Back to work and 6 month old takes ages to feed in the morning

[juniorcakeoff]

That's it really. In a few weeks we will all have to be out of the house by 7.30ish. Youngest wakes up any time from 6 to 6.45 but his first feed takes ages and he is on and off, on and off, I'll just have a look at that no I haven't finished let me back on etc. etc. Averages about 45 / hour mins for this feed.

I need to get 3 kids and myself up and out the door, fed and dressed (OH leaves around 6.30).

I did think maybe he's not hungry. However he doesn't really feed in the night after about 11. I think 6 months is too young and it would be mean to try and not feed him at 11. Also he will be having two bottles of EBM while I am at work and I think he will really need that last feed.

Anyone with any ideas/experience?

I had loads of issues with BF and baby taking ages. A lady who knew all about BF (who really helped me) told me if the baby is awake and healthy/not teething in pain by 7 months they should feed in no more than 10 minutes both sides so 15-20 min full feed. They get very efficient. If it's taking much longer the feed is for comfort. If baby is easily distracted pulling on and off baby has got what needs.

Right I'll tell him he should be taking 20 mins :) A couple of his other feeds are only 20 mins , but the one after his bath in the evening is similarly very long, I can't work out if he is snacking or stocking up. If I unlatch him after 20 mins and put boobs away he will scream and want to go back on. Bloody babies. Could I legitimately just refuse? He will have breakfast at the CM so waiting only an hour or so for food. I am worried though to go to work without giving him a full feed.

Hmmm. Tricky. Other option is set a timer and reduce time by minute every few days so he understands just for that feed that when timer goes off that signals end of feed and he has a nice story or 5 minutes with a favourite toy or something. When were/are you weaning him into food? Maybe end that milk feed with some yummy fruit/yoghurt or something?

He's weaning now but won't get breakfast til at childminders when I go back to work. I might try and reduce the time gradually until I go to work, might encourage him to feed more efficiently. Poor little boy I hate rushing them!