Newborn Nursing: Why Do Babies Take So Long?

There are many reasons why a newborn may nurse for a long time. Firstly, newborns should be put to the breast at least every 2-3 hours and nurse for 10-20 minutes on each side. However, the timing varies depending on the baby's age and the mother's breast milk supply. Newborns also have to be fed frequently as breast milk is easily digested, so they get hungry often. Additionally, the duration of breastfeeding can depend on factors such as the mother's milk flow, the baby's sucking efficiency, and the volume of milk each breast can hold. It is important to monitor hunger and fullness cues in the baby and ensure they are getting enough milk by observing the number of wet and dirty diapers and their weight gain.

Breast milk is easily digested, so newborns are hungry often

The length of time a newborn spends nursing can vary from 5 minutes to 45 minutes at each session. This is influenced by a variety of factors, including the flow of milk, the sucking efficiency of the baby, and the capacity of the breasts. A newborn should be put to the breast at least every 2 to 3 hours and nurse for 10 to 20 minutes on each side. However, rather than focusing on the duration, it is more important to ensure the baby is feeding frequently enough and gaining weight.

Newborns should not go more than about 4 hours without feeding, even overnight. In the first few weeks of life, breastfeeding should be "on demand" when the baby is hungry, which is about every 1-1/2 to 3 hours. As newborns get older, they will nurse less often and may have a more predictable schedule.

Newborns should be put to the breast at least every 2 to 3 hours

Newborns have small stomachs, and breast milk is easy to digest, so they need to feed frequently. In the first month, newborns should be put to the breast at least every 2 to 3 hours, or even more frequently—this is known as feeding "on demand". This might mean that your newborn is eating every hour, or even every 30 minutes, which is known as cluster feeding. This is normal and expected, and it's important for stimulating your milk production during the first few weeks.

The length of time a newborn spends nursing varies. On average, a newborn should nurse for 5 to 25 minutes on each breast, but this can be as short as 5 minutes or as long as an hour. The timing depends on several factors, including the mother's milk flow, the baby's sucking efficiency, and the baby's alertness.

Rather than focusing on the clock, it's important to follow your baby's cues. Look for signs that your baby is hungry or satisfied. If your baby seems content, is gaining weight, and is producing a good number of wet and dirty diapers, they are likely getting enough milk.

The duration of breastfeeding sessions can vary widely depending on several factors

The timing of breastfeeding sessions is influenced by multiple factors, including:

• Milk flow: The force and speed of milk letdown vary among mothers. A quick, strong letdown can result in shorter nursing sessions, while a slower letdown can cause longer feedings.
• Sucking efficiency: Each baby's ability to extract milk differs. 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 varies among women, impacting how long a baby needs to nurse to feel full.
• Breast variation: Many mothers have one breast that produces more milk than the other. Alternating sides during each session can help maintain milk supply and ensure a balanced feeding.
• Time of day: Hormonal fluctuations throughout the day can affect milk volume, resulting in longer or shorter nursing sessions.
• Feeding frequency: Frequent feedings may be shorter, while less frequent feedings could be longer as the baby takes in more milk at each session.
• Age and growth: As babies grow, their nursing efficiency usually improves, and they may spend less time at the breast compared to newborns.

It is important to monitor a baby's hunger and fullness cues, such as weight gain, the number of wet and dirty diapers, and overall satisfaction. Consulting a lactation consultant or pediatrician can provide personalized guidance if there are concerns about a baby's feeding patterns or duration.

Frequent feedings stimulate milk production during the first few weeks

Newborns have small stomachs and breast milk is easy to digest, so they need to feed frequently. Frequent feeding also stimulates milk production during the first few weeks. In the first month, newborns should breastfeed eight to 12 times per day, or every one to three hours. This is often called "feeding on demand".

In the first few weeks of life, a newborn should be put to the breast at least every two to three hours and nurse for 10 to 20 minutes on each side. However, the timing depends on several factors, including the mother's milk flow and the baby's sucking efficiency. Some newborns may feed for up to an hour on each breast.

It's important to monitor hunger and fullness cues in newborns. If your baby seems content, is gaining weight, and has a good number of wet and dirty diapers, they are likely getting enough milk.

You cannot spoil a newborn

Newborns nurse frequently, and for long periods, because they have small stomachs and breast milk is easily digested. They need to be fed on demand, which is usually every 1.5 to 3 hours, or even as often as every 30 minutes. This is known as cluster feeding and is very common during growth spurts.

Now, onto the main topic: you cannot spoil a newborn. Here's why:

Newborns Need Constant Attention

Child development experts agree that it is impossible to hold or respond to a baby too much. Infants need constant attention to give them the foundation to grow emotionally, physically, and intellectually. J. Kevin Nugent, director of the Brazelton Institute at Children's Hospital in Boston and a child psychologist, says that responding to a baby's cues "isn't a matter of spoiling. It's a matter of meeting the child's needs."

Newborns Are Not Manipulative

Newborns cry because they are hungry, tired, lonely, or uncomfortable, and this is their only way of communicating that to you. They are not yet capable of manipulation. Dr. Barbara Howard, assistant professor of pediatrics at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, says, "A spoiled child is one that's manipulative, but babies don't learn until they're about 9 months that they can cry to get you to do something for them."

Responding to a Newborn's Needs Helps Them Feel Loved

Holding, loving, and responding to your baby is just what they need. Infancy is an important time for you to bond with your child and help them feel that their world is a safe place. This sense of security helps their brain grow and develop in the best possible way. There is evidence that children whose caregivers are more responsive to their needs in their first year of life go on to be more self-reliant, have higher self-esteem, are better able to manage stress, form healthier relationships, and perform better in school.

Pediatricians call responding to your newborn's hungry cries "feeding on demand." Newborns need to eat every 2 to 3 hours on demand (or 8 to 12 times per 24 hours), according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). By the time your baby is about 2 months old, they should be stretching their feedings out to every 3 to 4 hours.

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