How long should a breastfeed take?

Have you found yourself wondering “how long should a breastfeed take?”, in the early days after bringing your beautiful baby home from the hospital? This is a super common question from breastfeeding mums. Don’t worry! Today, we’re unravelling the mystery of normal breastfeed duration and discovering why it’s perfectly okay to trust your baby’s unique feeding rhythm. In this post, we’ll dive into what’s a “normal” length of a breastfeed, exploring factors like your baby’s age, your milk supply, and their individual needs.

Going with the Flow of Breastfeeding

Every baby is a little bundle of uniqueness! So, there’s no “one-size-fits-all” answer to how long a breastfeed should take. Babies have their own pace and style when it comes to breastfeeding, just like adults do when it comes to eating. Some are quick and efficient, while others take their time having a leisurely meal, enjoying every cuddle and moment at the breast. Be wary of any person or book telling you to feed for a certain length of time, because they’re not taking your baby’s individual needs into account.

The length of a breastfeed depends on a bunch of factors, like:

Age of your baby

When your little one is brand new to the world, they’re often a bit sleepy. Breastfeeds might take a while at this age, but as they grow, their feeding patterns will probably change. Those long and leisurely feeds will get quicker and more efficient as your baby gets bigger and stronger.

Your Breast Capacity, Milk Supply and Flow

Here’s a fun fact—your milk supply and flow can impact how fast your baby gets their fill. If you’ve got a big supply and your baby latches like a pro, they might chug the milk down in no time. But if your milk flow is a bit slower, it could take a bit longer for them to feel full and satisfied. The length of a breastfeed also depends on your breast capacity – how much milk your breasts hold. This is different for each mum. Some hold a lot of milk which means baby only needs one breast at a time. Other mums have a smaller breast capacity meaning baby needs both breasts at each feed, and baby might want to feed more frequently.

Hunger and Comfort Needs

Breastfeeding isn’t just about the milk. It’s also about the cozy snuggles, comfort and connection your baby feels at the breast. So sometimes, they might want to linger and enjoy that special time, even after they’re done feeding. Some babies will come off the breast by themselves when they’re done, and others are happy to hang out there as long as you let them. There’s absolutely no problem with your baby feeding for comfort after they’ve finished taking milk from the breast, but it’s ok to take them off if you need to eat or go to the toilet! The main thing to watch for is that they have finished swallowing. If your baby is still gulping or making a “kah” noise while they’re at the breast, they’re not finished yet. Taking them off the breast too soon can stop them from getting enough milk and can decrease your supply.

Trust Your Mummy Instincts

You’re the best mum for your baby, and you’ve got that special connection! So, go with your gut and read your baby’s cues. Signs that they’re getting enough milk include hearing those swallowing sounds during feeds, having a content and happy baby after nursing (remember, all babies will have some unsettled periods in the day!), steady weight gain, and plenty of wet nappies and dirty nappies. There’s more detailed information on the signs baby is getting enough HERE.

When to Be Concerned

There are some red flags to watch out for. If you notice any of the following signs, it’s important to get in touch with an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) to check that breastfeeding is going ok:

• Breastfeeds are consistently 45 minutes or longer, especially after the first week or 2. This can be normal, but it can also be a sign that bub is having a hard time getting milk out, so it’s a good idea to check in with an IBCLC just to make sure things are going ok.
• Baby falls asleep as soon as they’re on the breast.
• Your baby isn’t making swallowing sounds at the breast (gulping or “kah” sound).

If your baby is doing any of these things and you want to get some help, you can book a home visit or online video call with me here. 

Patience is Key

Let your little one set the pace during feeds. Enjoy that cuddle time together. If you find yourself comparing your baby’s breastfeeding patterns to other babies, remember that your baby is a little individual with their own unique needs, and breastfeeding patterns depend on lots of different factors. Following your own baby’s cues is the best way to make sure they get the milk they need.

We’ve explored the mysterious world of breastfeeding duration. There’s no fixed answer for how long a breastfeed should take, because it depends on different factors like your baby’s age, individual needs, and your milk supply. Trust your instincts and follow your little one’s cues. Remember, breastfeeding is about more than just feeding—it’s also about connection and comfort between you and your baby. Embrace each cuddle and cherish this special journey. Whether it’s a short, snuggly session or a longer, leisurely one, you’re doing an amazing job, mumma.

Come on over to Instagram and tell me in the DM’s how old your baby is and how long a breastfeed takes. Let’s truly see how much this varies between babies.