Human milk fat content: within-feed variation.
Changes in milk fat content during individual breast-feeds were studied using a modification of the interrupted feed technique (Woolridge et al. (1982): Early Human Dev., 6, 265-272). Each feed was interrupted once, for weighing the baby and obtaining a small milk sample; weighing and milk sampling were also done at the start and end of the feed from that breast. Mathematical analysis of 52 feeds from the first breast offered at a feeding episode, and 39 second-breast feeds, showed a similar pattern on both types. The fat content rose in line with (Vi/Ve)1.35 (V being the volume consumed since the feed from that breast began). However, first-breast feeds showed sharp initial and final rises in fat content. The authors propose a mechanism to explain the difference in pattern between first- and second-breast feeds.
Woodward
D R
DR
Biochemistry Department, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia.
Rees
B
B
Boon
J A
JA
D000328:Adult; D001942:Breast Feeding; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008055:Lipids / Q000032:analysis*; D008297:Male; D008893:Milk Ejection; D008895:Milk, Human / Q000032:analysis*
D008055:Lipids