Dear Kathleen,

Fat in hindmilk and foremilk does vary but is dependent on many things
(including huge differences between women: 29g/L/breast vs 62g/L/breast -
both babies gaining weight normally!). However 70% of the variability of fat
in milk is dependent on only two things. The time since the last feed and
the degree of fullness of the breast. These can obviously vary considerably.
Fat received at the beginning of a feed (foremilk) compared to the end of
the feed (hindmilk)  reflects little when considering only a single feed.
Mothers do not need to consider these differences when feeding their babies
- they just need to feed their babies when they want to be fed, and feed
from whichever breast feels that it needs to be fed from.
Recommend reading: Cregan, M & Hartmann, P.E. 1999. Computerised Breast
Measurement from Conception to Weaning: Clinical Implications. JHL. 15(2):
pp: 89-95.
Lactose does not vary from the beginning of a feed to the end of a feed. In
the absence of true lactose intolerance (very rare) Green stools may be a
result of rapid gut emptying from a strong MER or sometimes viral induced
damage of the intestinal brush border and, as you say, are temporary and of
no consequence.

Regards
Cathy Fetherston RM MSn IBCLC
Perth Western Australia

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