How Long Should I Breastfeed My Baby Each Time?

May 18, 2022 Stacey Stewart

What is the average time a breastfeeding session lasts?

Each nursing session will vary in length.

The average time a baby spends at the breast during each nursing session ranges from 12-67 minutes.

(that’s a wide range of normal!)

And keep in mind, that’s on average… your baby could take more or less time.

Just think about how we eat as adults — sometimes we want a little snack and sometimes we want a huge meal.

It’s important to let your baby lead the way and allow them to feed for as long as they want.

They’ll give you subtle cues to alert you when they’re done or need to switch sides…

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How do I know when my baby is finished on the First side?

Feed on the first side until your baby DOES a couple OF THE FOLLOWING:

stops suckling
appears relaxed and calm (maybe sleepy)
has relaxed hands (not in a fist anymore)
is not restless and has decreased movements
has long pauses between suckling
unlatches themselves

When they finish the first side, offer the other breast. If they take it, great! If not, offer that breast at the next breastfeeding session. Always alternate the side you start with.

How long should I breastfeed my newborn each time?

For newborns, you want to make sure the baby is feeding at least 20-30 minutes (at least 10-15 minutes each side) to ensure they’re getting enough breast milk.

It’s completely normal (and expected) for them to eat between 8-12 times per day… sometimes even more than that! Put them on the breast every time they show a hunger cue.

Remember: You can’t overfeed a breastfed baby… but you CAN underfeed them.

Should I offer both breasts each time?

Especially in the newborn days, offering both sides is really important. It’s great for your supply and great for baby’s weight gain!

Newborns are very responsive to the flow of the milk. So as the flow slows on that first side as the feeding goes on, they might get sleepy. But if you offer the second side, they often will wake up and will drink a bit more. You can even switch again and go back to the first side!

As long as baby is growing well and making plenty of wet and dirty diapers, they can nurse from one or both. It’s great to continue offering the second side, as sometimes they will take it if they are going through a developmental leap.

Kind of like us… sometimes we just want a salad for dinner, and sometimes we want an appetizer, a dinner, and dessert! If you offer the second, then baby will let you know if he wants it or not.

PRO-TIP:

If you’d like to increase the amount of milk your baby gets at each feeding, incorporate breast massage and use this handy little tool.

What affects how long your baby will breastfeed each time?

(So.many.things!)

Their Latch. Every baby and latch is different. A baby with a good latch will have an efficient suck and remove milk more quickly than a baby with a less efficient latch. Related post: How To Fix A Shallow Latch
Your Breast Storage Capacity. The amount of breast milk moms can hold in their breast varies from woman to woman (and from breast to breast!) If you have a large storage capacity, baby will likely nurse for longer and space out their feedings longer than a woman with a smaller storage capacity. (NOTE: storage capacity has absolutely nothing to do with breast size!)
You have a distracted baby. Older babies tend to get distracted easily and will sometimes take super short breastfeeding sessions because of it.
Your letdown. Some women have a quick letdown and flow speed. Other women have letdowns that take longer to happen and their flow is slower. If you have a quick letdown the milk comes out quicker and the baby make feed more quickly.
Frequency of feedings. If your baby takes a lot of feedings throughout the day, their nursing sessions may be shorter.
Your baby’s age. As your baby grows, they may get more efficient at breastfeeding and spend less time nursing. (some older babies may only take about 5 minutes on each side!). And remember: every baby will go through different eating patterns as they grow.
Your baby’s alertness. A sleepy baby may not breastfeed as fast or efficiently as an awake, alert baby. (Newborns, especially in the 1st 2 weeks postpartum, are often very VERY sleepy). Related post: Sleepy baby? 27 Ways To Keep Them Awake
Your baby goes through a growth spurt. If your baby is going through a growth spurt, they may spend more time breastfeeding to try to get more milk.
Your baby’s health. A preemie baby, a baby who is sick, or a baby with a health issue may tire out easily while breastfeeding and stop early. At the other end of the spectrum, a baby who has an illness or injury may breastfeed for longer for extra comfort.
Your baby is cluster feeding. Cluster feeding is when babies space their feeding sessions closely together. Newborns do this often, especially in the evening hours and before bedtime.
You may have low milk supply. If your milk supply is low, baby may have to spend more time on the breast to get enough milk out.
The time of day. Women often produce more milk in the early morning hours. When you feed your baby at times when you have a greater volume of breast milk, it may impact of how long a breastfeeding session lasts.

NOTE: Always call your healthcare provider if you're worried your baby's feedings seem too short or too long or if you worry they’re not getting enough breast milk.

What If My Baby Only Wants One Side While Breastfeeding?

Think of breastfeeding as DINNER + DESSERT!

Dinner is the first side. Let them work to empty that breast. It’s a full meal! Let them eat and don’t stop them for dinner! Let them tell you when they’re done and full.

The 2nd side is like dessert! Offer this side even if baby seems done. Let them lead the way. They may want it, they may not. Depends on how full they are from dinner and if they’re in the mood for some dessert. 🍦

Some sessions they may be ALL about dessert, and some sessions they may not want it - and that’s okay!

NOTE: If baby only nurses for a short period on the 2nd side (or not at all) — offer that side first next time.

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