There are several ways to increase the calorie content of breast milk, primarily focusing on techniques to access higher-fat milk and, in some cases, supplementation.
Here's a breakdown of methods:
-
Hindmilk Feeding:
- Encourage complete emptying of one breast before switching to the other. The milk that comes out later during a feeding (hindmilk) is naturally higher in fat and, therefore, calories than the milk that comes out at the beginning (foremilk).
- Avoid prematurely switching breasts during a feeding, allowing the baby to fully drain each breast.
-
Pumping and Fat Separation:
- Pump your breast milk as usual.
- After pumping, refrigerate the milk. The fat will rise to the top.
- Skim the higher-fat layer off the top and add it to subsequent bottles of pumped milk. This is especially helpful for babies who need a boost in calories.
-
Human Milk Fortifier (HMF):
- HMF is a supplement specifically designed to add extra calories and nutrients to breast milk.
- It's typically used for premature babies or those with specific medical needs.
- HMF should only be used under the guidance of a pediatrician or lactation consultant.
-
Premature Infant Formulas:
- In some cases, adding a small amount of premature infant formula to breast milk may be recommended by a doctor to increase the calorie content.
- This is typically reserved for situations where the baby is not gaining weight adequately despite other interventions. Again, consult a healthcare professional before doing this.
-
Double Pumping:
- Using a double electric breast pump can sometimes help to extract more milk, including the higher-fat hindmilk, more efficiently.
Important Considerations:
- Consult with a Pediatrician or Lactation Consultant: Before making any changes to your feeding plan, especially adding fortifiers or formula, it is crucial to speak with a healthcare professional. They can assess your baby's specific needs and recommend the safest and most appropriate course of action.
- Underlying Issues: Low-calorie breast milk is not a common issue. If your baby isn't gaining weight well, investigate other potential causes with your pediatrician or lactation consultant, such as latch problems, tongue-tie, or other medical conditions.
- Monitor Weight Gain: Regularly monitor your baby's weight gain to assess the effectiveness of any interventions.
