How long nurse each side

Rather than scheduling feedings or watching the clock, focus on watching your baby and learning his or her hungry and full cues.

As a general rule, you should:. Do I need to switch sides when breastfeeding? Suggested Reads. What is La Leche League? What is a lactation consultant? Develop and improve products. List of Partners vendors. The time it takes to breastfeed depends on a few things including your baby's age and your breast milk supply.

An average feeding can last 10 to 20 minutes, but a baby can breastfeed anywhere from 5 to 45 minutes at each session. Here's a guide to help you get an idea of how many minutes babies spend breastfeeding, what changes breastfeeding times, what short and long feedings can mean, and when to call the doctor.

Some breastfed babies can take a full feeding in 8 minutes. Others need 30 minutes or more to get the same amount of breast milk. Age may have the greatest effect on how long it takes to breastfeed. Newborns need time to practice and learn, while older infants become old pros who can empty a breast in no time. Here's some general information on age and feeding times.

A newborn should be put to the breast at least every 2 to 3 hours and nurse for 10 to 15 minutes on each side. An average of 20 to 30 minutes per feeding helps to ensure that the baby is getting enough breast milk. It also allows enough time to stimulate your body to build up your milk supply. During the first few months, feeding times gradually get shorter and the time between feedings gets a little longer.

By the time a baby is 3 to 4 months old, they are breastfeeding, gaining weight, and growing well. It may only take your baby about 5 to 10 minutes to empty the breast and get all the milk they need.

With the start of solid foods and drinking from a cup at approximately 6 months along with the ability to move around more freely, older infants may only take quick feedings at the breast then head off to play. But, they may spend more time breastfeeding to sleep at night. While breastfeeding continues to be beneficial for older children , it should not be the central part of a toddler's diet.

Toddlers should be eating and drinking a variety of foods. Your toddler may only breastfeed occasionally and quickly. However, they may spend more time at the breast if they are looking for security or comfort especially during an illness or after an injury. Experts recommend following your baby's lead when it comes to breastfeeding time and not worrying about the clock. Once the baby stops sucking or falls asleep, you can break the suction of the latch , remove the baby from your breast, burp them or change their diaper , and offer them the other breast.

During certain times, you may experience variations in the time it takes your baby to breastfeed. You may need to adjust your routine to accommodate the changes to your baby's needs. Babies need more breast milk during and after a growth spurt. So, during times of rapid growth, a child may breastfeed more often and spend more time than normal nursing at each feeding. The increase in breastfeeding time is to try to get more nutrition and energy to support their growing bodies.

Don't be concerned or surprised if your formula-feeding or supplementing friends say their newborns eat far less often. Breast milk is more easily digested than infant formula, allowing the tummies of nursing babies to empty faster — and thirst for more sooner.

A good way to master the right breastfeeding balance is to nurse when your baby seems hungry. Don't wait for tears; by then, your little one may be uncomfortably hungry, especially the longer she cries. She might be tiny but she'll make her needs known by:.

Your hospital will likely teach you the basic cradle hold. But with some trial-and-error, you might find another breastfeeding position works better for you and your baby. Here's the lowdown on all the basic breastfeeding positions:. Many new nursing mothers worry at some point that baby isn't eating enough. Nervous about getting started? These tips can help give you more confidence and ensure you and baby get the most out of the experience:.

Looking for breastfeeding support ahead of time? Or want help getting over a glitch? There are many breastfeeding problems experts and experienced peers can help you solve , from a poor latch to mastitis, breast engorgement and more.