How long

[Rainbowbrite]

Just wondering how long a feed should go for? My 2 week old feeds for between 15-35 mins on one side. Just wondering if thats enough because the hospital told me only to give her one side, and not to offer the other. I'm worried that she's not getting enough. Not that she ever cries she just won't go to sleep after wards but that thread is in another section.

Hope someone can shed some light on this for me.

Thanks
Rainbowbrite

[Lallas' Mum]

The great thing about breastfeeding is that a bub will take exactly what they want, when they want. My first son's feeds varied between those times and he probably averaged 15-20 minutes most of the time. If bub wants more milk then what is available at the time then bub will feed longer and more often. I read another of your posts and your bub seems to be very content. If bub was hungry - trust me you would know about it!!! By offering only one breast at a time you ensure that bub gets a good feed of the fatty hindmilk that gives them that satisfied feeling. If bub was getting this hindmilk bub would feel unsatisfied and demands feeds more frequently. If you are unsure as to whether bub has had enough you could offer the boob again after bub has come off after a feed - if bub is still hungry then they will reattach.

As time passes you'll find that despite all the advice in the world that you can be given if you do what feels right to you it is usually the best thing. Like the saying goes - "a mother knows best".

[wattle]

Mine feeds in under 5 minutes each side, but I have really fast flow. They will just take what they want. You get a feel for it after a while, trust your instincts.

[draught]

I agree wtih the others - babies will take what they want. And they feed at all different speeds. Chloe started off taking over half an hour per side. Now she does the lot in under 10 minutes. If you start to feel she may want more, then offer the other side once she has pulled of the first side. If she doesn't want it you will be very aware of it very quickly! Then you are sure that she has had enough.

[ThomasMum]

as long as bub gains weight its all matters, also don't forget babies have very small bellies :D

[mimi]

Yes everyone is right in what they say! Babies know how much they need and will take the breast if they want it! Did the staff tell you why they said not to offer the second breast? or was that only while you had engorgement in the initial days? If she looks relaxed i.e. sort of 'drugged out' and satisfied!! bub's fists are relaxed etc and she doesn't want to take anymore then she is probably well fed and happy with that!! Don't worry, you will soon be THE expert on your bub and will 'know all things' ... Hmmmmmm .... until she goes into another stage and you will be as confused as ever [LOL]. Best of luck!

[petster]

Hi!

My 3 month old probably averages about 15-20 mins each side. Sometimes she takes both breasts. I always try and give her the second side - if she doesn't take it, I change her nappy (if I haven't already) and offer the breast again. Changing her nappy kind of wakes her up a bit if she's gotten a bit milk drunk. A sort of "Oh OK - yeah, that's what I was doing...". Sometimes it works, but I figure she knows what's best.

I am very jealous of Wattle and her 5 mins per side! The last feed at night, around 6pm, can sometimes take an hour in total. I don't complain though, 'cause she sleeps through the night and doesn't wake until around 7am!!

Cheers!

[madvoice]

My daughter varies on the time spent feeding. It can be anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour. I guess it depends on how hungry she is. For morning feeds, she goes for about 45 minutes (after her long sleep) but later in the day its around 10-15 minutes (both breasts in that time).