Newborn Feeding: Is A Two-Hour Session Normal?

is it common for newborns to feed for 2 hours

Newborns have very different feeding patterns from older babies and children, and it is important to understand what is normal and healthy for this early stage of development. Newborns should be fed on demand, which is generally every 1-3 hours, and they should receive all their calories from breast milk or baby formula. This means that most newborns eat every 2-3 hours, although some may feed more or less frequently.

Characteristics Values
How often newborns should feed 8-12 times per day for the first month
7-9 times a day for babies 1-2 months old
Every 1.5-3 hours for the first few weeks
Every 90 minutes for some babies
Every 2-3 hours for some babies
Not more than 4 hours without feeding
How long each feed should be 5-10 minutes on each breast for older babies
Up to 20 minutes or longer on one or both breasts for newborns
When to switch breasts After the baby finishes on one side

shunchild

Newborns should feed at least 8-12 times a day

Newborns have tiny stomachs, so they need to feed frequently—about 8 to 12 times a day—during the first few weeks of their lives. This is because breast milk is easily digestible, and newborns are hungry often. Feeding this frequently also helps to stimulate milk production during the first few weeks.

Responsive feeding is important for newborns. It is recommended that parents watch for their baby's hunger cues and feed them when they seem hungry. This is about every 1.5 to 3 hours, although some newborns may feed every 90 minutes, while others may go for up to 3 hours between feedings. Newborns should not go more than about 4 hours without feeding, even overnight.

Newborns may feed for up to 20 minutes or longer on one or both breasts. As they get older and more skilled at breastfeeding, they may take about 5 to 10 minutes on each side.

By the time a baby is 1 to 2 months old, they will likely nurse 7 to 9 times a day.

shunchild

Breast milk is easily digested

It is common for newborns to feed for two hours, and even more frequently, as breast milk is easily digested. Newborns should breastfeed 8–12 times per day for about the first month. After the first month, this will reduce to 7–9 times a day. In the first few weeks of life, breastfeeding should be "on demand", which is about every 1.5 to 3 hours. However, newborns should not go more than about four hours without feeding, even overnight.

Breast milk is easier to digest than formula, which means less vomiting and diarrhea for the baby. As a result, breastfed infants have less difficulty with digestion than formula-fed infants. Breast milk also changes as the baby grows, adjusting to their nutritional needs.

Breast milk is also beneficial for the mother. Breastfeeding helps the mother's body recover from pregnancy and labour. It burns about 500 calories a day, helping the mother to lose weight gained during pregnancy more easily. It also lowers the risk of ovarian cancer and some forms of breast cancer.

shunchild

Breastfeeding should be on demand

Responsive feeding is also known as on-demand or baby-led feeding. It is a natural way to feed your baby and ensures they are getting enough milk. Responsive feeding is also beneficial for the mother, as it helps to build and maintain milk supply.

In the first few days, a baby may want to feed very often, perhaps every hour. They will begin to have fewer but longer feeds once the mother's breasts start to produce more "mature" milk after a few days. The more the baby breastfeeds, the more the baby's sucking will stimulate the mother's milk supply.

Breastfeeding should be done whenever the baby is hungry, when the mother's breasts feel full, or if the mother or baby just wants a cuddle. It is not possible to overfeed a breastfed baby.

shunchild

Newborns should not go more than 4-5 hours without feeding

Newborns have tiny stomachs, so they need to feed little and often. In the first few weeks of life, newborns should feed on demand, which is about every 1.5 to 3 hours. This means that newborns should not go more than 4-5 hours without feeding, even overnight.

Newborns have different feeding patterns, and this is completely normal. Some newborns might feed every 90 minutes, while others might go 2-3 hours between feedings. In the first week, your baby may want to feed very often—perhaps every hour in the first few days. As newborns get older, they will nurse less often and have longer stretches between feedings.

Breast milk is easily digestible, so newborns are hungry often. Frequent feedings help stimulate milk production during the first few weeks. 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.

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. This is recommended, especially in the first few weeks of life, to ensure your baby is getting enough to eat and to help build up your milk supply.

It is important to remember that every baby is different, and there is no "one-size-fits-all" approach to feeding. It is always best to consult with a healthcare professional if you have any concerns about your baby's feeding habits.

shunchild

Responsive feeding is important

Responsive feeding is also important because it can be a comforting experience for both mother and baby. Skin-to-skin contact is a great time to have your first breastfeed and can help to keep your baby warm and calm and steady their breathing. Responsive feeding can also help enhance the emotional connection between mother and baby, and provide complete nourishment to help new moms feel confident in their ability to care for their newborn.

Frequently asked questions

Newborn babies should breastfeed 8–12 times per day for about the first month. This is generally every 1-3 hours as newborns are hungry often due to breast milk being easily digestible.

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.

You should count the length of time between feedings from the time your baby begins to nurse to when they start nursing again. For example, if the first feeding started at 6 am, and the next feeding was around 8 am, and so on.

Babies are getting enough to eat if they have about 6–8 wet diapers a day, have regular bowel movements, and are alert when awake.

It is normal for newborns to feed for up to 2 hours at a time. In the first week, your baby may want to feed very often, perhaps every hour or two in the first few days.

Written by
Reviewed by
Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment