You may have told to make sure newborns feed at least 10-15 minutes on each side and take both sides at each feeding. Or you may have been warned not to let your baby stay on the breast for too long. And the abundance of feed tracker applications may lead you to think there’s an exact science to a feeding schedule.
But unfortunately clocks, apps or schedule charts can’t really help you figure out when and how long to feed. One baby might spend an hour at the breast, another might be ok after 15 minutes on each side, while another may only feed 5 minutes.
There are many different factors involved in the length of time a baby spends at breast.
- Milk flow
- Sucking efficiency
- Time of the day
- Age
It’s best to let your baby feed as long as he wants. Some babies nurse quickly and efficiently, while others may enjoy a leisurely feeding. Every baby is different and every baby changes as they grow. Some may need just one breast or cluster feed going back and forth between two breasts.
Either way, if you have established a strong latch and consistent weight gain you can let your baby take the lead!
