More simple breastfeeding question

Sorry for posting a second question on the same topic, but I figure more of you would see it if I posted as a new question... Anyways, how long is a good amount to nurse for? I can't tell how much he's getting. When I pump I know that he eats about 3 - 3.5 ounces each feeding, but I can't tell ounces to minutes.. I know it's different for everyone probably, but how is about 15 minutes? At the hospital they kept telling me 10-15 minutes on each breast... Well he has only taken one, for about 15 minutes [which is a huge improvement].. so when should I feed him next, how long, and should I wake him up or what? Any good estimates or anything, advice?

[becca_3456]

Well DD would only nurse for 5-7 minutes on one side at each feeding. I would try everything to get her to eat longer and both breast but it never happened. If he is eating for 15 minutes on one side I would feed him in 2 hours from last feeding.  The next feeding should be from the breast he did not nurse on before and keep switching sides at each additional feeding. 15 minutes is a good amount of time if you can hear him swallowing milk. I would wake him up because some babies could sleep through feedings(DD did) and it could hurt your milk supply. You could also try pumping the breast he did not feed off of so you can build up a stash. Pumping would all so make sure your breast are getting empty and will produce enough milk for your baby. Trust me I know it is hard and frustrating sometimes and you feel like pulling your hair out but just remember that you are doing it for your baby. If you have anymore question please feel free to ask.

[AndiJ78]

Mine would nurse for extended periods (at least 30-45 minutes) per feeding in the beginning and eat every hour or so during the day and go a little longer at night. But I only had the one breast to nurse from, so I just let them nurse until they were finished. They would sleep for a little while and then wake to nurse again.

As your baby grows they will become more adept at drawing milk out faster, but during the first month or more it can and often still takes at least 15 minutes to drain the hindmilk while nursing. They need that before switching to the other breast.

[MsTickles]

Yeah, my daughter spent half of each day nursing, I swear... Some babies need more time and some need less... I would switch from each boob every 5-10 mins, so if the baby nurses for 30-45 mins, each boob has a chance to make more milk. Just listen to your baby.

[KStarr07]

What about the hindmilk? My theory and what I was being told was basically to try to keep it kind of equal...? Like each breast getting the same amount taken, when he stops, start on the other.. They rarely ever feel like they totally emptied. I don't know, this stuff is so confusing... lol And everyone does it different ways, it's hard to tell what's "right" or "best".

[mum2beagain]

At first with my second child (who was exclusivley nursed) I did 10 minutes per side as I was told at the hospital, but by 2 weeks old he hadn't even got back to his birth weight as he was only getting fore milk. My lactation consultant told me to feed him on one side for as long as he would and only if the breast felt empty (and so had drained the hind milk) and then if he was still hungry to offer him the other side. I started doing this and he begain gaining weight within a day or two.

[mum2beagain]

BTW, he only ever nursed for about 20 mins but he fed every 2 or 3 hours for the first month at least. I felt like quitting many times but suddenly at about 6 weeks old everything got much easier, he went 4 hours between feedings, I got more sleep and suddenly nursing seened like the best thing in the world!

[Trialanderror]

I was told the same theory as you and it made a lot of sense. Keep baby on one breast until he stops and then switch so that he has a chance to get to the hindmilk. In my son`s case, for about the first 6 weeks, it took him 45 minutes on one breast and then he was wiped out. So I only switched sides at the next feeding. He fed every two hours back then, meaning from start of one feeding to start of next feeding which leaves your body roughly an hour in between to wind up the milk production. In the beginning it is in overdrive, so the feeling of a truly emptied breast is rare. It is confusing, I know... As Andi said, much later baby becomes so efficient that a feeding including hindmilk can take 15 minutes or less. But since newborns are not as effective, I would really give him as much time as he needs per breast before switching. Once they do get the hindmilk, they tend to get a little drowsy. When that happens, I would try to switch and at least offer the other breast. By month two or three you will be a team and nothing will be confusing anymore. Take care!

[AndiJ78]

By about 7 or 8 mos, my boys could drain the breast in 5-7 minutes. It is crazy how efficient they become!

[KStarr07]

okay. Would it be okay to pump the other breast after he's emptied the first, if he won't take the second? Or would that effect my supplly and make my breasts engorged quicker... or what? I don't know.. I thought I understood this stuff going into this but I guess not. LOL

[AndiJ78]

My theory is if you have an opportunity to pump...GRAB IT!

[KStarr07]

Trying to get enough for a few half and half breast milk/formula [even though I detest formula lol] bottles for my mom to take Riley for the night so I can get ONE good nights sleep. Hopefully to feel better tomorrow. Will I even be able to sleep with my breasts ending up getting full through the night and will that hurt my milk supply, not using them all night? lol, I'm paranoid, I know..

[AndiJ78]

Actually, that is a valid concern especially with such a young baby. Ideally you should actually pump at least twice. My supply was very finicky even missing one feeding would take a day or two to make up for.

[KStarr07]

I've never missed a feeding so far. Except at the very beginning he wouldn't actually eat for over 12 hours. idk how long, I was out of it, I was very concerned for my supply and for him, not eating.. But we bounced back from that just fine. And so far I seem to have plenty enough, but then again i've been pretty consistent. If I wake up through the night with them swollen or to use the bathroom or whatever.. I'll keep a mind to pump then, thanks.

[AndiJ78]

During the first 24 hours, it doesn't really matter as your milk hasn't come in.

Just be mindful of it.