How long should I nurse on each breast?

Understanding Nursing Duration on Each Breast
When it comes to breastfeeding, many new mothers often wonder how long they should nurse on each breast. The answer, however, is not as straightforward as one might hope. There is no universal guideline that applies to every mother and baby duo, as the duration can vary significantly based on several factors.
Average Nursing Times
On average, a newborn may nurse for 5 to 25 minutes on each breast during a session, typically every 2 to 3 hours or “on demand”. This variability is influenced by the baby’s age, hunger level, and individual feeding habits. For instance, younger infants may take longer to nurse as they are still learning how to latch and suck effectively.
Factors Influencing Nursing Duration
Several factors can affect how long a baby nurses on each side:
1. Baby’s Age and Development: Newborns often take longer to feed as they are still mastering the breastfeeding technique. As they grow, they may become more efficient and nurse for shorter periods.

2. Hunger Cues: Babies will nurse based on their hunger signals. Some may prefer to nurse longer if they are particularly hungry, while others may be satisfied more quickly.
3. Milk Supply: The mother’s milk supply can also play a role. If a mother has a plentiful supply, the baby may nurse for a shorter duration, while a lower supply might lead to longer nursing sessions as the baby works harder to extract milk.
4. Comfort and Bonding: Breastfeeding is not just about nutrition; it’s also a time for bonding. Some babies may nurse longer simply for comfort, even after they have received enough milk.
Recommendations for Nursing
While traditional advice suggested nursing for 15 to 20 minutes on each side, this guideline has evolved. Current recommendations emphasize the importance of listening to your baby and allowing them to nurse until they seem satisfied, rather than adhering to a strict time limit.
Mothers are encouraged to switch sides during a feeding session, allowing the baby to nurse from one breast until they show signs of slowing down or losing interest, and then offering the second breast. This approach not only helps ensure that the baby receives adequate milk but also promotes a balanced milk supply between both breasts.
Conclusion
In summary, the duration of nursing on each breast can vary widely among infants. The key is to focus on the baby’s cues and needs rather than a fixed time frame. By doing so, mothers can foster a positive breastfeeding experience that supports both their baby’s nutritional needs and their own comfort.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

How do I know my baby is full when breastfeeding?

Signs Your Baby is Full
Some signs that babies are done eating are: Baby releases or “falls off” your breast. Baby turns away from your nipple. Baby relaxes their body and opens their fists.

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.

How long is a full feed when breastfeeding?

Nurse for about 15-20 minutes on the first side and then switch sides. Expect baby to nurse for about 45 minutes per feeding, but do not limit your baby’s time at the breast.

How long should you breastfeed a baby on each breast?

How Long Does Nursing Take? 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.