How long do I nurse on each breast?

Understanding Nursing Duration on Each Breast
When it comes to breastfeeding, many new parents often wonder how long their baby should nurse on each breast. This question is crucial not only for ensuring that the baby is getting enough nutrition but also for maintaining the mother’s comfort and milk supply.
General Guidelines for Nursing Duration
Typically, newborns should nurse for about 15 to 20 minutes on each breast during a feeding session. This duration allows the baby to receive both the foremilk, which is more watery and quenches thirst, and the hindmilk, which is richer in fat and calories. The transition between these two types of milk is essential for the baby’s growth and satisfaction.
Listening to Your Baby’s Cues
It’s important to note that every baby is different. Some may nurse longer, while others may finish more quickly. Paying attention to your baby’s hunger cues is vital. Signs that your baby is still hungry include rooting, sucking on their hands, or showing signs of distress. Conversely, if your baby falls asleep or releases the breast on their own, they may be full.
Switching Breasts
After nursing for about 15 to 20 minutes on one side, you can offer the second breast. If your baby seems satisfied after nursing on one side, it’s perfectly fine to let them finish there. However, if they are still hungry, encourage them to nurse on the other side as well. This practice not only helps ensure that your baby gets enough milk but also stimulates milk production in both breasts.
Adjusting to Your Baby’s Needs
As your baby grows, their nursing patterns may change. Older infants may nurse more efficiently and may not need to nurse as long on each breast. It’s essential to remain flexible and adapt to your baby’s changing needs. The key is to ensure that your baby is gaining weight appropriately and is content after feedings.
In conclusion, while a general guideline suggests nursing for 15 to 20 minutes on each breast, the best approach is to remain attuned to your baby’s individual needs and cues. This responsive feeding strategy not only supports your baby’s nutritional needs but also fosters a strong breastfeeding relationship.

When do most moms stop breastfeeding?

But although 96% of children are breastfed soon after birth, only 15% of mums are still breastfeeding exclusively 5 months later. So, what’s preventing some parents from continuing to breastfeed, and how can they persist with longer-term breastfeeding, if that’s their wish?

What is the golden rule of breastfeeding?

1. Demand is Equal to Supply: The principle of demand and supply is fundamental to breastfeeding. The more your baby nurses, the more signals your body receives to produce milk.

When to offer second breast?

Remember to keep your baby on the first breast until it’s soft, and then move your baby to the second breast. This ensures that your little one gets the hindmilk, which is creamier and has more calories than the foremilk, which comes at the beginning of a feeding.

How do I know when to switch breasts?

When your baby’s sucking slows down or stops, slip a finger in the corner of your baby’s mouth to break the suction. Switch sides and offer the other breast.

Should I feed from both breasts every time?

Offer one breast per feed. Don’t swap sides unless the first breast feels very soft after the baby finishes feeding from it. If your baby wants a top-up feed within an hour, feed again from the same breast. If the baby is still hungry after the first breast is ‘finished’, then you can offer the second breast.

Should I offer a second breast if baby is asleep?

Once your baby is a few weeks old, if they’re gaining weight as expected, and they fall asleep after the first breast in the middle of the night, in most cases, it will be fine to wait until the next feed to offer the second breast.

When do nipples stop hurting when breastfeeding?

Nipple pain is common in the early days of breastfeeding. This is because your nipples are not used to breastfeeding. The pain lasts for a short time, usually around 1 week. Soreness that continues throughout the breastfeed, or lasts for more than 1 week of breastfeeding, is not normal.

What is the rule of 3 breastfeeding?

Content after feeding for at least three hours: After a satisfying feeding session, a well-fed baby should appear content and satisfied for about three hours before showing signs of hunger again.

How long should you breastfeed on each breast?

Newborns may nurse for up to 20 minutes or longer on one or both breasts. As babies get older and more skilled at breastfeeding, they may take about 5–10 minutes on each side.

How do I know when my baby is full breastfeeding?

Your baby appears content and satisfied after most feeds. Your breasts feel softer after feeds. Your nipple looks more or less the same after feeds – not flattened, pinched or white. You may feel sleepy and relaxed after feeds.