fast flow/length of feeds

[ryder]

I keep reading that your LO should feed at least 20 mins from one side, or 15 mins from each side at one feeding... I seem to have a really fast flow, the letdown is almost instant and my lo is practically gulping it down... he also pulls off alot and has couched sometimes because of how fast it is.

He feeds every 2 hours or so round the clock though and only feeds for 10-15 mins max... Sometimes not even that long???

And he is just under 2 weeks... Im not sure if I should someone encourage him to feed longer or if he will just start doing it himself?

 

[DolceBella]

The best advice I can give a new breastfeeding mum is to IGNORE THE CLOCK!!! It doesn't matter how long they are on the breast, or how long it has been since the last feed. Feeding on demand means that your LO calls the shots. If your LO is content with the way he's feeding and has plenty of wet diapers, then you're doing a great job! Keep it up!!

 

[Pretty Sakura]

Dolce gave good advice. Don't mind the clock. As long as Lo is making wet diapers then you are good to go. He will let you know if he isn't satisfied. Besides that's the same way my little girl was feeding . You are doing an excellent job, no worries.

 

[freckleonear]

Aaron used to feed for hours as a newborn so when Tabitha only fed for 5-10 minutes, I was sure she couldn't be getting enough. I was wrong, she thrived! Some babies do just feed very quickly.

 

[LeannieB]

Hey. Congrats on your new arrival!! We were pretty much feeding the same when Sam was 2 weeks old. I still feed on demand now and he is 9 weeks old. We have no set routine but he does sleep through the night usually but he is not well at moment xx

 

[pinkandfluffy]

I keep reading that your LO should feed at least 20 mins from one side, or 15 mins from each side at one feeding... I seem to have a really fast flow, the letdown is almost instant and my lo is practically gulping it down... he also pulls off alot and has couched sometimes because of how fast it is.

He feeds every 2 hours or so round the clock though and only feeds for 10-15 mins max... Sometimes not even that long???

And he is just under 2 weeks... Im not sure if I should someone encourage him to feed longer or if he will just start doing it himself?

Ditto - mine was and is still much the same even now at 5wks

 

[ryder]

hmm ya that is what im afraid of, pinkandfluffy!

 

[pinkandfluffy]

Oops, sorry

To be fair sometimes we make it to 3 hours, and a couple of nights we got a 4 or 5 hour block too which makes the days easier.

I think its swings and roundabouts though - babies that hve longer gaps probably take longer to feed too, so its no different IYSWIM?

 

[Eve]

Kayleigh fed for 10-15 minutes total, and once she was a few weeks old she would feed max 10 minutes She also slept through the night early as she fed so often during the day.

 

[MelanieAnn]

Fast let down, often combined with over supply of milk, can be a real problem. It leads to lots of issues. There are some ideas about how to deal with it here: https://www.breastfeedingbasics.com/html/oversupply.shtml

 

[ryder]

thanks! great site!

 

[Blob]

I had a really fast letdown and faaar too much milk But Tabs seemed to learn to cope... at the start i would have to express slightly before feeds in the first week or so, then after when you feel the letdown bit just let the muslin catch it and then its slower?
I remember hearing Tabs tummy gurgling as she had gulped in soooo much milk and air
But mine seemed to settle down after not too long

 

[Melissa_M]

Fast let down, often combined with over supply of milk, can be a real problem. It leads to lots of issues. There are some ideas about how to deal with it here: https://www.breastfeedingbasics.com/html/oversupply.shtml

this article describes my situation EXACTLY!!! thanks for sharing... gonna start trying one breast per feed

 

[Nimyra]

I have a fast let down too. Having LO nurse on top of me (with me reclined) has helped her a lot. I usually latch her while sitting up, then recline. She also has short feeds, but I've had her weighed before and after nursing and she is taking in plenty. Don't worry about the clock!

 

[Samantha675]

Also remember that your baby's tummy is still super tiny, so it doesn't take long to fill it up. Diapers will tell you if he is getting enough. At least 6-10 wet diapers and 1-2 poo diapers in a 24 hour period.

If you are worried that your letdown is too fast, try feeding him in a reclined position, so that he is more on top of you and the breast, so gravity will help slow the flow of milk.

Feeding every two hours is great. Brennan fed way more often to start with but I do remember by 10 weeks it was more consistent with him going every two hours.