how do i know when he's done?

How do I know when he is done feeding off of one breast? How do I know he has emptied it? I think if I let him he would nurse for over an hour so after 45 minutes I usually pull him off. I also never get a "let down" feeling. I am just new at this and am getting overwhelmed! ANY advice or help would be appreciated!

[babydreams9]

Most babies "pop off" once they're done but my son is like yours - he would go for hours if I let him! lol... when his sucking becomes less enthusiastic or he starts dozing, I gently pull away a bit. If he comes right off, I know he's had enough. I offer the other breast and he sometimes wants it, and other times not. Let him decide - he knows how much he needs. Many women provide enough milk so that their babies don't need both breasts in a feeding. Breasts are never fully "empty", but you will feel a little floppier (LOL) after he's eaten for a long time. Not all women feel their milk let down. I didn't feel mine until weeks into breastfeeding... now (12 weeks into breastfeeding) I feel multiple let downs throughout a feeding and between feedings. Remember - never feed by the clock. Some babies, especially new ones, like to "graze"..... many times they want to nurse for comfort. Feed on demand and he will let you know when he's hungry. Hang in there, you're doing great!! It'll become like second nature sooner than you know it. :)

[AndiJ78]

Usually the norm is to allow the baby to nurse for 15-20 minutes on the first and then as long as content on the second.

I never had the benefit of both breasts, so they would marathon on the one breast for close to an hour.

[mature momma]

Hi,
My baby was due 12/24 but was born early on 10/31. We started breastfeeding in the NICU and he is doing really well. My question is that feeding him every 3 hours if he starts on 1 side at 9:00 and drops off, then wakes again at 10:00 acting hunger , do you offer him the other? and if you do that can you be overfeeding him? Then do you feed him 3 hours from the 9:00 session or the 10:00? My son also will go forever, sometimes 45mins or more.
Breastfeeding can be so confusing! HELP!!!!!!
D:-)

[babydreams9]

Mature mama -

It IS confusing,so don't feel bad! Try to keep your little guy awake for his evening/bedtime feeding.... try tickling his feet, switching positions (ie from cradle to football), burping him every couple minutes. I know it's hard, because my son almost *always* falls asleep nursing. But stick with it. If he falls asleep after only a few minutes and you're unable to wake him up, feed him on the same side when he wakes an hour later. This will ensure he is getting enough hindmilk, the fatty and filling milk that lets down a few minutes into feeding. Feed him again 2-3 hours from the last time he ate (so, 10:00) or sooner if he wants/needs it. Go by the baby, not the clock. This will not only ensure a happy, satisfied baby but also a good breastfeeding relationship (and your supply amount will be just right for him.) You cannot overfeed a breastfed baby. They know how much they need. Let him nurse for as long as he wants.... my son often goes for 45 minutes and sometimes even an hour (usually 20 minutes on one side, and 40 on another) because he is a slooow eater and just loves the whole nursing thing, it makes him feel secure. When he goes through growth spurts you'll be amazed (and exhausted) at how much he eats - my son eats ever hour when he has growth spurts, which now at 3 months old seem to be every other week!

[LACh1]

my little one only has one side, and usually for about 15 - 20 min.  I haven't offered the other side as he comes off himself and usually goes straight to sleep for another 3 - 4 hours so i figue he is getting enough.  He also only has about 10 min when i give him a dream feed at 9:30 at night but this feed he feeds really well and ***** consistently and doesn't stop and start like normal so i figure he is still getting enough as he doesn't wake again until 1:30am (he is 7 weeks).  I was also told that if they wake within the hour for another feed and the first one wasn't very long because they fell asleep to feed again on the same breast so make sure they get the hind milk but if they wake after an hour to swap breast as t he milk replenishes itself in about 1.5 hours.