Do you find yourself constantly checking the clock during nursing sessions? You might have asked friends with breastfeeding experience “How long does your baby nurse for on each breast,” only to receive varying answers.. Some say their baby stayed at the breast for an hour, others for just 15 minutes on each side, and some report sessions lasting only 5 minutes. With such a range, it’s understandable to wonder what the “right” amount of time is. The truth is, there is no one-size-fits-all answer; the duration of breastfeeding sessions can vary widely depending on several factors.
How Long Should a Newborn Nurse for on Each Breast?
Each baby is different and the timing can vary, but on average, a newborn should nurse for 5-25 minutes on each breast every 2-3 hours, or “on demand.” Your baby may only want to nurse on one breast at some feedings and that is OK! Just make sure you’re offering both breasts at each nursing session and let your baby decide. You may be wondering, why the variation in feeding time? The timing is influenced by multiple factors:
- Milk Flow: The force and speed of milk letdown vary among mothers. Some experience a quick, strong letdown, resulting in shorter nursing sessions, while others may have a slower letdown, causing longer feedings.
- Sucking Efficiency: Each baby’s ability to extract milk can differ. Some babies are very efficient at breastfeeding and may spend less time at the breast, while others may take longer due to less effective sucking.
- Breast Milk Capacity: The volume of milk each breast can hold, known as breast milk capacity, varies among women. This can impact how long a baby needs to nurse to feel full, as well as how often they need to feed.
- Breast Variation: Many mothers have one breast that produces more milk than the other. If you consistently start feeding on the more productive side, your baby might spend more time on that breast. Alternating sides and offering both breasts during each session can help maintain milk supply on both sides and ensure a balanced feeding.
- Time of Day: Hormonal fluctuations throughout the day can affect milk volume. You might find that your baby nurses longer at times when milk supply is lower and shorter when supply is higher.
- Feeding Frequency: How often your baby feeds can also impact the duration of each session. Frequent feedings might be shorter, while less frequent feedings could be longer as your baby takes in more milk at each session.
- Age and Growth: As your baby grows, their nursing efficiency usually improves. Older infants often nurse more quickly and may spend less time at the breast compared to newborns.
Tips for Successful Nursing
Rather than focusing solely on the clock, try to follow your baby’s cues. Here are some tips to ensure successful breastfeeding:
- Monitor Hunger and Fullness Cues: Look for signs that your baby is hungry or satisfied. If your baby seems content, gaining weight, and has a good number of wet and dirty diapers, they are likely getting enough milk.
- Alternate Breasts: Start each feeding session on a different breast to help maintain milk supply and ensure your baby gets a balanced intake of milk from both sides.
- Consult a Professional: If you have concerns about your baby’s feeding patterns or if you’re experiencing difficulties, a lactation consultant or pediatrician can provide personalized guidance. If you’re local to the Scottsdale/Phoenix area, schedule a consult with us!
Conclusion On How Long a Newborn Should Nurse For
The duration of each breastfeeding session can vary widely due to factors like milk flow, sucking efficiency, and breast milk capacity, but on average your newborn should be nursing for at least 5-25 minutes on each breast at each feeding. Instead of strictly timing feedings, focus on your baby’s cues and overall satisfaction. If your baby is growing well and meeting developmental milestones, you can trust that they’re likely getting the nutrition they need.
For more information on breastfeeding and ensuring your baby is getting enough milk, check out our blog post: How Can I Tell If My Breastfed Baby is Full?
If you’re just starting out on your breastfeeding journey or need a little extra support, check out our on-demand breastfeeding class online – Mamas Milk Mastery.