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

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