Why does DD feed for so long?

[pookamoo]

DD is 8 weeks old, and up until a couple of weeks ago she was feeding (bf) for about 25-30 minutes at around 3 hour intervals.
She now feeds for about an hour at a time. She doesn't pop off by herself (too cosy?)
She's not constantly sucking hard but not fluttering or messing about either. She has always fed with her eyes closed, but I don't think she's asleep because she moves her hands about and opens her eyes if I try to unlatch her.

If she has not finished and I take her off she will protest loudly! She's been on for over an hour as I type, and I just wondered if there is likely to be a reason? How can I get her back to her shorter feeds?

I was thinking of expressing and introducing a bottle of ebm a couple of times a week, but I don't know if she could have a proper feed like that?

Any advice? hour long feeds in the middle of the night are taking their toll!

Growth spurt?

agree with chancellor - i'd just feed as long as she needs, should pass in a few days and she'll likely go back to shorter feeds.

when ds used to feed like this every so often, his clothes would be tight a few days later

I was worried my supply might be slowing down and she's taking longer to get the same amount, but a growth spurt sounds hopeful. She was 2 weeks past her due date, if that makes a difference?

It does sound like a growth spurt. All the extra sucking will increase your supply and once it has adjusted she will settle down again. At least you have MN to distract you during the long feeds!

Classic growth spurt. It will slow down. Feed as much as she needs, it's her way of telling your body that she needs more calories and your milk composition will change accordingly and she'll go back to shorter feeds. It's a very clever process.

Can you feed lying down in the night? Due date not of any significance afaik.

Phew, sounds like I might get her weighed next week to see how much she's grown.
Feeding again, so yes, MN one handed left handed typing all the way!

My DS sometimes feeds for 5 minutes and I worry he's not going to get enough- then he'll go through a growth spurt (which I know it is in hindsight) and feed for hours. And then I worry like you that he's feeding for so long it must mean he's having to work really hard to get enough. Basically babies, on the whole, if they are healthy and gaining weight, wet and dirty nappies, etc etc, know exactly what they need and how to get it at the right time!! Trust yourself and your baba- it's tricky though for a worry wart like me! x