
Breastfeeding a newborn is a highly individual process, and the duration of nursing depends on several factors. Newborns typically nurse for 10 to 15 minutes on each breast, but some may breastfeed for much longer, even up to an hour. The frequency of newborn breastfeeding is usually every one to three hours, and they may feed 8 to 12 times in 24 hours. It's important to watch for hunger cues and feed on demand, ensuring the baby gets enough milk and doesn't go more than four hours without feeding. Breastfeeding provides ideal nutrition and facilitates bonding between the parent and newborn, with benefits for both. Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for around the first six months, and the World Health Organization suggests breastfeeding up to two years or more.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
How long each feed should last | 10-20 minutes per breast, but can be anywhere from 5-45 minutes |
How often to feed | Every 2-3 hours, or 8-12 times in 24 hours |
How long to breastfeed for | The World Health Organization recommends breastfeeding up to 2 years or more; the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding for at least the first six months, then continuing for at least one year |
How to know if your baby is full | Your baby will come off the breast when they are finished; other signs include having at least six wet diapers a day after the fifth day of life, gaining weight, and appearing satisfied and sleeping well between feeds |
What You'll Learn
Newborns should feed 8-12 times a day for the first month
Newborns have tiny stomachs, so they need to feed frequently. In their first month, newborns should be fed 8-12 times a day, or even more. This is because breast milk is easily digested, so newborns get hungry often. Feeding this frequently also stimulates milk production in the first few weeks.
In the first few weeks, breastfeeding should be "on demand", meaning that it is done whenever the baby is hungry. This is usually every 1-3 hours, and newborns should not go more than 4 hours without feeding, even overnight. As newborns get older, they will nurse less often and may have a more predictable schedule.
Newborns may nurse for up to 20 minutes or longer on one or both breasts. As babies get older and more skilled at breastfeeding, they may take about 5-10 minutes on each side. However, the length of time depends on various factors, such as the mother's milk flow and the baby's alertness and health.
Breastfeeding is recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) for up to 2 years or more. It has many benefits for both mother and baby, including protection from certain diseases.
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Breastfeed for 10-20 minutes, but it can be up to 45 minutes
Breastfeeding a newborn can be a beautiful experience, but it isn't always easy. It is natural to feel a range of emotions, from joy and elation to stress and anxiety. The first two weeks of a baby's life are the most challenging and important for establishing milk supply, especially for first-time mothers.
Breastfeeding sessions for newborns can last anywhere from 10 to 20 minutes, but it is not uncommon for them to feed for up to 45 minutes. This duration depends on various factors, including the baby's age, alertness, milk flow, health, latch, and milk supply. Newborns need time to practice and learn, and frequent nursing encourages a good milk supply while reducing engorgement.
To ensure your newborn is getting enough milk, look for the following signs:
- Weight gain: Consult a doctor or lactation consultant if your baby is not gaining weight as expected.
- Dirty diapers: In the early days, expect one dirty diaper per day of life, gradually increasing to 3-4+ stools daily that are quarter-sized or larger.
- Wet diapers: In the early days, expect one wet diaper per day of life, increasing to 5-6+ wet diapers every 24 hours once your milk comes in.
Remember, frequent nursing is essential in the early weeks to establish a good milk supply. Aim for nursing sessions every 2 to 3 hours, and don't be concerned if your baby feeds for longer during the initial stages and growth spurts. Allow your baby to determine the end of the feeding to access the higher fat, creamier milk that comes toward the end of the session.
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Feed every 1-3 hours, including through the night
Newborns should be fed at least every 2 to 3 hours, including through the night. This means that newborns feed 8 to 12 times in 24 hours, at least during the early weeks. This is because newborns have smaller stomachs and are growing rapidly, so they need to be fed more frequently. In the first week, a newborn may want to feed very often, perhaps every hour, and this is completely normal. As the baby gets older, they will tend to feed less frequently.
Responsive feeding, also known as on-demand or baby-led feeding, is when you feed your baby as often as they want and for as long as they want. Responsive feeding is recommended, especially in the early days, to help build up your milk supply. The more you breastfeed, the more your baby's sucking will stimulate your milk supply. This is because the sucking causes muscles in your breasts to squeeze milk towards your nipples, which is called the let-down reflex. Responsive feeding also helps to ensure that your baby is getting enough milk.
