Length and duration of feeds at 11 wks?

[lyndyloo]

My baby is now 11 wks and is still feeding every hour and she takes about 45 mins to finish meaning I am pretty much feeding constantly. Is this right at her age? She does settle at night for around 6 hours so sleeps through really though doesn't sleep much during day - the odd nap and that's all.

I know every baby is different but I thought that at her age she would be settling down to shorter feeds with longer gaps.

Any advice gratefully accepted as i am sure I am doing something wrong!

[pupuce]

You are not doing anything wrong but you could try to space feeds and see if they can be shorten...
How is her weight gain ?
If it is adequate then are you checking that she is ACTIVELY feeding for 45 minutes ? Do you realise how long that is to SUCK for that length of time ? Is the 45 mins for both sides ?
Do you feed from both sides ? If so do you always start from the last side you fed from last?
Have you tried a sling to carry her in when she looks like she wants to feed again but you'd like to increase the time gap... often babies will settle in the sling and NOT feed for a longer gap. Possibly making them eat more effeiciently when they are really hungry.
You could aim to have 2 or 3 hour gaps.
6 hours at night is good though

Have you read about breast compression ?

[lyndyloo]

Thanks for replying.

I always alternate breasts. She is pretty much feeding for most of the 45 mins. Weight gain is fine.

I read somewhere that should feed off same breast twice to ensure baby getting the hind milk just in case - so might try that to see if she can fill herself up a bit better.

[pupuce]

Read the breast compression info... you might find this helps you.

[lyndyloo]

I have read the article thanks - useful but not sure it will help me.

I am getting a bit frantic now though - Baby has fed almost constantly all day. I am shattered. Why is she feeding so often? Surely it's not normal.

[3andnomore]

LL, has this been going on throughout since your lil ones birth or is this just a phase...maybe a growthspurt?
Have you tried a dummy or does your lil one take the thumb? Some Babys just are very sucky and need to suck lots...and those can benefit by finding other comfort!

[lyndyloo]

She has always fed loads - a bit more than usual at the moment. She may have started the teething process ( I know she's young but gums look a bit like she is teeting and is drooling alot). Could this be significant?

She will take a dummy but not for long.

[3andnomore]

Yes, , breastfeeding is not jsut about feeding it's about comfort and immunity and many otehr things...so, if they don't feel right they often tend to feed more