Breastfeeding: length of feeds?

[thomasina1]

My DD is 4.5 wks old and has started feeding for very short periods - each feed is taking less than 10 mins. She isn't falling asleep, just losing interest. She seems to be wanting feeds about every 3 hours. I'm not too wottied as she's her usual alert self, plenty of nappies etc., but surely she needs to feed for longer to get enough milk?

How long do other babies feed for??

Length of time on the breast does not correlate with amount taken, thomasina A healthy, thriving baby, even one as young as four weeks, can take what they need in a short time. Your clue is in the baby, not the clock

I was wondering this too as my 5 day old varies in feed length from 20 minutes both sides to 8 minutes one side only, but still only wants it every 2 hours max and I have to wake him a lot. But he has periods of being alert and certainly wees and poos a lot, and has been breastmilk poo since day 3, so I am just going by him.

Thanks tiktok, I keep telling myself that! I suppose she is just becoming more efficient at feeding. It was just that less than 10 mins total seemed like a very short feed... but she is otherwise very healthy so I suppose I just just count myself lucky!

TPL, at 5 days old it's likely to be quite up in the air atm without your baby finding a real routine himself. Many babies create their own routine/schedule after the first few weeks once the milk supply is established though. Congrats

Thomasina, Just agreeing with Tiktok, it matter not a jot how long your baby feeds for as long as they are healthy in every other way.

Oh I'm not remotely worried about a routine, could't care less if he wanted to feed all day as long as he gets enough! My DS1 would not breast feed so I am just so delighted it seems to be going well this time. The books say every 2 hours max or maybe 3/4 hours once at night...but I can't make him feed, and he seems ok, so I'm not too worried. Someone is coming to weigh him later and check him over, so I will know if there is a problem which I doubt. Thanks for the congratulations, am still in shock myself

I am so . DS feeds for at least 45 mins still, often more, and he's nearly 14 weeks!

My DS (9 weeks) feeds between about 8-12 minutes, one side only, three hourly. It's how much he wants, and he fills his nappies regularly (and has put on loads of weight since birth, the HV was thrilled with him) so I'm happy. It's nice that it doesn't take too long, especially at night!

How long is a piece of string?

Babies are all different. My first baby used to feed for over 30 mins each side and go about an hour max between feeds

dd2 was just like your bubba - 10 mins max and three hours between feeds.

They were both chubby and healthy (but I know which I'd prefer!).