How long does a feed take?

Cyrbia

DS used to take FOREVER to eat. Like a good 20 minutes or more on each side until he was about 4 months old. He slowly got faster after that but once he was down to about 5 mintues per side he pretty much self weaned.

So here's my question. DD only takes 3 to 7 minutes per side. And during that time she'll frequently unlatch and relatch on her own. It's frustrating, but I've just kind of decided that that's the way she eats. I'm not physically capable of forcing her to stay latched (to make a long story short). She's thriving. She's in to size three diapers and growing out of her 3 month clothes, but she only eats about 10 minutes total 5 times a day and then I dream feed her a bottle of expressed milk. Some times that bottle of 4 oz will be done in a few minutes and other times she'll only take an oz or two.

Thoughts? Is this normal? Should I be worried? We don't have another Dr. appointment until Feb 2.

Happy 2010 everyone!

MrsCarroll.6-10-07

I think if she's thriving and having enough wet and poo diapers than you're ok. Some LOs are just better at BFing and they're more efficient. If she's sleeping and not acting hungry...you're ldoing great. You are lucky she eats so fast !!

ghdst1

My LO also can eat and be done within 15 minutes total when he is at his most efficient.  I sometimes wonder how it is possible that he gets all he needs in that time but he is gaining a lot, in 6-9 month clothes, and our Dr is pleased with his weight gain so far. 

mrs_sherod

LO takes 45 minutes to an hour to eat.  He only feeds from one breast because he falls asleep and if I try to get him to latch on the other breast...he presses his lips together.

I think you're fine.  Does your pedi have a hotline where you could call and ask?

Soon2BMrsN

Until about 3 months of age, DS took 45-60 minutes to eat.  He's slowly gotten faster and faster and most of his feeds are less than 10 minutes long now.  As long as your LO is gaining weight and having lots of wet & dirty diapers, I wouldn't worry about the length of feedings.