What does hindmilk mean?
Hindmilk is the milk that comes toward the end of breastfeeding or milking, after the initial foremilk has been released. It is usually higher in fat and can be more satisfying, which makes it an important part of an infant's feed. In dairy contexts, the term refers to the milk produced late in the milking process and may be evaluated for its fat content and other nutritional qualities. The word is used in both British and American English, especially in discussions of lactation, infant feeding, and dairy production. Although it is a familiar specialized term, many people know it better by its contrast with foremilk: the latter comes first and is generally thinner, while hindmilk arrives later and is richer in fat. The term is informative rather than literary, and it usually appears in practical or educational contexts.
nounThe milk secreted toward the end of milking or feeding, after the initial foremilk. It is generally richer in fat and is especially important in infant nutrition because it can help provide satiety and support healthy growth.
- The milk produced toward the end of an infant's feeding or an animal's milking period, typically richer in fat than the earlier foremilk.
"The baby was given the hindmilk at the end of the feed because it was richer in fat and helped satisfy her hunger."
"The nurse explained that the hindmilk at the end of the feed was especially rich in fat."
"The dairy measured the hindmilk separately to determine its fat content."
Rare; hindmilk is usually treated as an uncountable mass noun.
"The study compared hindmilks collected from different herds."
The last milk in the feed is often the most satisfying: hindmilk arrives at the end, rich in fat and useful for keeping a baby full.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of hindmilk
Hindmilk is an English compound formed from milk and hind, meaning “back” or “posterior,” a word descended from Old English hind. The compound distinguishes the later, typically fattier milk from foremilk, the milk released earlier. The same Old English root also underlies words such as behind, hinder, and hindermost, although their meanings have developed differently.
How hindmilk is actually used
Hindmilk is mainly a dairy and infant-nutrition term, though it appears in ordinary discussion of breastfeeding and breastfeeding support. It is less common in everyday speech than milk itself.
Easily confused with hindmilk
Foremilk is released at the beginning of milking or feeding, whereas hindmilk is released toward the end and is typically fattier.