" and the occasional possibility of foremilk/hindmilk imbalance at some feeds. I agree that molecular activity is probably constant, sometimes more rapid than others, and the motion of the pectoral muscles probably plays a part. But I believe there is enough relative quietude that the longer it is between feedings (and the longer the tubings, and/or the more well supported the breast), there can be a distinct opportunity for fat globules to separate and rise till they meet the obstacle of the duct wall or the already collected cream. I think this is important in "lactation engineering", the improved feeding management of premies, of gassy, dissatisfied babies, and unhappy, perhaps too leaky moms who may decide to chuck it all in and stop BF because they do not experience it as the "pie in the sky" they have heard about. I, like some of those fat globules, will cling more tenaciously to my interpretation till someone "lets me down" and dislodges me with references I can digest in my leisure. Won't others chime in with your $.02, please, no matter where you come down on the issues! What ho, you of OZ, where the research action is? In jovial collegiality, Jean *****************************************************8 K. Jean Cotterman RNC, IBCLC Dayton, Ohio USA ________________________________________________________________ YOU'RE PAYING TOO MUCH FOR THE INTERNET! Juno now offers FREE Internet Access! Try it today - there's no risk! For your FREE software, visit: http://dl.www.juno.com/get/tagj. *********************************************** The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(TM) mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to: http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html