My son breastfeeds only ten minutes most of the time. Gaining weight . Is this normal or safe for him?

Question

My question is about breastfeeding. My son is gaining weight well, but I'm still worried about him because most of his feedings are only ten minutes at a time. Sometimes he'll eat for five minutes. I just don't want him to be hungry. Thanks to all those who helped with my other question.

Answer 1

The main things are
1. Is he making frequents stools and urinating frequently? (If it is coming out, then it must be going in.)

2. Is he okay on the growth curve charts (you can get them from your ped dr or on line for free.)

3 Consider if he is feeding more frequently than babies who nurse longer?

Personal experience was different with each child, if that helps you feel better.

My second child would nurse about twenty minutes, total, (about ten on each side) and go three hours between feedings.

My first child only nursed about seven to ten minutes max on just one side, but would only go for about an hour and fifteen minnutes at the most between feedings (wore me ragged!) As she matured a bit more, then she started feeding a bit more efficiently and was able to go a little longer between feedings. She never would nurse both sides in one feeding, but I was reassured by the nursing consultant that she was still getting the richer, fatty milk, by staying on one side for each feeding. (the hind milk, which comes later in the feeding)

The third one never went more than a couple of hours between feedings, but nursed pretty heavily on both sides for a bout twenty minutes or twenty five. But she wasn't the heaviest of my girls. Go figure.

If you feel like you have a lot of questions about nursing, there are usually one or two nursing consultants who work at the local health department. While they mostly help advise women who are nursing and on WIC, they are there for everyone. You may need to call ahead to make an appointment. They can also help you with low cost or free pumps, if you decide to express. Their main concern is to help you have a healthy baby.

You sound though as if you are just going through the "first time mom worries." It's good that you care. And it DOES get EASIER!! Hugs

Answer 2

There are lots of factors to breastfeeding. how fast you let down, how well he is latched on, how vigorous he works, how relaxed you are, how often you nurse him. There is no way a book, or hearsay can know how you and your son work to tell you how long he needs to nurse.

If his eyes look wet and he is gaining weight he is probably fine.

My son would only nurse for 8 minutes, and only on one side at a time. I was very worried about this. Then I went back to work and pumped breast milk for him while I was there. I had a good pump double pump, and found that I could fill 4 ounces a breast in 10 minutes. I was just faster than what the books predicted.

If you are still worried, make an appointment with a lactation specialist. They do wonders!

Answer 3

My 5 month old daughter does the same thing. I'm lucky if I get her to feed 10 minutes. She sometimes only eats for 5-6 minutes. She is in the 96th percentile and is thriving fine. My advice to you...If your son is gaining weight, having wet and soiled diapers, then you are fine. Breastfed babies develop their own style and they all feed differently. If your pediatrician sees nothing wrong with the amount of time he nurses, then enjoy the time that you are breastfeeding because it won't last forever

Answer 4

You probably just have a fast let down and your baby may be a good sucker. My first two girls would nurse for 20-30 minutes each time. Now my third girl only nurses for 5-10 minutes. I've noticed that she sucks a lot harder then they did and that my let down is different. Like I can actually feel the tingling when the milk is coming in, and I didn't have that before. Everything sounds fine, don't worry!

Answer 5

I breastfeed both of my sons, does your baby start dozing off when your feeding, tap the bottom of his feet if he does , just to get his attention back, if he is gaining weight I wouldn't worry, it would just be alittle better for you if the sessions were longer, that way there would be more of a time span between his feedings. Always trust your instincts you know your baby better than anyone else.

Answer 6

I heard that the first few minutes of nursing are when the babies gets the bulk of their nutritional needs met and after that it's mostly comfort. As long as the baby is gaining weight and is healthy he's fine

Answer 7

If he's hungry he'll let you know without a doubt! Babies don't have the capacity to not fill their desires to eat. You'll notice when he's about to go through a growth spurt he'll eat more, then he'll go back to his normal eating. Every baby is different so if you have another baby things could be totally different. You really never know, but rest assured if he needs something he won't hesitate to let you know. :)

Answer 8

Yes it is normal. All babies are different. If he is satisfied after the feeding, steadily gaining weight, & wetting his diapers often he is fine. The lactation consultants only tell you knowledge based on the research. Most mothers have to learn to go with their instincts. You will soon learn that doctors have many different diagnosis for things. Go with your gut.

Answer 9

Since he is gaining weight, you can assume that he is getting all of the nutrition he needs. The old addage of "they'll eat when they are hungry" rings true here. He is not hungry becuase your breastmilk is taking care of all of his needs. As he grows, he will eat more. Try not to worry so much. Enjoy your new addition.

Answer 10

If he is gainng weight and not fussy, he is getting enough. One way to tell is to weigh him before and after a feeding (on a digital scale) to see how much he is getting. You may just be lucky in that your milk comes down really easily and fast. He will let you know if he is hungry!