Feeding Time/Length?

[infinita4]

Hi all, first time mum here, have been BF for 2.5 weeks. I know there is no concrete answer to this question and that feeding should be led by the baby (which I try to let her do), however, my LO seems to have short feeds and I am wondering if this is sufficient? Each session she only nurses between 10 and 25 minutes (averages about 15). She's feeding every 2 -3 hours during the day and once in the middle of the night (about 8 - 10 feeds a day). I worry, especially when the feeds are more on the 10/15 minute side, esp since I struggle to know when she is actually done (she likes to fall asleep on the boob). She has plenty of wet and poopy nappies, is sleeping alright and doesn't cry excessively like she's hungry, but I'm still questioning. It just seems so short. I do have a good milk supply (I am pumping once a day and get about 120 ml in 15 mins), so perhaps she is just getting the milk quicker? Appreciate your input! I am going to take her to get weighed next week I think as this would be the ultimate test.

 

[fieryphoenix]

You are right on the money, as long as she is having plenty of wet diapers and gaining weight well, don't worry about how long she nurses. Plus she is still very young and everything will probably change soon!

 

[ttc bubby no2]

Both my boys were fast feeding babies. With my first I was told to aim for 10 mins each side but he rarely was interested in feeding that long. For the first few weeks he was quite sleepy so I would try to keep him awake to get that 10 mins each side. I would do lots of rubbing and tickling and stuff to keep him awake and then a nappy change and swap sides.

It sounds like you bub is getting enough but if you are concerned try to wake her a little to see if she will take more. if not then she is probably full and done feeding.

Oh 120ml in 15 mins pumping sounds like a great supply. Some people can't get much pumping but it doesn't indicate bad supply because babies can get more out boobs than pumps can but if you can get that much out then you are doing well.

 

[Serafina83]

Sounds completely fine to me my boy only feeds for about 10 mins too. If diapers are fine as you say then don't worry. Babies do get more milk than a pump and faster than the pump too x

 

[infinita4]

Thank u ladies for the input!

 

[misslissa]

I'd love my lo to feed for that time! He's 4.5 wks and apart from maybe one long feed a day his feeds are generally 5-12 mins and can be anything between 1-3 hour gaps.

I was really worried about this but I've spoken to midwives and health visitors and been reassured. He's actually doing great and has gained 10oz this week - he's exceeded the average weight gain every week actually so it's working.

I'm trying to chill out now about it - if your lo is gaining and the nappies are good you're both doing great!

Xx

 

[infinita4]

Thanks MissLissa! Every day I chill out a little more, having a baby is such an experience, if I am not worrying about feeding it's something else. But getting better at stressing less as I get more used to her

 

[misslissa]

Thanks MissLissa! Every day I chill out a little more, having a baby is such an experience, if I am not worrying about feeding it's something else. But getting better at stressing less as I get more used to her

Oh I'm a nervous emotional wreck most the time! I am a little better about my capabilities now. Every day helps.

 

[summer rain]

The health visitors around here say anything between 5-25 minutes at that age is a typical feed in terms of length xx

 

[SarahBear]

Hi all, first time mum here, have been BF for 2.5 weeks. I know there is no concrete answer to this question and that feeding should be led by the baby (which I try to let her do), however, my LO seems to have short feeds and I am wondering if this is sufficient? Each session she only nurses between 10 and 25 minutes (averages about 15). She's feeding every 2 -3 hours during the day and once in the middle of the night (about 8 - 10 feeds a day). I worry, especially when the feeds are more on the 10/15 minute side, esp since I struggle to know when she is actually done (she likes to fall asleep on the boob). She has plenty of wet and poopy nappies, is sleeping alright and doesn't cry excessively like she's hungry, but I'm still questioning. It just seems so short. I do have a good milk supply (I am pumping once a day and get about 120 ml in 15 mins), so perhaps she is just getting the milk quicker? Appreciate your input! I am going to take her to get weighed next week I think as this would be the ultimate test.

Sounds to me like everything is PERFECT! Violet was a fast nurser too. I remember the midwife telling me that it takes newborns about an hour. After questioning the short feeds, like you, I realized that my milk flowed quickly and Violet nursed pretty efficiently. Some babies can get all they need in 10 minutes. Keep up the good work and hopefully when your baby is weighed, you will get the reassurance you need in order to not worry about it.

 

[CupcakeBaby]

Watch the baby, not the clock!

It took me until about 11 weeks to finally follow that rule properly but it's so true.

DD only feeds for about 4 minutes. So I used to really stress.

But she's gained 11oz in the last 10 days so its obviously working!

 

[misslissa]

Hey cupcake, that's great. I think it's easy for us mums with short feeders to worry. My lo gained 10oz in 6 days this last week so he's gaining great too. Maybe we all need to chill x