There are several signs that your baby is hungry and that it is time for a feed. These include sucking their fist or fingers, making murmuring sounds, and turning their head and opening their mouth (rooting). It is best to feed your baby when they show these early feeding cues, as a crying baby can be difficult to feed. If your baby is sleeping in your room at night, you will naturally wake up to feed them when they start showing these early feeding cues. However, if your baby is a bit sleepy in the early weeks after birth, perhaps due to jaundice or the effects of pain medication from the birth, you might need to wake them for feeds until they start waking up by themselves more often.
A newborn feeding session can last anywhere from 5 to 45 minutes, with an average feeding lasting 10 to 20 minutes. Newborns can cluster feed for 25-45 minutes, which is normal and expected. During cluster feeding, your baby feeds more often within a shorter period of time, such as having 3 or more feeds within a few hours. The duration of a feeding session will depend on various factors, including the age of the baby, the flow of milk, and the baby's sucking strength. Older babies can typically get enough breast milk in a shorter period.
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Aim for at least six wet diapers a day after the fifth day
This is one of the key indicators that your newborn is getting enough milk. Other signs include your baby gaining weight, your breasts feeling softer after feeding, and your child appearing satisfied and sleeping well between feeds.
Diaper Changes
It's important to change diapers regularly to prevent diaper rash, skin irritation, and bladder infections. For newborns, this means changing diapers every two to three hours or as needed. This can be adjusted at night if the diaper is not soiled, as long as your baby remains comfortable.
Feeding Frequency
Newborns should be fed on demand, and at least every two to three hours. In the early weeks, this can mean feeding eight to 12 times in 24 hours. This will gradually decrease over time as your baby gets older.
Feeding Duration
The duration of feeds will vary depending on factors such as your baby's age, alertness, flow of breast milk, health, latch, and milk supply. Newborns may feed for anywhere from 5 to 45 minutes at each session.
Growth Spurts
During growth spurts, your baby will feed more often and for longer durations. Growth spurts commonly occur around 2 to 3 weeks, 6 weeks, and 3 months of age.
Weighing Your Baby
If you're concerned about whether your baby is getting enough milk, you can weigh them before and after feeds. This is the only way to truly know how much milk your baby is consuming.
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Feed on demand, not to a schedule, in the first few weeks
In the first few weeks, it is important to feed your newborn on demand, rather than following a schedule. This is because newborns are still learning how to breastfeed and building up their strength. They may need to feed more frequently and for longer than older babies.
Newborns should be put to the breast at least every 2 to 3 hours and should nurse for 10 to 15 minutes on each side. However, this duration is not set in stone, and it is more important to ensure that your baby is feeding frequently enough and gaining weight. Other signs that your newborn is getting enough milk include having at least six wet diapers a day after the fifth day of life, and appearing satisfied and sleeping well between feeds.
In the first few days, your baby is getting used to breastfeeding and your breasts are building up milk supply. Your baby may want to feed very often, perhaps every hour or even less. They will begin to have fewer but longer feeds once your breasts start to produce more mature milk after a few days.
Responsive feeding, or feeding on demand, is recommended in the early weeks. This means feeding your baby whenever they are hungry, when your breasts feel full, or if you want to have a cuddle. It is not possible to overfeed a breastfed baby, and feeding on demand will help to build up your milk supply.
While the average feeding session might last 10 to 20 minutes, a baby can breastfeed anywhere from 5 to 45 minutes at each session. Newborns can cluster feed for 25-45 minutes, which is normal and expected.
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Frequently asked questions
Newborns may nurse for up to 20 minutes or longer on one or both breasts. As babies get older and more skilled at breastfeeding, they may take about 5–10 minutes on each side. However, nursing time depends on several factors, including the flow of milk and the baby's age, alertness, and health.
Newborns should nurse 8–12 times per day for about the first month. As newborns get older, they may nurse 7–9 times a day. Newborns should not go more than about 4 hours without feeding, even overnight.
In the early days, babies typically have one wet diaper for each day of life. Once the mother's milk comes in, expect 5–6+ wet diapers every 24 hours. After three or four days, newborns should have at least six wet diapers a day.